OAK'S LAB is a product, software engineering, and AI partner for high-growth companies. Founded in 2016 by Czech-American brothers Jake and Theo Dluhy-Smith and based on Prague's Old Town Square, we bridge American tech entrepreneurship with elite Czech engineering. We work with CTOs and CPOs as an embedded extension of their product teams, not a generic dev shop or staff-aug vendor.
What we do:
Product Discovery & Design — a clear product North Star from market and user insight, prototypes validated with real users, focused roadmaps.
Custom Software Development — scalable web and mobile apps with modern technologies, strong engineering standards, and long-term maintainability.
AI & Agentic Systems — AI-powered features and agentic workflows that automate complex tasks, improve decisions, and deliver real user value.
We specialize in finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, and education, where domain depth and compliance-ready engineering are decisive. Embed our senior people into your team, or hand us end-to-end discovery and delivery. AI is native to how we build.
Track record: 65+ products shipped, 40+ startups whose teams have raised over $1.3B in venture capital, a 5.0/5.0 rating across 32+ reviews, ISO 27001 certified, and ranked the #1 custom software development company in the Czech Republic.
Notable clients:
Blackpoint Cyber — Series C, $201.4M — Cybersecurity
Blue Owl Capital — Post IPO, $3.6B — Financial Services
Capital Markets Gateway — Series C, $69.1M — Financial Services
Nasdaq Private Market — Series C, $143.9M — Financial Services
OAKS LAB offers good value for cost, with clients noting their pricing fits budgets and aligns with project quality. Investments range from $200,000 to over $1 million, reflecting their capacity to handle diverse project scales while maintaining high standards in delivery and project management.
OAKS LAB is noted for their commitment to acting as a true partner, rather than just a service provider. They engage deeply with client projects, often suggesting improvements and aligning with client goals and values.
Room for Improvement in Direct Communication
Some clients suggest that OAKS LAB could improve by being more direct and clear about missing requirements and fostering discussions on trade-offs earlier in the process.
Commitment to Security and Compliance
OAKS LAB's focus on security and compliance, particularly in projects involving sensitive data, is well-regarded. Clients note their expertise in adhering to standards like GDPR.
Proficiency in Diverse Technological Solutions
OAKS LAB is praised for their expertise in a wide range of technologies, including React, Node.js, AI, and ML. Their ability to handle complex integrations and deliver scalable, secure platforms is frequently highlighted by clients across various industries.
Client-Centric and Solution-Oriented
Clients appreciate OAKS LAB's solution-oriented approach, where they proactively address challenges and provide strategic insights that align with business goals.
Cultural and Value Alignment
Many clients choose OAKS LAB due to cultural fit and aligned company values, which enhances collaboration and trust. Their team is described as passionate, professional, and dedicated.
Custom Software Development for Retail Engagement Platform
Featured Review
Custom Software Development
KotlinNodeJSOther frameworks and CMSSQLReact
Confidential
Dec. 2025 - Apr. 2026
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"The handoff at the end of the engagement was polished and complete."
Apr 15, 2026
Senior Engineering Director, Swiftly
Aaron Held
Verified
Retail
South San Francisco, California
201-500 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB provided CMS development for a retail engagement platform. The team federated and customized content across retailers and rebuilt the core CMS for recipes using React, Node.js, SQL, and Kotlin.
OAKS LAB improved customer satisfaction, delivered on time, and created a CMS that met the needs. The team was skilled and pleasant to work with. Their project management extended beyond the core work they performed to support overall delivery. The client wants to continue to work with them.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the senior engineering director of Swiftly, a digital platform for brick-and-mortar retailers to modernize shopper engagement, run retail media networks, and measure marketing ROI through unified data, omnichannel campaigns, and closed-loop analytics.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with OAKS LAB?
We needed to onboard a large number of new customers quickly, and they had new requirements for our platform. We engaged OAKS LAB to deliver CMS updates and contribute to the overall project.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
OAKS LAB brought in highly skilled developers and a product manager. They met directly with key stakeholders and worked with a Swiftly engineer to improve how our content system uniquely federates and customizes content across retailers. We have customers who manage multiple retailer store brands, and our CMS had to adapt to the RBAC and content needs for this project.
Additionally, OAKS LAB completely rebuilt our core CMS for recipes. They did full stack development, including the React frontend, Node.js backend, and SQL store. They also integrated and modified core Kotlin microservices like our Federated Content Service, which connects to multiple sources.
What is the team composition?
We worked with 2–5 teammates from OAKS LAB.
How did you come to work with OAKS LAB?
We found them through a referral. We chose them over other options because they had high ratings, a great culture fit, good value for cost, and aligned company values.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together from December 2025–April 2026.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
OAKS LAB improved customer satisfaction, delivered on time for the first cohort of customers, and created a CMS that met our new needs. The Phase 1 launch of the project hit our projected date and budget.
How did OAKS LAB perform from a project management standpoint?
OAKS LAB delivered on time. Their project management extended beyond just the core work they engaged in to help with the overall delivery. We communicated via virtual meetings.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Every single member of the Swiftly team who interacted with OAKS LAB, from business to engineering, found them highly skilled and pleasant to work with. We all want to continue to engage with OAKS LAB on future work.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Nothing comes to mind. The handoff at the end of the engagement was polished and complete.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Staff Augmentation for IT Company
Custom Software Development
Other app platform
Confidential
June 2026 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"The quality of OAKS LAB's team is incredibly high."
Oct 22, 2026
CEO, StickyHealth
Steve Thompson
Verified
Information technology
Seattle, Washington
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB provides staff augmentation services for an IT company. They have developed and deployed a brand-new mobile app, management console, AI intelligence model, server backend, and customer implementations.
OAKS LAB has hit every delivery milestone with high-quality outputs. The client has launched two new products and dozens of feature updates on time. OAKS LAB has delivered everything on time. The client communicates with them via virtual meetings, emails, and messaging apps.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the CEO of StickyHealth, an SaaS company. We provide a platform for wellness brands and clinics to monitor patient behavior between visits, enabling early intervention, improved retention, and actionable insights to boost customer engagement and revenue.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with OAKS LAB?
We needed help with a non-traditional project. Our initial goal was to augment our staff to expedite product development. Now, it has shifted to owning the entire technology stack.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
OAKS LAB has developed and deployed a brand-new mobile app, management console, AI intelligence model, server backend, and customer implementations.
What is the team composition?
We work with 2–5 teammates from OAKS LAB.
How did you come to work with OAKS LAB?
I found OAKS LAB through an online search and verified them through Clutch. I had worked with them in the past with great success. We chose them over other options because they had high ratings, their pricing fit our budget, they had a great culture fit, and their company values aligned with ours.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in June 2026, and our engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We've hit every delivery milestone with high-quality outputs. We've launched two new products and dozens of feature updates on time. We're launching a new company, and OAKS LAB is an integral partner in our growth. Everything they've developed has been very high quality, with very few bugs. What I appreciate most about them is that they come up with a more technically sound and better product than I envisioned.
How did OAKS LAB perform from a project management standpoint?
OAKS LAB has delivered everything on time. We communicate via virtual meetings, emails, and messaging apps.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The quality of OAKS LAB's team is incredibly high.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I don't think there's anything they can improve on.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Custom Software Development for Education Company
Application Management & SupportApplication TestingCustom Software Development
Automation TestingManual Testing
Confidential
Mar. 2026 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.5
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"OAKS LAB has a great sense of partnership."
Oct 19, 2026
VP of Engineering, Education Company
Anonymous
Verified
Education
Denver, Colorado
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB has designed and built an education company's marketplace, their SGO registration portal, their donation flows, and their money management system.
OAKS LAB has delivered the client's marketplace and SGO registration portal and integrated them with multiple third-party vendors. The team asks deep, pertinent questions that delve into the core domain of the client's product. OAKS LAB shows a great sense of partnership.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the VP of engineering at an education company. We provide tools for school and families for primary education.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with OAKS LAB?
We needed help designing and implementing our flagship product.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
OAKS LAB has designed and built our marketplace, our registration portal, and our money management system. The team also handles ongoing maintenance, user testing, automated testing, and integrations with third-party services.
What is the team composition?
We work with 27 teammates from OAKS LAB.
How did you come to work with OAKS LAB?
I had worked with OAKS LAB previously, so I contacted them directly for this project.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with OAKS LAB in March 2026, and our engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
OAKS LAB has delivered our marketplace and registration portal and integrated them with multiple third-party vendors, including two payment service providers. We haven’t launched our full product suite yet, but we’re hitting our internal goals and appear on track to meet our final launch.
How did OAKS LAB perform from a project management standpoint?
OAKS LAB is a great partner that treats our success as their success. The team asks deep and pertinent questions that get into the real domain of our product. OAKS LAB goes the extra mile to ensure they understand our problems, solve the correct ones, and have an attainable goal that increases our chance of success.
What did you find most impressive about them?
OAKS LAB has a great sense of partnership. They act more like internal hires than an external agency.
Are there any areas they could improve?
OAKS LAB could be more direct and clear with missing requirements and force the discussion of trade-offs.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.5
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
AI Consulting for Educational Materials Company
AI ConsultingAI Development
Chatbots & Conversational AIAI DeploymentMachine LearningNatural Language ProcessingAI Recommendation Systems
$200,000 to $999,999
Jan. 2026 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They haven’t just built to spec; they genuinely want the product to be good."
Sep 16, 2026
CEO, Exam Papers Plus
Marc Wells
Verified
Education
London, England
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB has helped an educational materials company with a full digitization of their offerings. This includes an AI/ML-led learning algorithm, an AI tutor, and AI grading.
Thanks to OAKS LAB, the client now has a working personalized learning path engine and AI marking in production. The engagement has already brought operational impact, including automated open-response marking and a learning path engine that improves with every user.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CEO of Exam Papers Plus, a company that produces and distributes educational materials for high-stake exams, including mock papers and supporting learning materials.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire OAKS LAB to accomplish for Exam Papers Plus?
We commissioned OAKS LAB to help with a company-wide digitization of our offering, including the launch of an AI/ML-led learning algorithm to create personalized learning paths, an AI tutor, and AI grading.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
OAKS LAB has covered discovery, architecture, design, and build across the project. The main deliverables have been the ML learning path engine (diagnostic baselining, learner profiling, and adaptive question selection), the AI tutor, the AI marking system for open-response questions against an authored rubric, the new marking site, and the backend content tool that holds our question taxonomy and metadata. They’ve also produced the underlying AI/ML research and documentation that we’re now using as the basis for the next phase of the platform.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with 6-10 teammates from OAKS LAB.
How did you come to work with OAKS LAB?
We found them through a referral. We chose them over other options because they had high ratings, a great culture fit, good value for cost, and company values aligned with ours.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent around $200,000 to $999,999.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in January 2026, and our engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The clearest outcome is that we now have a working personalized learning path engine and AI marking in production, which we didn’t have before. Open-response marking that used to be manual is now automated, and the backend tool has given us a single source of truth for 50,000 questions with full taxonomy and metadata. This allows us to adapt in real-time to exam changes and output content in days when it used to take months. Just as importantly, the research and architecture work they did is the foundation for the next phase of the platform. We’re still early in the rollout, so the engagement data is limited, but the operational impact is already clear: automated open-response marking, a single source of truth for our content, and a learning path engine that’s live and improving with every learner. I’d estimate the marking effort is down by more than half, and the content team has saved several hours a week on admin. The main benefit is that both now scale without extra headcount.
How did OAKS LAB perform from a project management standpoint?
They’ve run the project well, kept us informed throughout, and we launched within two days of the agreed date and on budget. For a project of this scope, that’s about as good as it gets.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Their work ethic and how much they care about quality. They haven’t just built to spec; they genuinely want the product to be good and have pushed back when something could be better. Their company values are also a close match to ours, which has made them feel like part of the team rather than an outside agency.
Are there any areas they could improve?
As with any project of this size, there have been challenges along the way, but there’s nothing major I’d point to as something they should have done differently. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but the fact is we’ve delivered what was agreed, on time and to budget, and that’s what matters.
RATINGS
5.0
"Excellent partner, would recommend"
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"High quality, well built"
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"On time, on budget"
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"Great value for money"
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"Already have, without hesitation
Full-Stack Engineering & AI Systems for B2B Booking Engine
AI DevelopmentCustom Software DevelopmentUX/UI Design
$200,000 to $999,999
Jan. 2026 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They were sensational in every aspect."
Sep 4, 2026
Founding Partner, Staydium Travel
Anonymous
Verified
Sports
Great Neck, New York
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB provides UI/UX design and AI and software engineering services for a B2B booking engine. The team has conducted product discovery workshops, created user journey maps, and developed a full stack app.
OAKS LAB has enabled zero-customer-acquisition-cost growth and helped the client close major partnership deals. The team has shipped a production-ready app on time and within budget. They've been proactive, accommodating, and professional. Moreover, they've gone above and beyond the scope.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Founding Partner of Staydium Travel
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
OTA specializing in sports and entertainment travel
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire OAKS LAB to accomplish?
Deliver a premium UI/UX design that instills user confidence when purchasing high-end travel packages.
Conduct targeted product discovery workshops to align business vision with target user needs, creating frictionless user journeys that maximize conversion.
Conduct targeted product discovery workshops to align business vision with target user needs, creating frictionless user journeys that maximize conversion.
Evolve Staydium Travel’s existing booking engine into an enterprise-ready white-label solution to help them win partnerships with top European sports leagues, music partners, and trade show organizers.
Develop a high-performing React & Node.js application that connects seamlessly to Staydium’s backend and third-party ticketing, flight, and hotel APIs.
Implement a flexible Content Management System so Staydium and their B2B partners can launch and customize white-label instances without engineering involvement.
SOLUTION
How did you find OAKS LAB?
Online Search
Why did you select OAKS LAB over others?
High ratings
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
Company values aligned
Phenomenal company to work with from ownership down
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Key Metrics:
Expand revenue potential by converting standalone $150 ticket transactions into high- margin $1,500 to $10,000+ comprehensive travel packages.
Enable zero-CAC growth by leveraging partner fan bases to drive directly to the co- branded booking engine.
Position Staydium to close major partnership deals across sports, music, and corporate event verticals with top-tier partners.
Ship a production-ready application within a short timeline and on budget.
Project Description: OAK’S LAB deployed a cross-functional, autonomous team to own the end-to-end product discovery, UI/UX design, and software engineering of Staydium Travel’s white-label platform. Key project areas include:
Product Discovery and Strategy: Leading discovery workshops, defining the Product North Star Map, and mapping user flows.
UI/UX Design: Executing user journey mapping and crafting high-fidelity Figma prototypes optimized for high-value conversion.
Software Development: Deploying an autonomous team to engineer a scalable full-stack app using React, Next.js, Node.js, and GCP.
Systems Architecture and Integrations: Architecting a scalable application ready to handle millions of users and integrating the application with key third-party partners.
AI and Agentic Systems: Implementing LLM agents, custom RAG, and automated workflows to accelerate delivery and implement AI features within the product.
Content Management System: Developing a drag-and-drop WYSIWYG system for custom layouts and branding per deployment.
QA and Delivery: Authoring test cases, running UAT, managing deployment, and preparing comprehensive technical documentation.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Enable zero-CAC growth by leveraging partner fan bases to drive directly to the co-branded booking engine.
Position Staydium to close major partnership deals across sports, music, and corporate event verticals with top-tier partners.
Ship a production-ready application within a short timeline and on budget.
Expand revenue potential by converting standalone $150 ticket transactions into high-margin $1,500 to $10,000+ comprehensive travel packages.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
They were sensational in every aspect - all deadlines were met or ahead of schedule, incredibly accommodating to our needs and delivered above and beyond what they were obliged to do
What was your primary form of communication with OAKS LAB?
In-Person Meeting
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Their expertize and resources
Their understanding of what we are trying to achieve and the solutions they have offered
Proactive
Always accessible and available
Incredibly accomodating
The epitome of integrity and professionalism
They radiate trust and reliability
And genuinely the nicest people to work with
Are there any areas for improvement or something OAKS LAB could have done differently?
No
RATINGS
5.0
"After one meeting I knew we had found the right partner to deliver our project"
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Software Dev & UX/UI Design for Health Infrastructure Co
Custom Software DevelopmentUX/UI Design
Other app platformUX Strategy
Confidential
May 2025 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
4.0
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"They've met every deadline and solved problems proactively without needing direct guidance."
Feb 11, 2026
CPO, OpenLoop Health
Steve Thompson
Verified
Medical
Des Moines, Iowa
201-500 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB has developed and designed new software for a digital health infrastructure company. The team's solutions offer end-to-end virtual care solutions, including clinical operations, billing, and AI tools.
OAKS LAB has delivered solutions that have improved patient onboarding, retention, and clinical productivity for the client. The team has demonstrated outstanding project management skills throughout the engagement. OAKS LAB is highly professional, results-oriented, and incredibly intelligent.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the CPO of OpenLoop Health. We provide white-label digital health infrastructure, offering end-to-end virtual care solutions — including clinical operations, billing, pharmacy, diagnostics, and AI tools — to help organizations easily launch and scale branded telehealth services.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire OAKS LAB to accomplish for your virtual care solutions?
We initially hired OAKS LAB for a patient intake project.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
OAKS LAB has built standalone extensions and user experiences for our platform. Their work has contributed to patient experience, clinical operations, fulfillment, and billing.
What is the team composition?
We’ve worked with 20 teammates from OAKS LAB.
How did you come to work with OAKS LAB?
We found them through an online search and the Clutch site. We chose them over other options because they had high ratings, their pricing fit our budget, and they were a great culture fit.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in May 2025, and our engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’ve been so impressed with OAKS LAB’s team that we’ve quickly assigned them more work. They operate as an extension of our own team. They’ve delivered brand-new applications that have improved patient onboarding, retention, and clinical productivity. Our customers have been very pleased with the flexibility and customization of the application.
How did OAKS LAB perform from a project management standpoint?
OAKS LAB has outstanding project management. They’re incredibly transparent, and all deliverables have happened on time. We communicate via virtual meetings, emails, and messaging apps.
What did you find most impressive about them?
OAKS LAB has collaborated incredibly well with stakeholders across the business. They’ve met every deadline and solved problems proactively without needing direct guidance. Their team is highly professional, results-oriented, and incredibly intelligent. They often bring opportunities for improvement to the table that we hadn’t foreseen. They’ve quickly dug in and understood our business and the larger industry, enabling them to deliver a highly technical product that exceeds expectations.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
4.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Mobile App Dev & UX/UI Design for Staffing & Recruitment Co
Mobile App DevelopmentUX/UI Design
$200,000 to $999,999
Jan. - Aug. 2025
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"I am extremely satisfied with OAKS LAB's work and look forward to collaborating on future projects."
Aug 25, 2025
Managing Partner, London Approach
Keli Price
Verified
Other industries
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
51-200 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB provided UX/UI design and development services for a staffing and recruitment company. The team was responsible for creating and building a mobile app for the client.
OAKS LAB delivered an app that exceeded the client's expectations. The team was professional, creative, and technically skilled, provided timely deliverables, and offered innovative solutions throughout the engagement. OAKS LAB ensured seamless communication and was attentive to the client's needs.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Managing Partner of London Approach
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Staffing & Recruitment
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire OAKS LAB to accomplish?
Build an APP
SOLUTION
How did you find OAKS LAB?
Referral
Why did you select OAKS LAB over others?
Great culture fit
Referred to me
How many teammates from OAKS LAB were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
We had an excellent experience working with OAKS LAB on the development of our app for London Approach. Their team demonstrated exceptional professionalism, creativity, and technical expertise throughout the project. They were highly attentive to our needs, offering innovative solutions and ensuring seamless communication every step of the way.
I want to especially mention Ugur, Vilem, Eva, and Jake for their outstanding contributions and dedication. Vilem and Ugur were incredibly patient throughout the entire project, which I greatly appreciated. Eva is the brains behind the stunning visual design, surpassing our expectations, while Jake is a hands-on business owner who genuinely cares about all his clients. They were all extremely professional, fun to work with, and trustworthy.
They went above and beyond to deliver a product that truly captures our vision. The project was completed on time and within budget, highlighting their efficiency and reliability. The final product exceeded our expectations in terms of quality, usability, and design. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with OAKS LAB's work and look forward to collaborating on future projects.
I highly recommend OAKS LAB to any company seeking talented, dependable app developers. An easy 10/10!
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
On time!
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Exceptional!
What was your primary form of communication with OAKS LAB?
Virtual Meeting
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
Their employees and talent
Are there any areas for improvement or something OAKS LAB could have done differently?
I wish we could have met everyone in person, either here or there but we will next project!
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Market Research, Mobile App Dev & Design for FinTech Company
Market ResearchMobile App DevelopmentUX/UI Design
UX StrategyFinancial Mobile App DevelopmentConsumer Mobile App Development
Confidential
Dec. 2024 - July 2025
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"What makes Oak's Lab uniquely impressive isn’t just their process, it’s the amazing people they hire."
Mar 11, 2025
President & CEO, Shark Financial Technologies
William Walls
Verified
Financial services
Dallas, Texas
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB provides market research, business development, development, and design services for a fintech company. The team is responsible for building the client's mobile app.
OAKS LAB's meticulous development process has received positive feedback from the client. The team has been responsive to the client's needs and has quickly adapted to their evolving needs and updates throughout the engagement. Moreover, OAKS LAB's team and expectation management set them apart.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the President & CEO of Shark Financial Technologies
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Shark Financial Technologies is a United States-based FinTech enterprise that utilizes cutting-edge AI and Blockchain-enabled technology to empower consumers by combining and managing their credit cards, rewards programs, digital wallets, and personal finance into a single phone application. Through our proprietary software, we leverage the full potential of client credit cards and digital wallets by intelligently selecting the ideal credit card, rewards program, gift card, or crypto-currency for any given purchase. This allows our customers to maximize rewards and manage their finances securely and in real time.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire OAKS LAB to accomplish?
Business Development
Mobile Application Development
Market Research
SOLUTION
How did you find OAKS LAB?
Referral
Why did you select OAKS LAB over others?
High ratings
Pricing fit our budget
Great culture fit
Good value for cost
Referred to me
Company values aligned
How many teammates from OAKS LAB were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Between January 20, 2025, and June 19, 2025, Oak's Lab will provide personnel as outlined in the section below on a time and materials basis to design, architect, and program new features (the “Deliverables”) for the Shark Financial Technologies Platform. The Deliverables will be defined through Epics and Stories, documentation, and conversations. Developer personnel shall be deployed in key roles to facilitate agreed-upon outcomes.
The Developer’s personnel consisting of the roles named below, will work together with the Client towards the development of these deliverables for an initial period of 5 months, as may be extended by mutual agreement in writing.
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
As a customer working with Oak's Lab, I’ve been blown away by how they keep our project on track and thriving through constant input, feedback loops, and top-notch quality assurance—all tied to clear, measurable results. From the very start, Oak's Lab makes us feel like true partners. They’re always asking for our input through regular check-ins, workshops, and open communication, ensuring they really get our vision and goals. It’s not a one-and-done thing either—they keep checking in as things evolve, adapting the project to fit our needs perfectly. It’s reassuring to see how flexible and responsive they are. The way they handle feedback is just as impressive. After every milestone, they show us prototypes or updates and genuinely want to hear what we think. They take our comments, tweak things fast, and come back with something even better. It’s like a constant conversation that keeps everything moving in the right direction without wasting time. Then there’s their quality assurance—it’s next-level. Their internal team tests everything thoroughly, from how it works to how it feels, making sure it’s rock-solid before we even see it. They’ve even brought in outside testers when needed, which gives us confidence that no stone’s left unturned. It’s clear that as a company they’re obsessed with getting it right. What I love most is how they tie it all to measurable outcomes. They set up specific goals with us upfront—like what specific functionalities the MVP will focus on, and what our users are liking, opening, or focusing on—and then track those numbers every step of the way. We get regular updates showing exactly how we’re doing, which makes it easy to see the value they’re delivering. Working with Oak's Lab feels like having a team that’s as invested in our success as we are. Their process—built on our input, sharpened by feedback, and backed by serious QA—turns our ideas into something real, successful, and measurable. It’s been a game-changer for us!
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
As the CEO of a FinTech startup, I’ve been genuinely impressed by Oak's Lab Digital’s project management skills—they’ve mastered the art of delivering on time while staying incredibly responsive to our needs and project updates. Their secret? A seamless blend of collaboration, adaptability, and disciplined execution that keeps everything humming along. Right from the kickoff, Oak's Lab pulls us into the process, asking for our input at every turn through regular meetings, detailed discussions, and open lines of communication. They don’t just listen—they act on it, making sure the project stays laser-focused on what we need, even as those needs shift. It’s like they have a sixth sense for anticipating our updates and adjusting timelines and priorities without missing a beat. Their feedback system is a big part of why they stay so on top of things. After every phase, they bring us into the loop with demos or progress reports, soaking up our thoughts and turning them into action fast. It’s not just talk—those quick feedback cycles mean they’re constantly refining the plan, keeping the project on course and on schedule. We never feel left in the dark or stuck waiting, if anything we are always trying to catch up to them. And their quality control? It’s a powerhouse that keeps deadlines intact. Their internal team runs exhaustive checks on every deliverable—functionality, performance, you name it—catching issues before they slow us down. They even tap external resources when it makes sense, ensuring what they hand over is polished and ready. That rigor means no last-minute scrambles; they deliver what they promise when they promise it. What ties it all together is how they track progress with clear, measurable goals—like hitting launch dates or nailing specific performance targets. They set these up with us early on and keep us posted with updates that show exactly where we stand. It’s not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about delivering something that works for us, every time. Oak's Lab’s project management feels like a well-oiled machine—responsive, proactive, and built around us. They don’t just hit deadlines; they adapt to our evolving needs and updates with ease, making sure every milestone lands right on time and exceeds expectations. It’s a level of reliability and care that’s tough to beat.
What was your primary form of communication with OAKS LAB?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
What makes Oak's Lab Digital uniquely impressive isn’t just their process, it’s the amazing people they hire. I must have gone through ten different tech development companies before landing on Oak's Lab, and that decision wasn’t made lightly. It came with a glowing personal referral from someone on my team I trust implicitly, and now I see why. They’ve got a team of superior talent that sets them apart, consistently under-promising and over-delivering with a product that’s nothing short of exceptional. After cycling through so many firms—some decent, others a total letdown—I was skeptical about finding the right fit. But that referral from my trusted teammate changed everything. From our first interaction with Oak's Lab, you could feel the difference. Their developers, designers, and project managers aren’t just skilled—they’re passionate, creative, and razor-sharp. They don’t just check boxes; they dig in, ask brilliant questions, and bring ideas we hadn’t even dreamed of. It’s obvious Oak's Lab doesn’t settle for average; they hire the best, and it shows. What’s incredible is how they handle expectations. They don’t oversell or make flashy promises—they set a bar that feels reasonable, almost understated, and have reasons for their decisions backed by logic and market research. Then their team of rockstars goes to work, quietly building something far beyond what we anticipated. They’re not tossing out generic solutions; they’re crafting a superior product, designed and built with a level of care and expertise that’s rare. It’s like they’ve assembled a crew of overachievers who can’t help but outdo themselves. Their designers create interfaces that aren’t just beautiful but intuitive and perfectly tailored to our customer. The developers write code that’s rock-solid and forward-thinking, solving problems we didn’t even see coming. And the project managers tie it all together with precision and foresight that keeps everything on the rails. It’s a dream team, plain and simple. After ten false starts with other companies, Oak's Lab—backed by that personal referral I couldn’t ignore—proved to be the real deal. Their superior people deliver a superior product, turning modest promises into spectacular results. Working with them feels like striking gold after a long search, and I’m so glad we trusted that recommendation.
Are there any areas for improvement or something OAKS LAB could have done differently?
When it comes to areas of improvement or things Oak's Lab could do differently, I’ve honestly racked my brain trying to come up with something—anything—but I’m drawing a blank. Our relationship with them is still ongoing, and so far, I’m nothing but impressed with every aspect of how they operate. It’s rare to work with a team that leaves you struggling to find even a minor critique, but that’s exactly where I am with Oak's Lab. From the start, they’ve been a breath of fresh air—responsive, talented, and totally in sync with our needs. I’ve tried to think of ways they could tweak their process, communication, or delivery, but everything they do feels so dialed in. Maybe it’s too early to say they’re perfect since we’re still mid-journey together, but I haven’t hit a single bump worth mentioning. Their team keeps us looped in, delivers beyond what they promise, and handles every curveball we throw with ease. If I had to stretch for something, I suppose I could say, “Keep doing what you’re doing”—but that’s not exactly constructive feedback. Truth is, I’m so thrilled with how things are going that I can’t pinpoint a single area where they’re falling short. Our project’s still unfolding, and I’m excited to see where it takes us, but as of now, Oak's Lab has set a bar so high I’m just sitting back, amazed at how flawless this partnership feels.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"Already have
Custom Software Dev & UX/UI Design for Warranty Solutions Co
Custom Software DevelopmentUX/UI Design
Usability TestingNodeJSReact
$200,000 to $999,999
July 2021 - Apr. 2022
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“OAKS LAB was a competent outsourced partner.”
Feb 4, 2025
Co-Founder & CEO, Cuvrd
Matthew Crisp
Verified
Other industries
Braintree, Massachusetts
11-50 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
OAKS LAB developed a custom software solution for a warranty solutions company. The team designed the software's UX/UI, built it using React.js and Node.js, and conducted testing.
OAKS LAB delivered a functional, scalable platform on time that helped the client grow their customer base. The team held weekly progress meetings, managed the project using Slack and Figma, and demonstrated a solution-oriented approach. Their technical knowledge impressed the client.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the co-founder and CEO of Cuvrd, a warranty solutions company.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with OAKS LAB?
We needed a custom software solution. My co-founder and CTO knew what we wanted and how to build part of it, but he didn’t have the development experience for other parts of the platform. That’s where we leaned on OAKS LAB.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
OAKS LAB developed a custom software solution for us using React.js and Node.js. I discussed what we needed with them, and they put together a development plan. They brought in developers to write the code and designers to create the UX/UI design. After that, we went through a testing period to ensure the platform was intuitive for users. The team also added new functionalities based on market feedback.
What is the team composition?
We worked with 9–12 people at any given time, including the product manager, designers, developers, and our lead engineer. The team flexed up and down depending on the project phase. For example, if we were doing a lot of backend development work, there were more engineers and fewer designers. As soon as we started to work on the UX/UI, more designers were involved.
How did you come to work with OAKS LAB?
Another CEO friend referred me to OAKS LAB, which he had used to build software for his company.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent around $600,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together from Summer 2021 to Q2 2022. It was a 9-month project.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
OAKS LAB enabled us to grow our customer base the way we wanted. The platform worked flawlessly, and we had no problems with it. OAKS LAB used cutting-edge technologies, so we got a very scalable system, which was important for our business.
How did OAKS LAB perform from a project management standpoint?
OAKS LAB did a great job. It was like having a team of people that I didn’t have to manage. They knew what they needed to do and were on top of everything. The team communicated very well and was always on time. They were very thoughtful about the approaches they took.
When there were problems that they foresaw, they didn’t just come to me with a problem. Instead, they presented the problem and 2–3 ways to solve it. Then, they made a recommendation for how to solve it. Overall, they helped us solve problems throughout the journey.
We had weekly meetings to discuss the updates and changes that needed to be made. The development process was very efficient, and I didn’t feel like there was a lot of wasted time. Everybody moved things forward quickly. We used Slack and Figma for communication and project management.
What did you find most impressive about them?
The whole team was excellent. OAKS LAB was a competent outsourced partner. Our CTO was very impressed with their knowledge of languages, approaches, and techniques.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, we had a great experience.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
If you have a clear concept of what you’re trying to do, you can hand it off to them, and they can build it for you. It gives you a lot of leverage when you’re trying to build things quickly but don’t have the technical resources in-house.
RATINGS
5.0
"It was a great experience."
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Custom Product Design & Dev for Productivity Solutions Co
"What I found most impressive about OAKS LAB was their ability to be a thought partner."
Nov 25, 2024
Founder & CEO, Productivity Solutions Company
Anonymous
Verified
Other industries
Chicago, Illinois
Online Review
Verified
OAKS LAB provided product design and development services for a productivity solutions company. OAKS LAB developed an MVP of the client's product and assisted in interviewing potential beta users.
OAKS LAB successfully completed the MVP, and the client had five firms and beta users using their software. The team was an impressive thought partner and amazing at writing code. OAKS LAB delivered work on time and communicated effectively about the delays and the new timelines.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and position.
I am the Founder & CEO of a productivity solutions company.
Describe what your company does in a single sentence.
Our company offers advanced productivity solutions for investment banks, streamlining bespoke content creation, key workflows, and communication.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What specific goals or objectives did you hire OAKS LAB to accomplish?
The goal was the project was to build out an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).
SOLUTION
How did you find OAKS LAB?
Online Search
Clutch Site
Why did you select OAKS LAB over others?
High ratings
Great culture fit
How many teammates from OAKS LAB were assigned to this project?
6-10 Employees
Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.
Oak's Lab helped create our MVP. A lot went into the creation of our MVP, which also included assistance with interviewing potential beta users.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Upon completion of the MVP, we had 5 firms / beta users using our software. Additionally, we are in process of adding more beta users.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?
Generally speaking, Oak's Lab delivered everything on time. To the extent that there were slight delays, they communicated effectively on why the delays occurred and the new expected timeline. Overall, they overcommunicated and were splendid to work with!
What was your primary form of communication with OAKS LAB?
Virtual Meeting
Email or Messaging App
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
What I found most impressive about OAKS LAB was their ability to be a thought partner. Not only are they amazing at writing code, but they will provide perspective on potential business decisions, which I thought was very helpful!
Are there any areas for improvement or something OAKS LAB could have done differently?
Nothing partciular comes to mind. I think that they did a fantastic job and as a first-time Founder, I highly recommend them!
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.5
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Showing 1-10 of
36 Reviews
Packages we offer:
Custom Software Development Services
We deploy cross-functional product development teams consisting of Product Managers, UI/UX Designers, Tech Leads, Engineers, and QA specialists to lead and build products with the highest chance of achieving product-market fit.
We offer flexible approaches to product development, from concept to launch, tailored to different goals and budgets.
Small
Proof of Concept to quickly validate an idea
$31,100
/month
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Medium
Minimum Viable Product to demonstrate traction
$57,000
/month
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
North Star Definition
Large
Commercially Viable Product to grow revenue
$82,200
/month
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
North Star Definition
User Journey Mapping
Features
Small
$31,100
/mo
Medium
$57,000
/mo
Large
$82,200
/mo
Business Understanding
–
Competitor Analysis
–
As-Is Process Mapping
–
User Research
–
–
North Star Definition
–
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
Product Manager
Part time
Full time
Full time
UI/UX Designer
Part time
Part time
Full time
Tech Lead
Full time
Full time
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
0
Full time
Full time
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Part time
Part time
Full time
Small
$31,100
/mo
Business Understanding
–
Competitor Analysis
–
As-Is Process Mapping
–
User Research
–
North Star Definition
–
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
Product Manager
Part time
UI/UX Designer
Part time
Tech Lead
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
0
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Part time
Medium
$57,000
/mo
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
North Star Definition
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
Product Manager
Full time
UI/UX Designer
Part time
Tech Lead
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
Full time
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Part time
Large
$82,200
/mo
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
–
North Star Definition
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
Product Manager
Full time
UI/UX Designer
Full time
Tech Lead
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
Full time
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Full time
Web Development Services
We deploy cross-functional product development teams consisting of Product Managers, UI/UX Designers, Tech Leads, Engineers, and QA specialists to lead and build products with the highest chance of achieving product-market fit.
We offer flexible approaches to product development, from concept to launch, tailored to different goals and budgets.
Small
Proof of Concept to quickly validate an idea
$31,100
/month
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Medium
Minimum Viable Product to demonstrate traction
$57,000
/month
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
North Star Definition
Large
Commercially Viable Product to grow revenue
$82,200
/month
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
North Star Definition
Features
Small
$31,100
/mo
Medium
$57,000
/mo
Large
$82,200
/mo
Business Understanding
–
Competitor Analysis
–
As-Is Process Mapping
–
User Research
–
North Star Definition
–
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
part time
full time
full time
Product Manager
Part time
Full time
Full time
UI/UX Designer
Part time
Part time
Full time
Tech Lead
Full time
Full time
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
0
Full time
Full time
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Part time
Part time
Full time
Small
$31,100
/mo
Business Understanding
–
Competitor Analysis
–
As-Is Process Mapping
–
User Research
–
North Star Definition
–
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
part time
Product Manager
Part time
UI/UX Designer
Part time
Tech Lead
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
0
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Part time
Medium
$57,000
/mo
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
North Star Definition
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
full time
Product Manager
Full time
UI/UX Designer
Part time
Tech Lead
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
Full time
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Part time
Large
$82,200
/mo
Business Understanding
Competitor Analysis
As-Is Process Mapping
User Research
North Star Definition
User Journey Mapping
UI/UX Design Prototyping
Product Scoping
Tech Strategy
Roadmapping
Dual-Track Agile Product Development
Sprint Demo & Reporting
UAT & Rollout
full time
Product Manager
Full time
UI/UX Designer
Full time
Tech Lead
Full time
Software Engineer(s)
Full time
Quality Assurance Engineer(s)
Full time
Our Story
Founded in 2016 by Czech-American brothers Jake and Theo Dluhy-Smith, OAK'S LAB connects visionary US companies with elite European product development talent. Built without investor backing, we've grown into an industry-leading partner for fast-growing startups. Our mission: empower entrepreneurs to transform bold ideas into products that improve lives. With every project, our team goes all in to help clients achieve product-market fit and become market leaders.
Meet the Team
Jake Dluhy-SmithCEO & Co-Founder
Jake has led over 20 greenfield product builds for enterprises and startups. Previously COO at a global digital agency and Prague Director for Founder Institute. Active angel investor and advisor helping startups scale and achieve product-market fit.
Amber WannerHead of Partnerships
Amber brings expertise in building strategic partnerships and scaling startups. As former CEO of Vette and founder of CandiDate Philly, she built enterprise relationships and grew teams from the ground up. Now drives OAK'S LAB's partnership strategy.
Premier Verified means Clutch independently confirmed OAKS LAB is a legally registered business, financially sound (Creditsafe: Low Risk), and backed by 35 verified client reviews averaging 5.0 stars.
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