Apexive (former Apex Labs)

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of GetEase, an on-demand service platform that delivers personal services to users. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apexive?

We wanted to achieve a seamless user experience via a mobile app. We had a good understanding of what we wanted, but we’re not coders. So, we partnered with Apexive to develop our app.  

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Apexive has built out our mobile application and the entire data ecosystem behind it, from analytics to marketing, CRM, and customer support. They’ve built everything from scratch. We outlined what we wanted and worked on our user cases from the supply and growth side. Their team created the wireframes, UI design, and backend; the frontend was in Flutter and the backend was in Django. We were happy when they delivered the MVP within six weeks because it allowed us to add more features to the app. 

Essentially, the app has booking management functionalities like a food delivery app. Apexive’s team has integrated Stripe to facilitate payments. Users can also review the experts we provide. There are also in-app chat and calling functions, safety buttons, and profile management.

What is the team composition?

We’ve worked with Alexis (CEO), a UX designer, frontend and backend developers, and a product manager. 

How did you come to work with Apexive?

We talked with about 30 companies; we looked to several companies based in Amsterdam and India. We wanted a partner who understood the customers’ journey and experience well. The project had a very short timeframe. 

I think Apexive saw us in the news and reached out to us — they had experience developing marketplaces. We were in contact with them and felt good about their expertise. We scoped the project and estimated a timeline before starting the build.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around €300,000 (approximately $307,000 USD) with Apexive. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing partnership with Apexive began in January 2022, and it’s ongoing. However, we’ve since moved on to a new project. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Apexive has developed a working product within a few months. We’re now working with them to address bugs and run QA. In general, we’re really happy with the results of the project. 

Their quality of work is fantastic. I had other CTOs look at the code and data infrastructure Apexive developed, and they noted it is well-written. So far, even though we’re still making modifications, we haven’t had any downtime since the app went live two months ago. Generally, they fix small bugs within 2–3 hours. 

How did Apexive perform from a project management standpoint?

I’d give Apexive an 8 out of 10 for their project management. Their project manager creates clear documentation highlighting bug processes and roadmaps. We use Notion and Google Sheets to build out use cases. We’ve utilized Sigma for design iterations and had check-ins every 1–2 days, which has helped us process design feedback quickly. Overall, their project management has been better than other agencies we’ve worked with. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

What really stands out to me is that Apexive becomes a partner and approaches projects from a business perspective. As a startup, the scope of one project can change when there is new data, and costs can add up when changes need to be made. 

However, Apexive focuses more on the project, so even when something needs to be altered, they’re focused on delivering quality products that meet the client’s needs. They never say no to a change in the scope; they merely reevaluate the project timeline. It’s helpful to have a partner that focuses on the project instead of trying to get as much money as possible from clients. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I have nothing for them to improve. We’re happy with the partnership so far.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the partner and managing director at Qbicle, a digital concept development agency. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apex Labs?

We needed help with mobile app development.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Apex Labs provides us with software development services — they're developing our cross-platform mobile application on the Google Cloud Search Platform. My team has provided the design and wireframes for Apex Labs to use during the development. Apex Labs has developed the app's architecture and project management. Their team has also integrated an interface for teachers and one for students. 

The app supports children and students as they try to read more books, which will help them with their education in the future. On the student interface, users can see books on their virtual bookshelf. They can also upload a video about the book they've read. 

What is the team composition?

We've worked with about six teammates from Apex Labs, including developers, app architects, a project manager, and two backend and two frontend developers. 

How did you come to work with Apex Labs?

I knew Apex Labs' director already, and they had a lot of knowledge and experience to build the platform we wanted. 

How much have you invested with them?

We invested around $100,000 with Apex Labs for the project's first phase, and the second phase is still ongoing. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with Apex Labs began in September 2021, and it's ongoing. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app is now on the market, and although its use is limited to schools, we have a few hundred users. I review all the code Apex Labs provides, and I'm always happy with it. They organize their codes well and support us whenever we have issues. We also appreciate that they completed the initial MVP quickly. 

How did Apex Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Apex Labs follows our strict plans and meets our deadlines — their team uses GitHub for project management. We usually collaborate with them on Slack and use other channels for product testing and daily updates. We have morning stand-ups 2–3 times a week, so we always know the status of our project. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Apex Labs' quality of work and development are amazing. There aren't many professional companies that can execute what they promise, but I'm always happy with the services Apex Labs provides.  

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can't think of anything for Apex Labs to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I think it's useful for customers to prepare their requirements, including wireframes and UX/UI designs, before beginning work with Apex Labs. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of Action Dating. We have a dating app with the same name and it’s published on Play and App Store.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apex Labs?

Our app had technical issues, and I decided to work with another vendor to fix them.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

My app was already published when I worked with Apex Labs, so they’re helping me with my ongoing initiative of creating new features for the platform. I write the specifications myself because I’ve got a lot of product management experience. Based on the specifications I give them, they handle the design, development, and QA efforts of the project. Sometimes, they hire new talent if their designer is too busy with other projects.

What is the team composition?

We’re working with one full-time developer since the start of the engagement, and we’ve talked to him almost every day on Slack for check-ins. Occasionally, we call their designer and QA lead.

How did you come to work with Apex Labs?

Apex Labs was referred by a friend who had worked with them on a restaurant-related technology project. Since they were also located in the Czech Republic and we were in the same timezone, I thought they’d be a valuable connection.

We also had a lot of confidence in them, especially when we talked to their owner. They convinced us that they’d be able to quickly clean things up and connect us with a qualified full stack developer. On top of their compelling proposal, they offered us a meaningful discount and it was better than what we were previously offered.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent under $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our ongoing partnership started in February 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app has good ratings; from an end user’s perspective, Apex Labs’ work is good. We’ve also been able to introduce a paid subscription feature on the platform, so we’re generating revenue now. However, what we appreciate the most is the fact that we don’t have to micromanage or have to frequently meet them in order for things to be accomplished.

Instead, their team is capable of running things on their own because they have a sense of ownership. As a result, we feel that we’re in good hands because everybody cares about our project’s success, and we trust them to keep things moving forward. Overall, I’m happy to continue working with them for the foreseeable future because our engagement has been going great.

How did Apex Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

I don’t set deadlines because the project is moving smoothly on its own, so we don’t really have a lot of project management needs. We also have an opportunity to review their work twice a week. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

When the developer assigned to my project encounters technical challenges, their founder is always quick to jump in for free. Their founder also unblocks the most complicated technical tasks, and he cleans up things really quickly to get us back on track. Above all, he’s always available without us having to ask. In fact, I’ve already referred Apex Labs to my friends because they do good work. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I could use help with product management, but I haven’t asked them for that so I couldn’t really use that against them. Then, if they could run my ads for me that would be great, but that's not really in their wheelhouse. If I could get those two things done, then I wouldn’t have to do any work anymore. Overall, it’s hard to find something to complain about because our partnership’s going really well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Most of the time, people hire an agency thinking that they know what they want, but oftentimes they miss opportunities to create something better.  As a result, you should come with a problem and trust that they’ll help you get all the way through to the solution you need. In addition, go into the partnership with an open mind and give Apex Labs the flexibility to be creative in solving your problems for you.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m one of the founders and managing director of VodaVsegda, IoT startup. We sell water bottles through special vending machine located inside the apartment building. Our clients can instantly purchase water bottles through mobile app.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apex Labs, and what were your goals?

We had quite unique startup idea and we needed robust custom software. App is connected with the vending machine through Bluetooth technology. They also created a website for us to make our launch as smooth as possible.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

We needed to quickly produce MVP and I made a research of the companies that specialised on MVP development. We made with a shortlist of 5 agencies that we liked. After initial call with Apex Labs, we received estimate later on.

Also they answered all the questions I had about their processes and development, . I was clear about needing a quick iteration process. ApexLabs didn't have a problem with this, compared to other companies.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

Apex Labs designed and developed cloud backend management console (Kubernetes, Django), then cross platform native mobile app with Flutter framework that is integral part of our solution. This app is connecting with vending machine though bluetooth technology. Since we had only rough idea, Apex Labs team has conducted workshop with us and consulted on right tech stack.

In the app payment system has been integrated. They then made correct end-to-end communications between the IoT vending machine and backend within the first few sprints. The following sprints had clear goals to take us closer and closer to the full product release.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

There were 4 people in the dedicated team consisted of 1 Flutter developer, CTO who is the most experienced backend developer and SCRUM project manager

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

We were able to launch the project even before we planned and it was great! Generally we are very satisfied with their work. They're a very customer-oriented company with a focus on technology. This is a good thing for us because our process is complex from a development point of view.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

The work was divided into milestones with corresponding dates. I also get estimation. We have at least weekly meetings on deliverables, which are met in a timely fashion. Typically, we communicate via Slack and Google Meets. For bug reporting we use GitHub.

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

They were 24/7 available for me and I was very pleased that the team would regularly come to me with suggestions of how to improve the app. Now we are going to start V2 development, of course, with Apex Labs.

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

I was very happy with their overall performance. I was especially impressed with the professionalism of their CTO.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there?

I’m the CEO of Quarterbac Aerospace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Apex Labs?

We needed an app developed to help test a theory about collecting and using data regarding compliance and safety management systems in the aviation industry. Basically, we wanted to change the old architecture and change the way our industry views our compliance and safety processes. We also wanted to identify the focus of what our systems were trying to achieve.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We provided them with documentation and guidelines. After that, we spent 3–4 days discussing how we were going to do the project. The team led all of our brainstorming sessions. They developed the MVP as part of the compliance and safety management system. They also created the UI/UX design of our app.

What is the team composition?

We worked with Alexis (CEO), two engineers, and a UI/UX designer.

How did you come to work with Apex Labs?

I knew Alexis for a long time; he was a fully qualified commercial captain and we flew planes together. After we had a conversation regarding my ideas, he said that he could help me turn my vision into reality.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from July–August 2021.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app went live last week and was fully working. There were no failures or crashes. With their support, we were able to start collecting data. They did exactly what they promised, within the timeframe we agreed upon. On top of that, we were stunned with the speed and quality of the MVP they produced.

How did Apex Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They did an excellent job. We used Slack for constant communication which included discussions regarding updates and reviews.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their personal touch in the project had been impressive. They folded us in as part of their team while they were completing our product. We were looped into their design and production process.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, that would be very difficult because they did everything right.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you give them clear and concise instructions as well as design narratives, they’ll have a better understanding of your project. Above all, have good communication skills.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CTO of Blockchain Company. We offer white label blockchain experiences

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Apex Labs, and what were your goals?

We had a tight deadline to provide a web-based item viewer.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Apex Labs worked very well with a quick turnaround time without compromising the quality of work.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

From designs provided by our team, Apex Labs generated a flutter app that was deployed to S3.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A manager was assigned to our project to help communication between the teams over multiple time zones. One and a half developers were assigned to the project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Our deadlines were very tight (less than a week between our first communication and the first deliverable). Apex Labs worked extremely well in the difficult conditions we imposed on them.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Since the project was short lived, we relied on slack communication. The team was highly available for any of our requests.

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

Their ability to quickly deliver a product. They rely on technology that empowers their developers; allowing them to be highly productive with less resources.

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

We cannot comment on this point, since the project was exceptionally short.