Senior AI guidance, on call.
A fractional AI lead gives you an experienced AI and engineering partner a few days a month, without the cost of a full-time hire. We set priorities, vet vendors, oversee projects, keep governance current and make sure what you build is secure. Retainers start at $3,000 a month.
Book a consultation →What’s included
Strategy and priorities
A living AI roadmap tied to business goals, reviewed with leadership every month.
Vendor and tool decisions
Independent evaluation of AI products before you sign anything.
Project oversight
Hands-on guidance for your team or vendors, including design and code review.
Governance
AI policy, risk reviews and alignment with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
A good fit if…
You’re running several AI initiatives without a clear owner.
Vendors keep pitching AI features and you need a straight answer.
You want senior judgment but can’t justify a full-time executive.
You want AI and security decisions made together.
From $3,000/month
A set number of days each month, adjusted as your needs change.
A steady rhythm, not a one-off report.
Kickoff
Goals, current initiatives and the people involved.
First 30 days
Roadmap, quick wins and any policy gaps.
Monthly rhythm
Priorities, reviews and plain-language reporting.
Quarterly review
What worked, what didn’t and what’s next.
Straight answers
01What does a fractional AI lead actually do?
Think of it as a part-time head of AI. We own the roadmap, review vendor proposals, guide your team through builds and keep leadership informed in plain language.
02How is this different from hiring a consultant?
A consultant delivers a project and leaves. A fractional lead stays involved month to month and is accountable for progress across all of your AI work.
03Does the Texas AI law affect us?
The Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act (TRAIGA) took effect on January 1, 2026. For most private businesses its obligations are narrow, and substantial compliance with the NIST AI Risk Management Framework is an affirmative defense. We build that framework into governance as a matter of course. We’re not a law firm, so confirm your specific obligations with counsel.
04Can we start smaller?
Yes. A common path is to begin with an AI readiness assessment and move to a retainer once you know what you want to build.
Related services
All AI consulting services →AI readiness audit
A clear-eyed look at your processes, data and tools, and a ranked list of where AI pays off first.
Staff AI training & workshops
Hands-on sessions that get your team using AI tools confidently and responsibly.
Custom AI agents & chatbots
Assistants that answer customers, triage requests or search your internal knowledge base.