Fractional CTOs in San Francisco Making Things Happen in 2025

San Francisco Interim Chief Technology Officers to Know

San Francisco has long been the epicenter of technological innovation. It’s where code becomes companies, and where ambitious ideas go from whiteboard to IPO. But not every startup or scaling venture can afford—or even needs—a full-time CTO. That’s where fractional CTOs come in, and in the Bay Area, they’re making things happen in a big way.

At Digital Reference, we believe in spotlighting professionals not just for their titles, but for their real-world impact. We exist to create a more radically transparent and radically authentic talent ecosystem. That means giving the spotlight to those who may operate behind the scenes, but whose influence is foundational.

This curated list introduces some of the most trusted fractional CTOs in San Francisco, including independent operators, advisors, and part-time executives who help shape the city’s ever-evolving startup landscape.

Our methodology:

• Each professional is based in or actively works with companies in the SF Bay Area
• We prioritize leaders with client-facing fractional or interim CTO services
• We evaluate public presence, depth of experience, and industry alignment

This is a living list—expect updates, additions, and ongoing discoveries. Let’s dive in.

Matt Darling

Company: CTO Bridge

Matt Darling is the founder of CTO Bridge, a consultancy offering fractional CTO and technology leadership services to startups and scale-ups. With a background in early-stage startups and venture-backed growth companies, Matt brings both vision and execution.

He’s known for helping founding teams make smart architectural decisions, get MVPs to market, and build sustainable product development teams. CTO Bridge operates with a philosophy that "technology should empower, not overwhelm." For SF-based founders looking to de-risk their builds, Matt is a reliable guide.

Steve Mushero

Website: stevemushero.com

Steve Mushero is a globally respected technology executive, author, and advisor. Based in San Francisco, he provides fractional CTO services through his consulting practice and has advised startups and enterprises alike in over 25 countries.

Steve’s strength lies in operationalizing engineering functions—taking ambitious ideas and turning them into scalable, secure, and high-performance systems. He’s especially valuable in regulated or high-stakes environments, including healthcare, fintech, and infrastructure tech.

He’s also the author of "Software People," a book exploring the human side of tech leadership. For organizations looking for a deeply strategic partner with a global lens, Steve brings both gravitas and heart.

Brian Jett

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brianjett-readycto

Brian Jett is a Silicon Valley veteran and the founder of ReadyCTO, offering fractional CTO services and hands-on product leadership for early-stage startups. With a sharp eye for product-market fit and a talent for building lean engineering teams, Brian helps companies translate vision into viable code.

What makes Brian stand out is his empathy for founders. He knows the road is messy, and he brings a calm, solutions-oriented mindset to every engagement. Whether it’s building the first version of a SaaS app or navigating a pivot, Brian’s guidance is steady, practical, and deeply respected in the SF tech community.

Evan Willms

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/evanwillms

Evan Willms is a seasoned technology leader offering fractional CTO services to startups and growth-stage companies across the Bay Area. With a background in B2B SaaS and complex systems architecture, Evan’s technical depth is matched by his business acumen.

He’s especially known for helping companies bridge the gap between prototype and production—ensuring that scaling doesn't come at the cost of maintainability. Evan also supports teams in setting up strong engineering culture, performance metrics, and hiring practices.

Oksana Gartvich

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/oksanis

Oksana Gartvich is a rare blend of engineering leader, startup operator, and fractional CTO focused on healthtech, edtech, and mission-driven platforms. Based in San Francisco, Oksana supports startups building user-centered technology with a scalable, privacy-forward foundation.

She’s particularly skilled in building inclusive engineering teams and aligning technical strategies with impact goals. Founders love working with Oksana for her product fluency and collaborative leadership style.

In an industry often dominated by speed, Oksana helps startups build with sustainability and purpose.

Steve Petersen

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/slpslp

Steve Petersen brings a product-led approach to his work as a fractional CTO. With deep experience in building digital products, SaaS tools, and marketplace platforms, Steve focuses on helping companies align technology roadmaps with business objectives.

Based in the Bay Area, Steve is a go-to partner for startups ready to mature their technology operations. He works closely with CEOs, heads of product, and engineering teams to optimize delivery, streamline codebases, and level up internal talent.

He’s also valued for his ability to mentor technical founders stepping into their first executive roles.

Christopher Deppe

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christopherdeppe

Christopher Deppe is a fractional CTO and startup technologist based in the SF Bay Area, specializing in AI, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise integrations. Christopher’s experience spans seed-stage to post-Series B startups, helping companies navigate high-growth transitions.

He brings technical precision and systems thinking to each engagement, often stepping in to evaluate codebases, re-architect platforms, or guide CTO transitions. With a passion for scalable, ethical tech, Christopher is a standout voice in the Bay’s startup community.

Why Fractional CTOs Are Flourishing in San Francisco

San Francisco is known for founders who think big—but even bold visions need operational backbone. Enter the fractional CTO: the operator who helps dreamers ship and scale.

In a city where capital efficiency matters more than ever, fractional CTOs are giving startups and mid-stage companies:

• Executive-caliber leadership without full-time cost
• Technical strategy aligned with investor goals
• Hands-on mentorship for growing teams
• Objective clarity during inflection points and transitions

They’re also ideal for:

• Technical co-founder gaps
• Interim leadership during exec searches
• Product launches, rebuilds, or scale phases

Fractional CTOs are no longer a stopgap. In SF, they’re a strategic asset.

At Digital Reference, We Do Talent Differently

We created Digital Reference because résumés don’t capture the full story. We’re building a platform that puts proof of work, verified references, and authenticity at the forefront.

Whether you’re a startup seeking your next fractional leader or a CTO looking to build a stronger reputation, Digital Reference helps you:

• Capture your real-world accomplishments
• Create a verified portfolio with client feedback
• Share work publicly—on your terms
• Connect with companies ready to invest in expertise

This isn’t about flashy bios. It’s about surfacing trusted professionals doing meaningful work.

Add Yourself or Nominate a Leader

This list of San Francisco’s top fractional CTOs will evolve—and we’re excited to keep building it.

If you’re a founder, investor, or ecosystem operator and know someone who should be featured, let us know. And if you’re a fractional CTO ready to be seen for the full scope of what you do, we’d love to feature you.

Let’s keep building a more transparent, effective, and human way to connect talent and opportunity.

– The Digital Reference Team

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