Great science, small team, no dedicated program function yet. This is usually the first stage where reporting and coordination start costing real time, and where fractional leadership is far more practical than a full-time hire.
More programs running in parallel, more stakeholders, and a board that expects a clearer picture. Governance and reporting structures that worked at seed stage usually need to be rebuilt.
Investor expectations move faster than internal process usually can. Fractional program leadership closes that gap without adding permanent headcount.
Larger organizations with a specific program in recovery, or a new initiative that needs senior coordination without pulling an existing leader off their current work.