How Early-Stage Startups Can Scale Faster with Fractional Talent in South Africa

By
Greg Cooke
20
August 2025

Why are startups turning to fractional talent

Early stage startups often need specialist skills but cannot afford full time hires. Fractional talent offers the ability to plug in senior expertise part time, exactly when needed.

What are the benefits of hiring fractional specialists

  • Flexibility: Scale teams up or down as projects evolve
  • Expertise on demand: Access senior talent in design, development, marketing, and strategy
  • Cost control: Pay only for what you need without the overhead of full time salaries

What challenges do startups face when working with fractionals

Startups hiring globally face challenges in managing contracts, paying across currencies, and staying compliant in multiple countries. Many rely on spreadsheets and outdated tools, creating unnecessary admin.

How does Rafiki OS help startups scale with fractionals

Rafiki OS provides:

  • Automated invoicing and split payments for fractional teams
  • Compliance support with EOR and COR in over 130 countries
  • Instant, affordable cross border payments in multiple currencies
  • A vetted community of senior freelance and fractional specialists

FAQs

What is fractional talent

  • Fractional talent is senior expertise hired part time or on a project basis, rather than full time.

Why do startups prefer fractional hires

  • They provide flexibility, cost savings, and access to expertise without long term commitments.

How can startups manage fractional talent payments

  • Rafiki OS automates invoices, compliance, and cross border payments.

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