Connectd, the platform matching startups with fractional executives and interim leaders, has raised £5.5 million as businesses increasingly turn to flexible c-suite talent to navigate growth challenges without the burden of permanent hires.

The UK and US-based company, which has facilitated over 25,000 connections between startups and fractional professionals since its 2019 founding, reported 80 per cent growth this year while surpassing £8.6 million in annual recurring revenue.

The rise of fractional leadership

The funding round, led by Anker Capital alongside Stena & Swerve and existing investors, underscores growing investor confidence in the fractional c-suite model. The platform now serves over 3,000 fractional professionals and more than 3,000 startups, reflecting a fundamental shift in how early-stage companies access senior expertise.

"Fractional simply is the future model for work," said Roei Samuel, chief executive and founder of Connectd. "Companies can access some of the best minds on the planet without the associated costs."

The model addresses a critical gap in interim leadership for startups that require c-suite expertise at specific growth inflection points but cannot justify the cost or long-term commitment of permanent senior hires. This approach enables nascent businesses to access elite guidance during business-critical moments in their early development.

AI-powered matching for transformation needs

Connectd's artificial intelligence technology analyses startup financial data to intelligently match companies with fractional executives based on specific business needs and growth stages. The platform identifies precisely when businesses require particular executive profiles — whether a fractional chief marketing officer for product launches or a fractional chief financial officer to lead funding rounds or reduce burn rates.

This targeted approach to interim leadership represents a significant evolution in how companies approach business transformation challenges. Rather than making expensive permanent appointments or struggling without senior guidance, startups can now access specialist expertise exactly when needed.

Professional portfolio careers gain momentum

For experienced executives, fractional work offers a lucrative alternative to traditional employment structures. Senior professionals with expertise in financial planning, tax advisory, marketing and strategy can simultaneously advise multiple organisations while building diverse portfolio careers.

The variety inherent in holding multiple fractional roles — such as part-time chief marketing officer, fractional product designer, or interim strategy officer — appeals particularly to professionals transitioning from corporate backgrounds into self-employment.

Connectd supports this transition through its Innovation Academy, which provides guidance on building personal brands, governance, due diligence and monetising fractional services.

Market validation and investor confidence

Jonas Anker, founding partner at Anker Capital, described Connectd as "paradigm-shifting," noting how the platform has evolved beyond investor matching to offer "on-demand fractional talent" that gives founders "instant execution power alongside capital and advice."

The investment round brings Connectd's total funding to $16 million, positioning the company to capitalise on accelerating demand for flexible interim leadership solutions. The platform's growth trajectory suggests the fractional executive model is moving from niche offering to mainstream business practice.

Samuel drew parallels with high-profile advisors, suggesting the impact of accessing specialist expertise: "Imagine Warren Buffett coming into your office one day a week to tell you where you're going wrong. With fractional engagements, you can get incisive specialist input that unlocks transformative value for your business."

Future of executive engagement

The success of Connectd reflects broader changes in how businesses approach senior talent acquisition and business transformation challenges. As economic uncertainty persists and startups face pressure to optimise costs while accessing expertise, the fractional model offers an attractive middle ground.

The platform's ability to provide targeted interim leadership solutions at critical business moments positions it well to benefit from continued market evolution toward more flexible employment models in senior roles.

Source: Tech.eu, original reporting by Cate Lawrence