Let's be clear - CTO stands for Chief Technology Officer. If you break the title into sections you'll have a clear picture of what that means.
Chief -> Top, big cheese, main dude (or dudette)
Technology -> Like computers and stuff
Officer -> Simple definition: "Officers are responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the corporation." You know, like making decisions and helping the company be successful.
If you fit into that description, even if you don't have that specific title, you are acting as a CTO. Lots of VPs of Engineering fit into that title. So do lots of CEOs of software companies.
Chief -> Top, big cheese, main dude (or dudette)
Technology -> Like computers and stuff
Officer -> Simple definition: "Officers are responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the corporation." You know, like making decisions and helping the company be successful.
If you fit into that description, even if you don't have that specific title, you are acting as a CTO. Lots of VPs of Engineering fit into that title. So do lots of CEOs of software companies.