awesome-cto: A Curated Resource List for Chief Technology Officers in Startups

awesome-cto: A Curated Resource List for Chief Technology Officers in Startups

Summary

The awesome-cto repository is an extensive, opinionated collection of resources specifically tailored for Chief Technology Officers and VP R&D, with a strong focus on startups and hyper-growth companies. It covers a wide array of topics crucial for tech leadership, from hiring and people management to architecture and financial planning. This list serves as an invaluable guide for current and aspiring CTOs navigating the complexities of their role.

Repository Info

Updated on October 12, 2025
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Introduction

The kuchin/awesome-cto GitHub repository is an invaluable, meticulously curated, and opinionated list of resources designed for Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and VP R&D, particularly those operating within startups and hyper-growth environments. With over 31,000 stars, this "awesome list" has become a go-to guide for tech leaders seeking insights into various aspects of their demanding role. It consolidates a wealth of knowledge, offering practical advice and links to articles, books, and other repositories on critical topics.

How to Use

As a comprehensive list of resources, awesome-cto does not require any installation. To utilize this repository, simply navigate to its GitHub page and browse the extensive README.md file. The content is organized into logical sections, making it easy to find specific information related to the CTO role, hiring, management, architecture, and more. Users can directly click on the provided links to access external articles, handbooks, and guides.

Examples

The repository is structured into numerous categories, each addressing a vital area for CTOs. For instance, the "CTO Position" section offers articles on defining the role, transitioning into it, and managing relationships with CEOs. The "Hiring" section provides essential guides on interviewing, building world-class engineering teams, and avoiding common hiring mistakes. Under "People Management," you'll find resources on team accountability, performance reviews, and fostering career growth. Furthermore, "Architecture" delves into topics like microservices, serverless architecture, and scalability, while "Startups" provides insights into fundraising, pitch decks, and general startup lessons.

Why Use awesome-cto?

awesome-cto stands out due to its curated and "opinionated" nature, meaning the resources are not just listed, but selected for their relevance and quality. It provides a centralized hub for learning and development, saving CTOs significant time in searching for reliable information. The emphasis on startups ensures that the advice is practical and applicable to fast-paced, evolving environments. Whether you're looking to refine your hiring process, improve team management, understand architectural patterns, or navigate startup finance, this repository offers a robust starting point.

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