For decisions and oversight
Advisory
$2,500 / month
$7,500 for the first 90 days
- Twice-monthly advisory sessions
- Opportunity and tool prioritization
- Vendor and roadmap oversight
- Implementation quoted separately
Someone accountable for systems, vendors and data
Fractional CIO for small and mid-size businesses.
When nobody owns technology decisions, costs creep and data scatters. A fractional CIO gives you a senior owner for the stack, the vendors and the AI policy, without a full-time executive.
Denver, since 2011The AI practice of Innovation Theory
Senior people, directlyYou work with Phil and Martin, not a junior team
Prices on the pageFrom $2,500 a month, scoped in writing
Measured against a baselineWe agree how success is judged first
What a fractional CIO handles
- Software inventory, overlap and renewal calendar
- Vendor selection and contract review
- Where your data lives and who can see it
- AI usage policy and approved tools
- A 12-month technology roadmap tied to business goals
- Coordination with your MSP or IT provider
Signs you need one
- Nobody can list every subscription you pay for
- The same customer data lives in three places
- Staff use personal AI accounts for client work
- Vendor proposals arrive and nobody can judge them
- Renewals auto-charge before anyone reviews them
Plans
For a priority workflow
Lead + delivery
$5,000 / month
$15,000 for the first 90 days
- Weekly leadership sessions
- One scoped workstream at a time
- Team training and adoption support
- Baseline and performance review
For deeper team involvement
Embedded
$7,000 / month
$21,000 for the first 90 days
- Weekly leadership plus team sessions
- More delivery capacity, still scoped in writing
- Closer work with your team leads
- Agreed support and review rhythm
USD, billed monthly. Initial 90-day engagement with a written scope before kickoff. Software subscriptions, major custom builds and 24/7 support are budgeted separately. Not sure which fits? Take the 3-minute check.
Common questions
What is the difference between a fractional CIO and a fractional CTO?
A CIO traditionally owns internal systems, data and vendors; a CTO owns the technology a company builds or sells. For a service business the jobs overlap almost completely, which is why we describe the seat as a fractional AI and technology lead.
How much does a fractional CIO cost?
Pricing varies widely by hours and scope. InTheory plans are $2,500, $5,000 or $7,000 a month, with a written scope and an initial 90-day engagement.
Is a vCIO from our MSP the same thing?
A vCIO from a managed service provider usually focuses on infrastructure, security and the MSP’s own roadmap. We focus on business workflows, software choices and AI, and coordinate with your MSP rather than replace it.
Related: Fractional CIO vs vCIO · Software stack audit · AI policy and governance
Next step
Bring one expensive workflow. Leave with a clear next step.
In 30 minutes we look at one recurring workflow, what it costs you today and whether there is a credible case to improve it. If there is not, we will say so.
Book a 30-minute workflow review
Not ready to talk? Take the 3-minute check
30 minutes with Phil or Martin. No technical brief, no pitch deck. Phil or Martin replies personally, usually within one business day.