Comparing Startup Services
Fractional Head of Product vs. a Full-Time Hire
Both get you senior product leadership. One costs a fraction of the other and starts next week. Here's when each actually makes sense.
Not sure? Let's talk →The Quick Answer
If you need product leadership now, can't yet justify a full-time senior hire, or aren't sure exactly what profile you need long-term, a fractional Head of Product is the lower-risk path. Once you have predictable, full-time product leadership needs and the budget to match, a full-time hire becomes the better long-term investment.
When to Choose Each
Choose Fractional if...
- You need product leadership in weeks, not the 3-6 months a senior full-time search usually takes
- You're not ready for a $150k-250k+ full-time salary and equity commitment
- You want to test what "good" product leadership actually looks like before hiring permanently
- Your product needs are real but not yet a full-time job - 10-20h/week is enough
Choose Full-Time if...
- Your product organisation is large enough to need daily, full-time leadership
- You need someone embedded in company culture and politics long-term
- You've already validated what the role needs to look like and are ready to hire against it
- Budget and headcount are approved and the search timeline works for you
FAQs
Can a fractional Head of Product help us hire full-time later?
Yes - a common outcome is that the fractional engagement clarifies exactly what profile you need, and it can shape the job spec and interview process when you're ready to hire.
Is fractional just a cheaper version of full-time?
No - it's a different commitment model, not a discount. You get senior-level judgment at 10-20h/week, embedded in your actual roadmap and discovery, not just advising from the sidelines.
How fast can this start?
Typically within 1-2 weeks of the scoping call, since there's no lengthy hiring process.
What size company is this best for?
Pre-seed through Series A/B startups are the most common fit - big enough to need real product leadership, not yet big enough to justify or attract a full-time senior hire.
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