This is an opportunity for an exceptional engineer, architect, or technical founder who wants to ... CTO at an early-stage company. Must Have * Built and launched a software product from concept or ...
Quick apply
This is an opportunity for an exceptional engineer, architect, or technical founder who wants to ... CTO at an early-stage company. Must Have * Built and launched a software product from concept or ...
CTO
San Francisco, CA · On-site
This role is for a founder-CTO type who has built and scaled products from zero to one and from one to many. We are looking for someone equally comfortable in the boardroom and hands-on keyboard, who ...
CTO
San Francisco, CA · On-site
This role is for a founder-CTO type who has built and scaled products from zero to one and from one to many. We are looking for someone equally comfortable in the boardroom and hands-on keyboard, who ...
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / CTO Co-Founder
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$180 - $250/hr
Previous founder, CTO, or early technical leadership experience. * Experience developing AI, machine learning, automation, or intelligent workflow products. * Background in healthcare technology ...
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) / CTO Co-Founder
Manhattan, NY · On-site
$180 - $250/hr
Previous founder, CTO, or early technical leadership experience. * Experience developing AI, machine learning, automation, or intelligent workflow products. * Background in healthcare technology ...
CTO
New York, NY · On-site
Bachelor's degree CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an exceptional CTO (This is not an advisory CTO role, but hands-on) to lead ...
Quick apply
CTO
New York, NY · On-site
Bachelor's degree CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an exceptional CTO (This is not an advisory CTO role, but hands-on) to lead ...
Co-Founder & CTO
San Francisco, CA · On-site
About the Role This is a rare, true co-founder opportunity -- not a conventional CTO hire. You will join as an equal co-founder with meaningful equity (~28%), owning the research agenda, the product ...
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Co-Founder & CTO
San Francisco, CA · On-site
About the Role This is a rare, true co-founder opportunity -- not a conventional CTO hire. You will join as an equal co-founder with meaningful equity (~28%), owning the research agenda, the product ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
Quick apply
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
Quick apply
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
Co-Founder & CTO
San Francisco, CA · On-site
About the Role This is a rare, true co-founder opportunity - not a conventional CTO hire. You will join as an equal co-founder with meaningful equity (~28%), owning the research agenda, the product ...
Co-Founder & CTO
San Francisco, CA · On-site
About the Role This is a rare, true co-founder opportunity - not a conventional CTO hire. You will join as an equal co-founder with meaningful equity (~28%), owning the research agenda, the product ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
Quick apply
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
CTO
New York, NY · On-site
Bachelor's degree CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an exceptional CTO (This is not an advisory CTO role, but hands-on) to lead ...
CTO
New York, NY · On-site
Bachelor's degree CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an exceptional CTO (This is not an advisory CTO role, but hands-on) to lead ...
CTO
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Bachelor's degree CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an exceptional CTO (This is not an advisory CTO role, but hands-on) to lead ...
CTO
Manhattan, NY · On-site
Bachelor's degree CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an exceptional CTO (This is not an advisory CTO role, but hands-on) to lead ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
Quick apply
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction -- Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
What you'll own As Co-Founder & CTO, you will set the venture's technical direction and lead its execution. This is a co-founder role, not a CTO hire. * Technical Direction - Own problem framing ...
Founder Cto information
See salary details
$25.5K - $48.3K
1% of jobs
$48.3K - $71.1K
1% of jobs
$71.1K - $94K
3% of jobs
$94K - $116.8K
11% of jobs
$132.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$116.8K - $139.6K
14% of jobs
The median wage is $158.1K / yr.
$139.6K - $162.4K
25% of jobs
$162.4K - $185.2K
18% of jobs
$188.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$185.2K - $208K
15% of jobs
$208K - $230.9K
7% of jobs
$230.9K - $253.7K
3% of jobs
$253.7K - $276.5K
2% of jobs
$25.5K
$166.5K
$276.5K
How much do founder cto jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for founder cto in the United States is $166,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,000.00 and $195,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges a Founder CTO faces when building and scaling an engineering team?
As a Founder CTO, one of the biggest challenges is balancing hands-on technical work with the strategic responsibilities of building and leading a team. Early on, you may be directly involved in coding and architecture decisions, but as the company grows, you'll transition to hiring, mentoring, and setting technical direction. Recruiting top talent, establishing scalable development processes, and maintaining a strong engineering culture are all key tasks. Navigating these shifts while aligning technology with business goals can be demanding but also highly rewarding for those passionate about both leadership and innovation.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Founder CTO?
To thrive as a Founder CTO, you need deep technical expertise in software development, system architecture, and product management, often backed by experience in startups or leadership roles. Familiarity with cloud platforms, development frameworks, and agile project management tools, as well as knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, visionary leadership, and strong communication skills set outstanding Founder CTOs apart. These qualities are crucial for driving technological innovation, building scalable products, and guiding teams through the challenges of early-stage company growth.
What is a Founder CTO?
Founder CTOs are individuals who both co-found a company and serve as its Chief Technology Officer. They are responsible for shaping the technical vision, building and leading the engineering team, and making key decisions about technology strategy and product development. As co-founders, they also help set the company's overall direction and culture, often working closely with other founders such as the CEO. Founder CTOs typically combine deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive, playing a critical role in early-stage startups.
What is the difference between Founder Cto vs CTO?
| Aspect | Founder Cto | CTO |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically technical expertise, entrepreneurial experience | Technical leadership, management experience |
| Work Environment | Startup, early-stage company | Established company, larger teams |
| Employer & Industry | Founded by the individual, startup industry | Hired by the company, various industries |
| Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding startup technical leadership | Comparing technical executive roles |
The Founder Cto is a technical leader who co-founds a startup, often wearing multiple hats and shaping the company's technology from the ground up. A CTO, on the other hand, is a senior executive hired by an established organization to oversee technology strategy and operations. While both roles require strong technical skills, the Founder Cto is more entrepreneurial and hands-on in a startup environment, whereas the CTO typically operates within a larger, structured company.
More about Founder Cto jobs
What job categories do people searching Founder Cto jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Founder Cto jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 5 days ago
Job description
Founding CTO / Founding Engineer
New York, NY | On-Site
We are seeking a highly technical Founding CTO to help build an AI-powered healthcare payments company from the ground up.
This is an opportunity for an exceptional engineer, architect, or technical founder who wants to own technology strategy, product development, and engineering execution from day one.
The ideal candidate is not a career executive. We are looking for a builder with strong technical fundamentals, startup experience, and the ability to move quickly from concept to product.
You may currently be a Founding Engineer, Staff Engineer, Principal Engineer, Head of Engineering, VP Engineering, or CTO at an early-stage company.
Must Have- Built and launched a software product from concept or MVP to production
- Strong software engineering and system architecture experience
- Experience building AI-powered products, workflow automation systems, or intelligent platforms
- Experience operating in startup or high-growth environments
- Ability to code, architect, and lead simultaneously
- Experience hiring and mentoring engineers while owning technical direction
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from a top-tier university
- Healthcare technology experience
- Revenue cycle management, claims, payments, or healthcare financial operations experience
- FinTech or transaction-processing platform experience
- Experience working with investors, founders, and executive stakeholders
- Prior startup founder or founding engineer experience
- Competitive
- 15-20% equity ownership
- Day-one committed capital
- Direct access to experienced operators, advisors, and investors
- Opportunity to build a category-defining healthcare AI company