# Startups adopt fractional CMO model for flexible marketing leadership 2026-08-13T07:07:18+00:00 | Business & Economy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Indian startups Traya, Saraf Furniture, PickYourTrail and Phitku are among those hiring fractional chief marketing officers (CMOs) instead of full-time leaders, reports Brand Equity. The model brings in senior marketing expertise for a specific growth stage or challenge, without adding a permanent CXO salary. Founders cite benefits such as outside perspective, speed in identifying blind spots, and cost control. But challenges include slower execution because the fractional leader is not embedded daily, and founders must remain actively involved. All four companies say the role works best as a bridge until a full-time CMO becomes necessary. ## Coverage - brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com Tags: cost optimization, fractional CMO, Indian entrepreneurship, leadership trends, marketing strategy, startups Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/startups-adopt-fractional-cmo-model-for-flexible-marketing-leadership/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/startups-adopt-fractional-cmo-model-for-flexible-marketing-leadership/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.