The founder does marketing in the evenings.
And knows it is not sustainable. But a junior marketer cannot carry it.
Fractional CMO for
startups
For startups where the founder does marketing in the evenings with a junior and the investor is pushing for growth. No full-time CMO commitment.
We have worked with
The pain
The investor is pushing for growth. The founder does marketing in the evenings.
After a seed round comes the moment when a junior/mid marketer, hard-working but not strong enough strategically, is not enough for your growth. But hiring a full-time CMO is still unrealistic. Meanwhile the runway burns and the investor waits impatiently for results.
You do not know which channel to pour money into.
The investor expects growth. You test LinkedIn, SEO, ABM, ads - and nothing really takes off.
Product-led growth has stalled.
The first customers came from social media. Now you need another channel and do not have one.
Hiring a full-time CMO is out of budget.
But you need someone who can build it from the ground up.
The solution
A marketing director who gets you to the stage where you want to be.
A Fractional CMO for startups means a senior partner who builds your marketing the way a startup needs it: experiments, data, fast iterations. No corporate "yearly plan". No process for the sake of process. You have to try and test.
GTM strategy for your stage
We define ICP, messaging, channels and the first experiments. A concrete plan for 30-90 days.
A scalable channel
We find channels that work and scale them. We do not run 10 half-baked ones.
Hand-off to a full-time team
Once you can afford a full-time CMO, we hand over the work and set up onboarding.
If you are pre-revenue with no proven product - you do not need a CMO. You need advice on sales.
How it works
What the first engagement looks like
Phase 0
We go for lunch (or online)
We talk through where you are, where you want to go and whether fractional CMO makes sense for you. If not, we tell you.
Phase 1
Workshop at your place
4 hours at the company. We define where it grinds, what the priority is, and build a plan for 3-6 months.
Phase 2
Implementation
If we shake on it, we go into action. Regular meetings, aligned expectations, clear reporting.
Phase 3
Reporting
We hide nothing. Clear reporting on the goals we agreed on - as automated as possible, as clear as possible. Every week you see concrete steps.
Phase 4
Partnership
After the project ends we can extend the engagement either in a similar spirit, or within the Partnership program, which is long-term strategic advisory.
After Implementation the engagement typically continues as Partnership for CEOs and founders. Meanwhile we develop the people on your team through 1:1 mentoring.
References
What clients say
"We have been working with Honza and Richard for several months now. Marketing and sales finally understand each other, something we could not pull off for years. I recommend them both without hesitation."
"Thanks to Richard we built an entire sales team from scratch, and he helped us scale the company abroad with the right go-to-market strategy. I really value that."
"We were looking for someone to help us get our marketing in order. With Honza it works mainly because he keeps the team on track, so I can finally focus on developing our platform."
Savings calculator
What a full-time CMO costs versus Fractional CMO
Calculate the real cost including levies, bonuses and benefits. Fractional model from 38 000 CZK per month.
Fractional CMOMarketing director
Senior CMO in Czechia - median from salary surveys (Salary Expert, platy.cz).
Annual saving
2 245 440 Kč
−83 %vs. full-time CMO
Monthly saving187 120 Kč
- Gross salary140 000 Kč
- Employer contributions (33.8 %)+47 320 Kč
- Bonuses / 13th salary (15 %)+21 000 Kč
- Benefits (12 %)+16 800 Kč
- Full-time CMO per month225 120 Kč
- Fractional CMO per monthfrom 38 000 Kč
This is an indicative estimate. Salary figures are based on salary surveys by Hays, Salary Expert, platy.cz, jenprace.cz and prumerneplaty.cz (2025). Contributions reflect employer rates valid in Czechia (social 24.8 % + health 9 %).
FAQ
What clients ask most often
What if we do not have product-market fit yet?
A fractional CMO is not the answer. If you are still looking for who to sell to and what to sell, you need founder reps and feedback instead. A CMO makes sense once you have your first 10-20 paying customers.
Can you be paid in equity?
In selected cases yes. It requires strong VC backing, a clear thesis and a readable cap table. By default we prefer cash + a bonus for hitting metrics.
Do you understand product-led growth?
Yes. Half of our experience is with SaaS companies in PLG mode. But note: PLG is not an excuse for a non-existent GTM strategy.
What if the runway forces us to shorten the engagement?
We build contracts with a 3-month notice period. No annual commitments. If the runway does not allow it, we end it.
Will you help us bring in a full-time CMO once we can afford one?
Yes. The engagement typically ends either by handing off to a full-time CMO (interviews, JD, onboarding), or by moving to a smaller advisor scope.
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Find out whether fractional CMO makes sense for you
Let us have lunch together. We find out where you are, where you want to go and whether we can help. If not, we recommend someone who can.