At a Glance
- Tasks: Guide the development of an AI-powered mobile platform for young adults.
- Company: Join a dynamic startup focused on empowering youth with practical skills.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and potential for future full-time opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that shapes the future of work for young adults.
- Qualifications: Experience as a CTO or senior architect in tech startups is essential.
- Other info: This role offers a competitive day rate and the chance to influence early-stage product development.
My client is an experienced founder developing a new AI-powered mobile platform to help young adults build practical skills and confidence as they move into the world of work. The product is now entering a proof-of-concept phase, and they are seeking a fractional CTO or senior technical advisor to help guide early architectural decisions, support AI integration strategy, and oversee delivery from a third-party agency. This is a strategic, hands-on advisory role. You will work closely with the founder and Chief Product Officer to ensure the technical foundation is robust, scalable, and ready to support future growth and investment. Key Responsibilities * Define and validate the platform\’s architecture and infrastructure direction * Guide technology decisions, frameworks, and mobile development strategy * Advise on AI integration using platforms such as OpenAI, LangChain, or Pinecone * Vet and support the third-party agency responsible for building the prototype * Ensure engineering best practices around scalability, security, and cost-efficiency * Support investor and funding conversations with technical input * Help shape the roadmap for MVP delivery and future team build-out Essential Experience * Previous experience as a CTO, Head of Engineering, or senior architect in a startup or product-led environment * Strong architectural skills across mobile-first platforms, APIs, and cloud infrastructure * Experience integrating AI or LLM-based technologies into real-world products * Confident working with product leaders, design teams, and delivery partners * Able to think strategically while supporting practical short-term delivery Contract Details Start date: August 2025 Engagement: 1 to 2 days per week Location: Remote-first (UK-based preferred) Day rate: £800 to £1,200 depending on experience Contract type: Freelance Future scope: Potential to move into a full-time CTO role post-funding, with salary and equity To Apply If you\’re a senior technical leader who enjoys shaping early-stage products and advising on AI-powered builds, we’d love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and availability. This role requires a London or commutable base and full UK work eligibiliyty , no sponsorship
Fractional CTO / Founding Technical Advisor (AI Learning App) employer: The Talent Ladder
Contact Detail:
The Talent Ladder Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fractional CTO / Founding Technical Advisor (AI Learning App)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the AI and tech startup space. Attend relevant meetups, webinars, or conferences to connect with founders and other CTOs. This can help you gain insights into the industry and potentially lead to referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with AI integration in previous projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully implemented AI technologies, as this will demonstrate your capability to guide the integration strategy effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in mobile development and cloud infrastructure. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and frameworks will allow you to make informed decisions and recommendations during discussions with the founder and product team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your strategic vision for the platform's architecture. Think about how you would approach scalability, security, and cost-efficiency, as these are key aspects of the role that will likely come up in conversations with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Fractional CTO / Founding Technical Advisor (AI Learning App)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a CTO or senior architect, particularly in startup environments. Emphasise your skills in mobile-first platforms, APIs, and cloud infrastructure, as well as any experience with AI integration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for AI-powered products and your strategic thinking abilities. Mention specific projects where you've guided technology decisions or integrated AI technologies, demonstrating how you can add value to the client's vision.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include examples of past projects in your application that demonstrate your architectural skills and experience with AI technologies. Highlight your role in these projects and the impact your contributions had on their success.
Express Availability Clearly: Since this role requires 1 to 2 days per week, clearly state your availability in your application. This will help the client understand how you can fit into their schedule and support their needs effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Talent Ladder
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience as a CTO or senior architect in detail. Highlight specific projects where you defined architecture and integrated AI technologies, as this role requires strong architectural skills and hands-on experience.
✨Understand the Product Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission to help young adults build practical skills. Be ready to articulate how your technical decisions can align with this vision and support the product's growth and scalability.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this is a strategic advisory role, think about how you can contribute to investor conversations and funding strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported similar discussions in the past.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
This position involves working closely with the founder and Chief Product Officer. Be ready to discuss how you’ve effectively collaborated with product leaders and design teams in previous roles, showcasing your ability to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.