Fractional CTO · Sydney, Australia
Early-stage technology decisions usually get the job done. They rarely set a business up for what comes next - hypergrowth, a significant raise, acquisition or IPO - and that’s when the shortcuts start to cost you.
The right CTO experience raises the bar for your team, your platform and how you operate in an AI-native world.
I’m Jim Basey. I work alongside CEOs and their teams to reach that bar and then exceed it, with hands-on executive leadership and a commitment sized to your business.
Previously full time CTO at
01 / Capabilities
I bring executive-level technology, product and IT judgement to companies that need it on a fractional basis. The scope can span the responsibilities of a CTO, CPTO or CIO, depending on where the leadership gap sits.
Translate growth plans into a technology and product roadmap. Make clear calls on architecture, investment, security and risk, including what needs to change before a transaction. Decide where to use AI and what it will cost to run at scale.
Coach engineering and product leaders, clarify who owns what, and improve how teams deliver. Improve platform resilience as the business grows, help teams adapt to an AI-enabled software development lifecycle (AISDLC), and embed AI capabilities in the platform where they solve a customer problem.
Help teams use AI in their day-to-day work, from workforce enablement to AI-led software delivery, with clear expectations for security, quality and production release. Assess the expected return on AI investment and measure it against actual costs and outcomes.
02 / The engagement
I start with your business goals, the decisions on your desk and what your team already does well. We agree where I can add the most value and how closely I’ll work with the team.
That can start with mentoring a Head of Engineering or stepping into an executive gap. The scope can grow as priorities change. My aim is to build the team’s ability to make good decisions and execute independently.
When you need complementary expertise, I can introduce CROs, CPOs, COOs and hands-on technical specialists from my network.
03 / Selected work
Two different starting points for fractional leadership. Client names are confidential.
01 / GRC software
I came in to mentor the Head of Engineering. The engagement grew into a team restructure and hands-on coaching to give engineers clearer ownership and support their development.
We accelerated platform delivery while improving stability and resilience. I’m now helping a lean team of product-minded engineers move to an AI-led software development lifecycle.
02 / Traveltech
I stepped in as fractional CTO when the incumbent CTO left following an acquisition. I built a European engineering hub and led the Head of Engineering and Head of Product through the transition.
I also led an AI enablement programme across the workforce, extending adoption beyond the technology team.
04 / About Jim
I’ve spent more than 25 years in technology and product, including full-time CTO roles at Data Republic, Basiq through a successful exit, and Cove. Before that I led engineering at Volt Bank and architecture at Avoka. Temenos bought Avoka for US$245 million in 2018, in one of the year’s largest Australian tech acquisitions.
I’ve worked across concurrent fractional CTO engagements and specialist advisory roles, including open banking. I switch between business, board and engineering contexts as each engagement demands.
View my LinkedIn profile ↗Get in touch
Tell me what’s changing in your business and where you could use an experienced technology leader.
jim@base-c.com.au ↗