How to choose a fractional executive marketplace
Choose a fractional executive marketplace on seven criteria: vetting depth, seniority bar, response time, replacement policy, pricing transparency, review verification, and fit-guarantee terms. Curation beats scale for senior roles.
The seven criteria
1) Vetting: does the platform verify prior title, references, and background? 2) Seniority: what percent of operators have held the actual C-suite title? 3) Response time: median hours from mandate to first shortlist. 4) Replacement policy: what happens if the first hire does not work out? 5) Pricing transparency: are placement fees, membership fees, and take rates published? 6) Review verification: are client reviews tied to verified engagements? 7) Fit guarantee: written terms for the first 30 to 60 days.
Curation vs open marketplaces
Open freelancer platforms (Upwork, Toptal, Fiverr) win on breadth. Curated fractional platforms win on seniority filter. For a fractional CFO or CMO engagement, curation matters more than choice — you want ten qualified candidates, not a thousand unqualified ones.
Pricing models
Placement fee (15 to 25 percent of first-year fees). Subscription fee for companies ($500 to $2,500 per month). Executive membership fee ($99 to $299 per month, paid by the executive). Marketplace take rate on ongoing retainers (5 to 15 percent). Read the fine print — bundled fees add up.
Questions to ask
How many fractional CFOs (or CMOs, COOs, etc.) have you placed in the last 90 days at my stage? What percent of engagements pass the 90-day mark? What is the replacement rate? Who owns the payroll and 1099 relationship? What data do you keep on my company and can I delete it?
Red flags
No published pricing. Reviews without engagement verification. Operators with LinkedIn titles like 'Fractional CXO' but no prior full-time C-suite tenure. High-pressure sales calls before you see any candidates. Placement fees payable before the first interview.
Hire a vetted fractional executive.
Post a private mandate on RecruitFractional and receive a vetted shortlist of C-suite and VP-level operators within 72 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fractional executive marketplace?
Depends on stage and function. RecruitFractional focuses on C-suite and VP-level operators for pre-Series B companies with published pricing, verified reviews, and a 60-day fit guarantee.
How much do marketplaces charge?
Companies pay a placement fee of 15 to 25 percent of the first-year contract value, or a monthly subscription of $500 to $2,500. Executives sometimes pay a $99 to $299 monthly membership.