RebelDot

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the CTO of Pivot Sports, a startup in the data analytics space with a SaaS product in the marketplace. We target sports entities and help them understand their client base through monitoring and better engaging with their users.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

We needed help with web development for our sports fan analytics tool.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our platform is web-based and has a web portal for login. I was leading the project from the technology front, and we chose some open source technology for the big data work, such as Scala and Scala for machine learning. We used C# for recording all the data, Angular for the frontend of the web portal, and different technologies such as JavaScript for the charting.

There were many challenges on both the technical and business sides. RebelDot provided us with exposure in terms of the resources that we needed and the ability to upscale or downscale based on our needs and requirements. Being flexible in that capacity gave us more options to explore new things and try new ideas without having a fixed cost base.

We had a clear idea of what we wanted to build as a product. We didn’t understand what tech stack to use, what technology processes to use, or how we would shape the team as well as the size of the team. As part of that, we did initial workshops with RebelDot so that we were clear on the requirements and team size. It gave us more flexibility to move ahead.

Initially, we worked with them to come up with a rough structure of what the framework would look like in terms of the technology stack. Following that, we decided what we wanted for each sprint.

What is the team composition?

We worked with three or four people to begin with, with as many five or six at some points. We are now working with a team of two people with the option to scale up when needed.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

We wanted someone who would be actively involved in the process and product design, as well as the product roadmap. We also wanted someone who would take a keen interest in understanding the successes and failures of our company. We wanted to make sure they were in the same time zone, that they understood the terminology we were using, and that they were in tune on the business side of things. Those expectations made us choose RebelDot.

How much have you invested in them?

We have spent around £350,000 Pounds (Approximately $432,824 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with them in April 2017 and the engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Some of their resources were really exceptional. They participated in the whole process, were very responsive to any problems, and were also dedicated to the solution. On top of that, they have a commitment and honesty towards their work beyond anything I’ve seen before.

We work closely with them as a tech partner rather than a third-party vendor, and we lead most of the initiatives. Our time investment was mainly ensuring that there was a need in the market for what we were building and that the market was ready for it, especially as we were targeting sports entities. They aren’t on the forefront when it comes to digital awareness.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

We worked in agile methodology, where we had two-week sprints. We had a daily standup meeting and communicated through Skype, Slack, email, and phone calls.

I visited RebelDot every couple of months and I’ve had good interactions with the team. I treated the team as if they were my own internal team. I got to know the people working there, which was good. With other teams, there were some delays with the product design or wireframes, whereas RebelDot was always spot on. They were very proactive in understanding what could be done. From that point of view, I was very impressed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They are a specialist boutique of resources. They are not built like major firms, but they have special skills they can bring to the table. They are more focused and provide more value for your money compared to other outsourced firms. They are a bit pricey, but when you compare that to what they give you, it balances out. I generally had a very good experience working with them and would recommend them to anyone.

Are there any areas they could improve?

It would be good if they had more medium-to-senior resources within the team so that the output doesn’t slow down.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Visit them in their country and see what they are capable of doing. Treat them as you would your internal team and have daily catch-up sessions and meetings every week or two so that you stay in touch.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m one of the partners at InteroCloud, a small IT company in Romania.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

We wanted to create a web application for doctors that was essentially a web-based EHR (electronic health record). In Romania, this is a challenge because a lot of medical clinics have yet to go digital. We wanted a solution for clinics to keep their appointments that have several modules for bookings, patient records, and other electronic files.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We started with a brainstorming session where their team gave their input on what we should implement, what isn’t working, and what could work. Shortly after the sessions ended, the development of the solution began.

What is the team composition?

In total, we worked with between 5–6 people. Alex (Manager, RebelDot) was our project manager and Vlad (Former Business Development Manager, RebelDot) was our account manager. We also engaged with developers and a UX designer.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

We connected with them back in 2018. I’m located in Bucharest, while they’re in another city. They invited us to their office for a workshop where we spent several days brainstorming. After that session, we contacted them for development.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested about €97,000 (approximately $109,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with RebelDot from June–October 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The MVP launched at the end of September 2018. I’m happy with their work and the support they offered after the MVP launch. Their team made sure everything was running smoothly. Even if there is an issue now, I know I can call or send an email, and they’ll jump right on it.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

Vlad made sure to work closely with our team to guarantee the project would move as expected. Since I was located in Bucharest, we had daily stand-ups every morning. We discussed the previous day, any changes that needed to be made, and what needed to be done the next day. Everything went smoothly. We also talked through email and a project management web solution that they had. RebelDot excelled at meeting deadlines, delivering the project faster than we initially discussed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

RebelDot was involved in making sure the project was a success. They offered support from start to finish. Compared to other companies I approached, they also completed work very fast. The fact that their team finished the work earlier than they initially stated distinguishes them from other market competitors in the area.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything in mind to say about that. I’m happy with everything RebelDot has done.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Allow them to get involved and take advice from them. Their team has the experience to guide you through the project, giving tips and tricks for success. If you’re not as experienced, working with RebelDot would be an excellent choice.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

AlphaTech is a portal that allows users to build their own mobile apps online.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

I reached out to RebelDot to design and build the graphical user interface (GUI) for our platform. Since this is a brand new product, we had to create it from the ground up.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement? 

I spoke with their UI specialist in 2018 to start designing workflows and screens for our mobile app development platform. The workflow would cover account creation and management, the app creation flow, and user interactions. 

RebelDot’s team had a lot of insights on best practices, so I valued their input when it came to the flow of each screen and how the interface should be implemented. After solidifying the specs, I met with their programming team to implement their work.

What is the team composition? 

I mostly spoke with their owner and Tamás (UX & Product Design Lead, RebelDot). I also have my own team working on site with them, so, when they start working, I have someone working there, too.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

That’s a funny story. One of their employees actually lived in the same apartment building as my parents, so that’s how we got acquainted.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in August 2019 and is still ongoing. Actually, we managed to launch the product last week, so it’s live. Now, we’re continuing to work on adding new features.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

It’s too early to give any customer feedback since we just launched. But the most important thing is that I like the platform and like using it. We’ll see how our users take to it.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

We mostly use Slack to communicate as well as email. They’re pretty responsive whenever I bring up any issues. A couple of months ago, I needed to have a demo completed to show a company, and they stayed up late to finish whatever we needed to be done that night.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’ve been doing custom development for a very long time, working with different teams across different countries. And, I have to say, I really enjoy working with RebelDot. Their team is professional and gets the job done. They have good people on staff. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, nothing comes to mind. I really enjoy working with them. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?
 
The best advice for anyone starting a project with an off-shore company is to make sure that you have your own requirements done. Communicate with the dev team all the time.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Menushare, a collaboration platform for restaurants.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

I had a high-level concept in mind for how to create a product that lets people at different restaurant locations share a common menu and have breakfast, lunch, or dinner as if they were at the same restaurant.  

We wanted to create an experience that would replicate a restaurant environment and make users feel like they were sitting in front of each other. I hired RebelDot to develop the web-based platform.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Based on my broad idea, RebelDot thoroughly walked me through the planning stages for our project before we began the development. Our app is built for the Android platform. They used a version of Java for the programming.

Our collaboration involves between 4-5 different companies who supply the hardware, payment gateways, and some software, but RebelDot has completed 90% of the development so far.

RebelDot became a very useful partner and helped me expand my ideas along the way. When I was working by myself, I didn’t have a full grasp on the product. They helped me expand my ideas. 

What is the team composition? 

The team included 6 –7 people including an architect, developers, testers, a project manager, and the owner of RebelDot.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

After reviewing a few different companies, I selected RebelDot because they made me feel the most comfortable. I liked the way they answered my questions. 

The founder explained things very well. He arranged the first meeting with three teammates who each explained a specific component of the project development.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $300,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in 2014 and made the last payment in early 2018, but I still consider the engagement to be ongoing. RebelDot is not active for us right now, but we will re-engage them once we reach a certain point in our marketing efforts. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

RebelDot has delivered tangible results we now have in our possession. They developed our product so I could have something functional in my hands to show the other parties who are involved in this project. 

Unfortunately, the product isn’t ready yet due to reasons that are unrelated to their work.  We’re now getting more into the sales and commercialization stages. I still speak with them often to brainstorm new ideas. 

RebelDot has provided a very cost-effective solution. I’ve been very happy with them so far. They have been wonderful people to work with and have taught me many useful things. I frequently seek their input and advice on what they feel is the right approach. They’re always very helpful. We collaborate well together.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

Project management has been excellent. I am totally dependent on them in many ways since I don’t have a technology background. Their support was especially crucial before our company hired a CTO. 

RebelDot has done everything right. They clearly explained their methodology and guided me through every step of the process. We use an Atlassian collaboration tool to update the project as we go along. The project manager took notes and keep everything up to date. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our CTO is very impressed with RebelDot, especially their presentations and communication style. They always make an effort to clarify the information we provide.

Every positive impression I’ve had of RebelDot has been reinforced by our CTO. He has worked with many offshore companies and likes RebelDot a lot. In fact, he actually hired them to work on a separate project, which speaks to their abilities. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, I’m happy with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

It’s always a good idea to narrow down the specifications, even if you have to make payments before starting the project. I encourage future clients to be clear and ask questions. Keep in mind that the project will evolve and might take shape differently than you predict.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a product owner at a commercial real estate company. We offer hotel-style accommodations in high-end downtown apartment buildings.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

We needed a vendor to help us develop an internal customer-facing software solution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First, we met with their team and discussed our needs. I gave them my design and RebelDot built a software that we can use to manage cleanings and other maintenance actions in the buildings where we operate. We went through a very large sprint-planning process with them and then, I had regular stand-up calls with their development unit. They understand our marketplace very well, so they bring up the things we haven't even thought about and make valuable recommendations. The development work is mostly finished at this point, but we're still making modifications to the system.

What is the team composition?

We mostly work with a delivery manager and three full-time developers. They also bring in other resources as needed to help us accomplish our goals.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

They did a couple of other projects for us previously and we had great results, so we decided to bring them in for this project.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2018, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We've been very happy with the whole process from start to finish. We had the metrics designed around our cleaning system, so we could start standardizing operational procedures throughout our entire portfolio. It enables us to track how long it takes for a team of people to clean our units and access the costs of cleaning, which helps us negotiate better contracts with our vendors.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very hard-working, diligent, and dedicated. They're fluent in English and answer any questions that we have. We added them to our internal Slack channel and they've been very responsive. They've kept the project on track and provided valuable insight if there was an issue with the system.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They're very adaptable. They have a broad range of knowledge and they've worked with our system before. Their ability to adapt to our business requests is outstanding.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be as clear as possible about what you're looking for and allow them to ask the questions they might have.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the founder and director of RECRE8TION MEDIA INC.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire RebelDot?

We’re a launching a social mobile app and brought on RebelDot to help with the prototype. Later, we decided to have them build the full app as well.

What were your goals for this project?

We set out to create a beta version of the app that would convey our concept to prospective clients and investors.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We heard about them through word of mouth. They built a dating app for a friend of mine, who said they were cost-effective and that they communicated clearly.

Describe the project in detail.

Starting with the prototype, we discussed our goals with them and our desired functionality for the app. I then worked with their designers and frontend coders to produce a prototype. After gaining some interest from prospective clients, we worked on a beta version of the app. This was simpler because we’d done the work with the prototype. The execution has been relatively painless.

What was the team composition?

Initially, I interacted with people from different departments in large Skype calls, but as we progressed, I spoke with a single point of contact who oversaw the entire project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I constantly receive great feedback about the app’s look and feel and functionality.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

It’s been relatively simple. They’re reliable, communicative, and productive.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Everyone is professional and courteous and good at what they do.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There’s always something you’d do differently, but our process to this point has been pleasant and productive, which is more than we can ask for.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a Danish consultancy. We provide IT and project management services to firms in the offshore wind power industry.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

We hired them to build several IT products. We had some ideas for systems that could be used by our clients, but we didn’t have the resources to develop them in-house.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

For the first product, they started the project after receiving our scope and specifications, along with user stories and a prototype that we created in Excel. They broke our design down into sections based on the user stories, and then initiated the development of the platform. They’re still working on small feature updates.

Their team has now moved to the design phase for a quality management system, which will be the next module in our platform. They do most of their development in .NET using C# and Angular.js. They’ve also upgraded some of our platforms from Angular.js to Angular 7. All of their code is cloud-based, and their products run on web browsers.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with Tom (UX/Product Design Specialist, RebelDot), Ioana (Software Developer, RebelDot), and several other developers and designers. Alex (Manager, RebelDot) is my main point of contact, and I occasionally speak with Tudor (CEO, RebelDot) about non-technical matters.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

I was referred to RebelDot by a friend who was completing a project with them. My business partner and I went and met with them for three days to discuss our business and potential projects. We chose them because they seemed capable of developing our ideas, and there was good chemistry between our teams.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began development in December 2015, and the partnership is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

They’ve developed successful IT systems that we’ve been able to sell to clients.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

Initially, we handled project management, but recently they’ve expanded their role in managing our development projects. For example, we’ve started using a project management platform that displays burn down charts and shows forecasting information. They’ve built most of our products using the Scrum method, which has been very effective.

Their team is professional, and they communicate well both verbally and in writing. They’ve also been responsive throughout the partnership.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re friendly and accommodating, and I’ve enjoyed our in-person meetings.

Are there any areas they could improve?

At the outset, they didn’t provide regular updates and progress reports, and they weren’t proactive about communicating with our team. Also, they could do a better job of identifying areas where we can save on costs.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Engage with their team. Meet with them in person, and make yourself available to answer questions. Heavy collaboration is the key to successful IT projects.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder and CEO of Samba Networks, a specialist in-app advertising company. We provide targeted user-first advertising that engages users without interrupting the existing service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

We don’t have any highly-skilled developers on staff so, we needed to entirely outsource our technical needs.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

RebelDot provides for all our technology needs including the complete tech stack, technology builds, and new product development. They developed both of our core products based on our requirements—one called Selector which provides a choice of ads and another called Carousel that shows single ads—with a number of iterations of those products over the years. We initially launched those products in-app, but they’re transferable across other digital assets including on desktop.

They manage our technical architecture in addition to the frontend products. They developed a real-time console for us. They’ve been involved in the backend development of our website, and they manage our server hosting.

What is the team composition?

We work with three developers who are led by their CTO. We can draw on additional specialist members of their team as needed.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

Our CTO at the time had worked with them before and introduced us.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent over $1 million in total.

What is the status of this engagement?

We’ve been working together since January 2011.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The feedback from advertisers and brands as well as the performance statistics for the products themselves have all been strong. Our quantitative metrics, such as click-through rates, are higher than industry averages. Our consumer research has shown that users have higher brand favorability than a control group.

Because they’ve built our products to be transferrable, we’re expanding to launch on desktops as well. Our revenues were 100% in-app but this year will be split 50/50 between desktop and in-app services.  

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

We typically communicate via Skype as we’re based in the UK, and they’re based in Romania. We also use phone and e-mail. They have an internal project management tool that I have access to. They're hardworking and almost always available to put in extra hours if needed.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They've been extremely supportive of the business. We wouldn't be where we are without them. There's absolutely no doubt about that. From a personal point of view, I don't know a single developer that has the capabilities that their CTO has. His creative solutions and problem-solving are second to none as far as I'm concerned. He comes up with solutions that nobody else has been able to, which is great.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Generally, no. There was a period last year during which they changed their management structure a little bit to bring in individual project managers. That didn’t work for us—there were too many people involved—so they were willing to revert to the prior arrangement. That was the only time that things didn’t work as efficiently as usual.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Get some of the CTO’s time if possible. Be sure to plan the project up front and make sure that everything is documented from a business analysis perspective once the requirements are known. Their developers are great. Make sure you have the right number and mix of them on the team.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

 I am the Founder and CEO of a supply chain, logistics, and transport company 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We deliver & return parcels with zero emissions and less congestion. We utilise AI and Machine learning to deliver parcels more efficiently to make cities livable

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire RebelDot to accomplish?

• Develop our routing technology
• Develop ai and machine learning efficiency tools

SOLUTION

How did you find RebelDot?

Online Search

Why did you select RebelDot over others?

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from RebelDot were assigned to this project?

20

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Provide a world class smart routing logistics piece of technology with a brain and mobile app that is stupidly simple to use

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

To launch a world class logistics piece of software on time and on budget

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project management was exceptional. We had strict timelines and a very high bar which was constantly exceeded

What was your primary form of communication with RebelDot?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The willingness to solve problems and create something amazing

Are there any areas for improvement or something RebelDot could have done differently?

No it was utterly brilliant. I cannot recommend their services enough

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO at drd.at. We’re an Austrian startup that delivers medical consultations to patients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with RebelDot?

We needed to reimplement our whole software. We had a workable proof of concept (POC), which we’d used to start the company. At some point, the company we were working with did some things that we weren’t completely okay with, so we wanted to change and get a professional that could build a more solid software solution.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We designed the software with RebelDot, and they implemented it. The solution is an iOS and Android app, and users can download it and call us to get a medical consultation. They can pay either by subscription or by a one-time fee. We also have an online version; it’s the same application, but it runs in the browser.

For development, we used React Native. RebelDot worked for about two and a half months for three sprints. We basically redid the POC, and now changes are only minor efforts. Currently, we’re online with the software, and we collaborate on and off on new features.

What is the team composition?

I work with four people. Three of them are constant, and one is on and off. First, we started setting up the project and defining the goals with the CTO. Later, we met the head of the project and frontend developers.

How did you come to work with RebelDot?

I looked around and found them by chance. Then, I asked other friends what company I should use, and RebelDot was among the choices. We tried to get started with another company, but it didn’t work out; we found out after one week that they wouldn’t finish the task. They were a lot cheaper than RebelDot, but there was an obvious reason for that.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent €55,000 (approximately $65,000).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in November 2020, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

Time and money are the two main factors we take into account. We wanted to do one-week sprints. RebelDot said it would take three weeks, but it mostly took two. We were content with that because it was below the estimate they’d given us.

Overall, I’m very happy with RebelDot; I hadn’t had an experience like this before. In software, having a good experience is exceptional, so I’m very fond of them.

How did RebelDot perform from a project management standpoint?

For the app development, they worked in two-week sprints and delivered on time and budget. We used GitLab and Jira as project management tools.

Also, we use Slack to communicate directly with the developers.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The speed at which they started was impressive. It only took three weeks to get the team together. Moreover, they were enthusiastic about the work.

Are there any areas they could improve?

During the sprints, we had a situation where the fourth guy was coming and going. He wasn’t always up to date with what was happening.

I had a situation where I communicated with him, and I didn’t realize he was the wrong person to communicate with because he would be on another project two days later.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Believe their estimates and not yours. RebelDot knows how fast their people work.