Go Fractional vs. True Search: Which Executive Recruiting Partner Is Right for You?
Compare Go Fractional and True Search for executive hiring. Learn why Go Fractional’s fractional and interim-to-full-time model offers speed, flexibility, and access to founder-level talent.
May 18th, 2026
The executive search landscape is evolving. Technology-forward firms are challenging traditional approaches, promising faster matches and data-driven insights. But which model actually delivers better outcomes for your leadership needs?
True Search (part of True Platform) is one of the fastest-growing executive search firms, combining retained search with technology, data, and a growing interim/fractional practice called TrueBridge. Go Fractional offers a specialized alternative featuring a curated network of 10,000+ pre-vetted, multi-exit entrepreneurs and former C-suite executives available for fractional, interim, and full-time placements—giving companies access to founder-level talent with the ability to “try before they buy” and validate both subject matter expertise and cultural fit before making a permanent commitment.
This comparison breaks down the key differences between True Search and Go Fractional, helping you decide which partner is right for your executive hiring needs. Both firms represent modern approaches to executive talent—understanding their differences will help you make a smarter decision.
Quick Comparison Table
| Factor | True Search | Go Fractional |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2000 | 2021 |
| Headquarters | New York, NY | New York, NY |
| Company Size | 500+ employees globally | Boutique platform with 10,000+ vetted executives |
| Time to Hire | 2-4 months (retained search) | As fast as 3 days | Engagement Types | Full-time, interim (TrueBridge) | Fractional, Interim, and Full-Time | Search/Placement Fee | 25-33% of first-year salary | No placement fees | Try Before You Buy | Limited (TrueBridge interim) | Yes (interim-to-full-time conversion) | Talent Pool | Active sourcing + proprietary data | 10,000+ pre-vetted, multi-exit entrepreneurs & C-suite executives | Best For | VC/PE-backed, tech companies | Startups, growth-stage, PE-backed companies |
About True Search
True Search is part of True Platform, a talent and leadership company founded in 2000 and headquartered in New York City. True has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing executive search firms, achieving the highest growth rate (15.1%) among the top 10 executive search firms according to Hunt Scanlon Media in 2024.
What True Search Offers
True Platform provides a comprehensive suite of talent and leadership services:
- True Search: Retained executive search for C-suite and senior leadership
- TrueBridge: Interim and fractional executive placements
- True Coaching: Executive coaching and leadership development
- True Assessments: Leadership assessment and evaluation tools
- True Communities: Executive networks and communities
How Their Process Works
True Search combines traditional retained search with technology:
- Engagement: Retainer agreement with defined scope and timeline
- Data-Driven Sourcing: Proprietary technology and databases to identify candidates
- Assessment: Interviews, evaluations, and leadership assessments
- Candidate Presentation: Shortlist of qualified candidates
- Selection Support: Interview facilitation and offer negotiation
Their Pricing Model
True Search uses retained search fees:
- Search Fee: Typically 25-33% of first-year compensation
- Minimum Fees: Varies by role level and complexity
- TrueBridge: Separate pricing for interim/fractional placements
- Payment Structure: Retainer payments throughout engagement
About Go Fractional
Go Fractional is a specialized talent platform founded in 2021 and headquartered in New York City. Our mission is to “Make the World Go Fractional” by connecting companies with founder-level executives on a fractional, interim, or full-time basis.
What Go Fractional Offers
Go Fractional provides the full spectrum of executive hiring:
- Fractional Executives: Part-time leadership (10-25 hours/week) for ongoing needs
- Interim Executives: Full-time temporary leadership during transitions
- Full-Time Placements: Permanent hires, often through our “try before you buy” model
- Interim-to-Full-Time Conversion: Start fractional or interim, convert when fit is validated
How Our Process Works
Go Fractional’s process is streamlined for speed and flexibility:
- Discovery Call: Free 20-minute call to understand your needs
- Candidate Matching: Pre-vetted executives presented within 3 days
- Interviews: You meet candidates and assess fit
- Engagement: Flexible terms—fractional, interim, or full-time
- Conversion (Optional): Transition to permanent if both sides agree
Pricing Model
Go Fractional offers transparent, flexible pricing:
- No Search Fees: No 25-33% placement fees
- Fractional Engagements: Monthly retainers based on hours/scope
- Cost Savings: Typically ~50% of full-time executive cost
- No Long-Term Commitment: Flexible terms, scale up or down as needed
Key Stats
- 10,000+ executives in our vetted network
- 4.7 stars on Trustpilot
- 300+ testimonials from clients and talent
- 3 days average time to match
Key Similarities
Before diving into differences, it’s worth noting where True Search and Go Fractional overlap:
- Modern Approach: Both represent newer, technology-enabled approaches to executive search
- C-Suite Focus: Both serve senior leadership roles—CEO, COO, CFO, CMO, CTO, and other C-suite positions
- Interim Capabilities: Both offer interim/fractional executive placements (True via TrueBridge)
- VC/PE Experience: Both have significant experience working with venture-backed and private equity-backed companies
- Speed Emphasis: Both prioritize faster placements compared to traditional “Big Five” firms
- Quality Focus: Both emphasize placing high-caliber executives who can drive business outcomes
Key Differences
1. Core Business Model
True Search: Primarily a retained executive search firm with interim/fractional as an adjacent offering through TrueBridge. Their core business is traditional retained search for permanent executives, with technology enhancing the process.
Go Fractional: Built from the ground up for fractional and interim executive placements. Every aspect of our model—talent pool, process, pricing—is designed for flexible executive engagements, not adapted from traditional search.
Why This Matters: When fractional/interim is core to the business model (not an add-on), the talent pool, processes, and expertise are optimized for that use case.
2. Speed to Hire
True Search: Retained searches typically take 2-4 months from engagement to start date. While faster than traditional “Big Five” firms, the process still involves significant sourcing, assessment, and stakeholder alignment.
Go Fractional: Pre-vetted executives can be matched in as little as 3 days. Because our talent pool consists of executives actively seeking fractional and interim work—not passive candidates who need to be convinced—the process moves dramatically faster.
The Impact: Even a 2-month search means 60 days without leadership. A 3-day match vs. a 3-month search represents a 30x speed advantage when you need leadership now.
3. Cost & Fee Structure
True Search: Retained search fees typically run 25-33% of first-year compensation. For a $400K executive, you might pay $100K-$130K in search fees before the first day of work.
Go Fractional: No placement fees. You pay for the executive’s time through flexible engagement terms. Fractional arrangements typically cost ~50% of full-time equivalent, and there are no six-figure search fees.
The Math: - True Search: $100K search fee + $400K salary + benefits = $550K+ first-year cost - Go Fractional: $0 search fee + fractional engagement = Dramatically lower total investment.
4. Fractional Expertise
True Search: TrueBridge offers interim and fractional placements, but it’s one service among many within the broader True Platform. The firm’s primary expertise and consultant incentives are built around retained search.
Go Fractional: 100% focused on fractional and interim executives. Our entire platform, talent network, and expertise are built around flexible executive engagements. We understand the nuances of fractional work—scope definition, time allocation, multiple-client dynamics.
Why This Matters: Fractional executive engagements require different skills than permanent placements—understanding how to structure part-time leadership, manage scope, and optimize for impact in limited hours.
5. Try Before You Buy
True Search: TrueBridge offers interim placements that could theoretically convert to permanent, but the model isn’t specifically designed around “try before you buy” as a core value proposition.
Go Fractional: Our interim-to-full-time model is central to our offering. Start with a fractional or interim engagement, evaluate fit based on actual performance, then convert to full-time when confidence is high. Many of our placements follow this path.
The Risk Equation: Executive mis-hires cost $500K-$1.5M when you factor in salary, severance, lost productivity, team disruption, and opportunity cost. The “try before you buy” approach dramatically reduces this risk.
6. Talent Pool & Approach
True Search: Combines proprietary databases, technology, and active sourcing to identify candidates. Their network includes both active and passive candidates across various industries and functions.
Go Fractional: Our network of 10,000+ executives have actively chosen fractional work—available for interim, contract-to-hire, and remote engagements. They’re multi-exit entrepreneurs, former C-suite leaders, and senior operators who want flexibility and impact. They’re not settling for fractional—they’re selecting it.
The Quality Advantage: Executives who choose fractional work are often the highest-caliber talent. They’ve already had successful exits, built companies, and now want to apply their expertise where it creates maximum value—without the constraints of traditional full-time employment.
When to Choose True Search
True Search is a strong choice in specific scenarios:
✅ VC or PE-backed company needing a permanent C-suite executive with tech industry experience
✅ Full-time executive search where you want technology-enhanced sourcing and faster timelines than traditional firms
✅ Bundled services including executive coaching, assessment, and leadership development
✅ Companies comfortable with retained search fees and 2-4 month timelines
✅ When you want a single platform for search, interim, coaching, and assessment
When to Choose Go Fractional
Go Fractional is the better choice when:
✅ You need leadership now, not in 6-12 months
✅ You want to validate fit before making a permanent commitment (try before you buy)
✅ Budget is a consideration—you need senior expertise without six-figure search fees
✅ You need fractional/part-time leadership (10-25 hours/week)
✅ You’ve been burned by previous executive mis-hires and want lower risk
✅ You’re a startup, growth-stage, or PE-backed company that values speed and flexibility
✅ You’re not a Fortune 500—and don’t need to pay Fortune 500 prices
✅ Cultural and team fit are paramount—you want to see the executive in action before committing
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely. Many companies use Go Fractional and other search firms for different needs:
- Immediate coverage: Engage a Go Fractional interim executive while True Search runs a permanent search
- Different models: Use True Search for permanent C-suite hires and Go Fractional for fractional functional leadership
- Risk mitigation: Use Go Fractional’s interim-to-full-time model as an alternative to traditional search—if the interim executive works out, you’ve found your permanent hire faster and with less risk
The approaches can complement each other effectively.
Client Success Story: Just Salad
The Challenge: Just Salad, a fast-growing restaurant chain, needed experienced technology leadership to modernize their tech stack and scale operations—but didn’t need a full-time CTO.
The Go Fractional Solution: Just Salad engaged a fractional CTO through Go Fractional who brought experience from high-growth tech companies.
The Outcome: The fractional CTO helped modernize their technology infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and set the foundation for continued growth—all at a fraction of full-time cost.
Why It Worked: A traditional search firm would have pushed for full-time placement. Go Fractional understood that fractional leadership was the right fit for Just Salad’s stage and needs.
The Bottom Line
True Search is a modern, technology-forward executive search firm with strong capabilities across retained search, interim placements, and leadership services. For companies seeking a tech-enabled approach to permanent executive hiring with faster timelines than traditional firms, True Search delivers.
Go Fractional offers a specialized alternative built specifically for fractional and interim executive leadership. Our model—with the ability to “try before you buy”—is ideal for companies that need leadership now, want to validate fit before committing, or need the flexibility of true fractional arrangements.
The Decision Framework: - If you need a permanent executive and want technology-enhanced retained search → True Search may be appropriate - If you need leadership in days, want fractional flexibility, or want to de-risk your hire → Go Fractional is the smarter choice
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Go Fractional’s pricing compare to True Search?
True Search charges retained search fees of 25-33% of first-year salary. Go Fractional has no placement fees—you pay only for the executive’s engagement time, typically at ~50% of full-time cost for fractional arrangements.
Can Go Fractional help with full-time executive hiring?
Yes. While we specialize in fractional and interim placements, many engagements convert to full-time. Our “try before you buy” model is actually one of the best paths to a successful permanent hire—you validate fit with real work before committing.
What types of executives does Go Fractional place?
We place VP to C-suite executives across all functions: CTO, COO, CMO, CFO, CRO, CPO, CHRO, CIO, CISO, and more. Our network includes 10,000+ multi-exit entrepreneurs and former C-suite leaders.
How quickly can Go Fractional find an executive?
We typically match companies with pre-vetted executives within 3 days. Because our talent pool consists of executives actively seeking fractional and interim work, there’s no lengthy sourcing process.
How does TrueBridge compare to Go Fractional?
TrueBridge is True Platform’s interim/fractional practice, while Go Fractional is 100% focused on fractional and interim executives. Go Fractional’s entire model—talent pool, processes, expertise—is optimized for flexible executive engagements.
What if the fractional executive doesn’t work out?
That’s one of the key advantages of the fractional model—if it’s not a fit, you can adjust or end the engagement without the cost and complexity of terminating a full-time executive. There’s no severance and no $500K mistake. Plus, Go Fractional can replace your fractional executive in as little as 3 days at no additional cost—try doing that with a traditional search firm.
Ready to Get Started?
Skip the lengthy search and placement fees. Get matched with a pre-vetted fractional or interim executive in as little as 3 days.
Go Fractional: Fractional Talent, Full-Time Impact.
