Technology Leadership
What Is an Interim CTO? The Fast-Track Guide for Founders
An interim CTO stabilises your technology function while you recruit or decide on your permanent structure.
Get Expert AdviceCommon Misconceptions
The most common misconceptions about this role:
- Your CTO has resigned mid-product build.
- Engineering team is leaderless.
- Product decisions are at risk.
Our Methodology
The 30-60-90 Day Interim CTO Plan: what good looks like in the first three months.
What Starkhorn Brings
ExecCapital: generic. theinterimcto.com: recruiter. Starkhorn: practitioner who does the role.
Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.
Who This Is For
This service is designed for:
- Startups and scale-ups losing their technical leader mid-journey
This is not the right fit for: Businesses that need a product manager rather than a technology leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a interim CTO?
A interim CTO is a senior technology or security leader responsible for strategy, governance, and delivery within an organisation. They set direction, manage risk, and ensure technology serves business objectives. In smaller or PE-backed businesses this role is often filled on a fractional or interim basis rather than as a full-time appointment.
What does a typical Starkhorn engagement cost?
Engagements are structured as monthly retainers or fixed-term day-rate assignments. The cost depends on scope and time commitment. We are transparent about pricing from the first conversation and will give you a clear indication on the call.
What experience does Starkhorn bring?
Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as Interim Group Technology Director at VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn), accountable for both technology and security, and as CIO and CISO at Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.
How long does an interim engagement typically last?
Most interim technology leadership engagements run from three to twelve months. Some are shorter, focused on a specific crisis or transition. Others extend as organisations find ongoing value. We structure engagements flexibly so you are never locked in longer than makes sense.
What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?
Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.
Next step
Talk to a Senior Technology Leader
Starkhorn provides fractional CIO, CISO, and interim technology leadership for growing businesses. If you would like to understand whether this kind of support makes sense for your situation, book a no-obligation conversation.
Book a Conversation