Both Fractionus and Bolster operate in the fractional C-suite space, but they're solving subtly different problems for subtly different buyers. Bolster grew out of the US startup ecosystem and leans heavily toward advisor and board placements. Fractionus was built for operators: companies that need a fractional CMO, CFO, COO, or CPO embedded in the business, running the function, across Australia, the US, and the UK.
If you're deciding between them, the right answer depends on what you're hiring for, where your company is based, and whether you need an advisor or an operator.
Fractionus is a vetted marketplace built specifically for fractional executives in operating roles: people who run a function for two to four days per week, sit in leadership meetings, and are accountable for outcomes month-to-month. Every executive is screened before they're listed, and our team turns your brief into a ranked shortlist of operators (typically within 24 hours) based on functional fit, industry experience, and the markets you operate in. The platform is purpose-built for hiring fractional CMOs, CFOs, COOs, CPOs, and other C-suite operators, not advisors or board members.
Founders, CEOs, and operating boards hiring an executive who will own a function and drive outcomes day-to-day. Particularly strong fit for Series A–C startups, PE-backed portfolio companies, and scale-ups where the role needs to deliver results in the business, not just attend quarterly board meetings.
Companies looking for a board seat, a non-executive director, an advisor, or a name on the cap table. Also not the right fit for one-off projects, junior freelancers, or roles below Head of / VP level.
Bolster is a US-based fractional executive and board marketplace, founded by the former CEO of Return Path and built around the thesis that every scaling company needs access to flexible senior talent. It's well-networked in the US startup and VC ecosystem, with a strong bench of advisors, board members, and fractional CEOs in particular.
US-based founders who want access to a network of startup operators for board, advisory, and fractional CEO work, particularly if they're already in the US VC orbit and want peer-recognised names on their cap table or board.
If you're hiring an operating fractional executive (CMO, CFO, COO, CPO), Fractionus is the stronger choice. Our process is built specifically around functional shortlisting, our talent pool is weighted toward operators rather than advisors, and the retainer model reflects how fractional execs actually engage with a business.
If you're hiring outside the United States, Fractionus is effectively the only purpose-built option. Bolster's network thins noticeably outside US metros. Fractionus operates natively across AU, US, and UK, which matters if you're a UK company hiring a US-based fractional CRO, or an Australian scale-up hiring a fractional CMO for a US market entry.
If you're hiring a board member or advisor (particularly someone with US VC-backed startup exit experience), Bolster has a strong network for that specific use case, and it's fair to consider both.
Your next move is one conversation away.
