Startups · Seed to Series A
Fractional CMO for startups.
Senior marketing leadership matched to your runway, not a $200K full-time bet. Strategy, growth channels, and pipeline owned end-to-end. Live in 18 days.
24-hour audit turnaround · No pitch · From $1,000/month
A fractional CMO for startups is a senior marketing leader who owns strategy and execution part-time, positioning, go-to-market, demand generation, and pipeline, so seed to Series A startups get CMO-level growth leadership without a full-time hire. Opere18 delivers it from $1,000/month, month-to-month, with every asset owned by you.
Users acquired
FinTech startup, Google Ads + display, US market
Organic growth
EdTech startup, 400K to 4M+ page views, $0 paid
Views in 14 days
D2C brand, organic social, zero ad spend
SQL conversion
217 leads, Meta Ads, 3 markets
Real outcomes across FinTech, EdTech, D2C, and more. See the full case studies.
The three options
Fractional CMO vs full-time CMO vs agency.
| Fractional CMO | Full-time CMO | Agency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | From $1,000/mo | $180K–$250K/yr + equity | $5K–$15K/mo retainer |
| Time to value | ~18 days | 2–4 months to hire | 4–8 weeks onboarding |
| Seniority | CMO-level, hands-on | CMO-level | Often juniors execute |
| Fit for early stage | Built for it | Usually too early | Overhead-heavy |
| Commitment | Month-to-month | Full-time headcount | Long contracts |
| Runway impact | Light, flexible | Heavy fixed cost | Fixed retainer |
Also compare: vs an in-house hire · fractional CMO for SaaS.
The post-raise gap
A full-time CMO is a bet most startups make too early.
After a raise, the pressure is to show traction fast, but a full-time CMO is a $200K+ bet most seed to Series A startups are not ready to make. A fractional CMO gives you senior marketing leadership matched to your runway, not your fear of missing the number.
Founder-led marketing works until the founder runs out of hours. A fractional CMO takes ownership of the growth system, positioning, channels, pipeline, and reporting, so the founder can go back to product and fundraising.
Pricing starts at $1,000/month, month-to-month after an initial 3-month engagement. You own every asset. No equity, no long contract, no full-time overhead burning runway.
What it covers
First 90 days
A focused plan that turns raise capital into pipeline: positioning, ICP, channels, and quick wins before the board asks for numbers.
Growth channels
Google, Meta, and LinkedIn Ads plus organic SEO and content, chosen for your stage and unit economics, not a generic playbook.
Pipeline & reporting
Demand gen that feeds qualified pipeline, with plain-English monthly reporting your board actually understands.
AI-search visibility
AEO/GEO so your startup gets found and cited in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI, not just blue links.
Fractional CMO for startups: FAQ
What is a fractional CMO for startups?
A fractional CMO for startups is a senior marketing leader who sets strategy and owns execution part-time: positioning, go-to-market, demand generation, and pipeline. Startups get CMO-level leadership matched to their stage and budget, without a full-time hire.
How much does a fractional CMO cost for a startup?
Opere18 fractional CMO engagements start at $1,000/month and scale to $3,000/month, month-to-month after an initial 3-month term. A full-time startup CMO typically costs $180,000–$250,000 per year plus equity.
When should a startup hire a fractional CMO?
Hire a fractional CMO from pre-seed through Series A, when founder-led marketing has stalled but the business does not yet justify a full-time CMO salary. Often the right first marketing leadership hire after a raise.
Is a fractional CMO worth it for an early-stage startup?
Yes, when you need senior strategy and execution but cannot justify a full-time CMO. A fractional CMO protects runway, starts in about 18 days, and is accountable for pipeline, not just deliverables. You keep every asset built.
Free 24-hour audit for founders.
Positioning, funnel, paid, and organic, reviewed and sent as a Loom. No sales call. No pitch. You keep the findings.
ratish@opere18.com · From $1,000/month · 24-hour turnaround