Seeking a Software Partner?
Last year, I launched my own solo software studio, M7, driven by a desire to simplify the often complex and stressful experiences encountered when working with agencies.
I've witnessed firsthand how agencies provide vague and unreliable estimates, exceed budgets, miss deadlines, and strain resources. Worst of all, clients may still end up dissatisfied with the final product. 😕
I offer a weekly or monthly retainer, providing clarity and predictability without unexpected surprises. No contracts. Pay weekly, monthly, and cancel anytime.
Currently, I'm offering free consultations for e-commerce (Shopify) shops and startup founders. Reach out to me here or visit https://www.m7studio.co/
Together, I know for a fact that we can create something great. 🌟
I am interested in your service.
Why should a founder look for an agency instead of a co-founder?
Also "should" is a strong word, it really depends on the circumstances. I'm a good fit for bootstrappers , or startups that have received pre-seed funding, or even as additional help to a technical co-founder. I'll never knock having a trust-worthy and reliable technical co-founder!
Great question! In the early stages, it may be more cost-effective than offering equity to a co-founder. With the retainer model, you could have a MVP developed in a couple of months for about $10K, which is incredibly helpful during funding rounds. Start-ups I've worked with in the past usually have a couple of co-founders, but neither of them is technical. I've seen startup cohorts burn through an insane amount of money on development, which has been disheartening. Additionally, this 'studio' is working directly with me. I have a network of creatives and developers I can pull in at any time for other services, but they aren't full-time employees, which allows me to keep things cost-effective.
Good luck with your agency, but it will be a miracle if you find a customer here even if it is for free.
Why do you think so?
as @msaavedra already mentioned, "most people here are looking for co-founders", but as far as the technical side of things, most people are thinking that they will find someone to build them an MVP and they will use that to get funding.
but quickly realize that the tech people willing to work on "let's build it and will see" , can't actually build anything, and the more capable developers lose interest fast (usually after the first meeting)
Why the capable tech people lose interest?
Can't speak for petrovn, but I would imagine most people here are looking for co-founders and likely lack funds. Wasn't anticipating much traction here but I've been a long-time lurker and figured why not? :)
you definitely lost 99% of the audience after mentioning real money, you lost the chance to get 3% of a lot of $500M startups that is on the idea stage :)
Appreciate the concern, but I've already successfully worked with several startups using this model. With one in particular, we continued the relationship for 7 months until I took a more permanent role involving equity. We built off the original application I created, and now we have paying customers :-) for reference I started this studio only a year and a half ago!
When a founder is delegating such an important role, what concerns do they express?
Based on your past experience with startups you worked with
If you approach 100 startups, how many of them will be your client?