AppIt Ventures

Please describe your company and your position there.

Neoteros, headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, helps physical venues use data to streamline operations and improve visitor/customer experiences. Our Dynamic Business Intelligence solutions and services are trusted in retailers, universities, smart cities, airports, churches, industrial settings, and other large venues around the globe. I am the Executive Director.

For what projects/services did your company hire AppIt Ventures, and what were your goals?

We hired AppIt to bring BoxMetrix, an elegant GPS-based asset tracking application, to life. We required Technical Consulting, Blueprinting, UI/UX, Design, Dev, Database, and various API Integrations. The application needed to be downloadable for mobile as well as accessible via the web.

Our goal was to visualize and contextualize data streams from our intelligent asset tracking sensor devices. The visualization needed to be google maps based and the app needed to allow users to perform device configuration, set rules, view events, alerts, notifications, manage teams and clients, and visualize sensor data via a mix of charts, graphs and widgets. It needed to be integrated seamlessly in AWS and be as accurate and reliable as it is beautiful.

At the end of the day, we needed this application to serve as a complete asset location and health management platform for industrial businesses with high-value offsite equipment. The app needed to help our customers increase operational efficiency, streamline workflows, manage high-value assets, and consolidate disparate systems.

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

I painstakingly researched, interviewed, and built out a comparative matrix on 53 software/app dev companies around the globe. After several demos, interviews, questionnaires, in-person meetings, and making the finalists battle for the contract, AppIt was able to prove they were highly process-oriented, had an impeccable understanding of the user experience I required, and could complete the application within my required delivery timeline.

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

We started out with several meetings about scope. We talked through lots of granular details about design, inspiration, functionality, UI/UX, and overall expectations. From there, a Project Sprint Plan was developed. We started the sprints with design/wireframing, UI, and UX. AppIt nailed my proposed vision on the first shot and perfected it after the first revision. After design commenced, the dev team started coding and connected the required ancillary backend programs, (AWS, firebase, google, etc) to stand the app up. At this point, sensor APIs were connected and database items were addressed. We moved on to designing rules engines, device configurations, and other logic-heavy items. It should be known that AppIt has testing teams that test, troubleshoot, and debug constantly and they ask that the client test weekly as well. Once everything works as required, the app is pushed out of the dev environment and into production. Our application was pushed into production as a progressive web app for Super Users/Admins and to the android and google play store for mobile users, which comprise of team members and other non-admin staffers. After the app was pushed to production, the standard warranty period started. No issues have come up. After AppIt completed the project, they provided very well-written documentation showcasing how the app was built, providing all credentials and information required to sustain the app, and a future roadmap with instructions on how to properly grow the application over time without wasting time/money.

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

Overall, I worked with 8-10 people directly. My main point of contact was a Project Manager. I would meet with the PM and the leads of the departments that were currently in play. For instance, in the UI/UX stage, I would consistently meet with the PM and the lead UI/UX person, and so on down the road to completion.

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

We went from a “Good Idea” to a feature-rich, ready-to-roll application in 12 short months. AppIt allowed us to become an industry leader in one of the fastest-growing segments, and we couldn't be more proud of the product they delivered. Success stories to come!

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

Project management was led by Lucas and accompanied by various segment leads. Lucas did a great job of keeping the schedule tight, describing updates, timelines, and bugs that were found and being fixed, while the technical team did a great job of describing all things that naturally go over the heads of non-developers. Special shout-out to Meghanath, Bharath, Emma, Lauren, Ryan, and the rest of the team for continuously exceeding my expectations and teaching me a million things along the way, and Amanda for creating a stellar culture that shines through in the attitude and work product of the team. The google suite was used for meetings, document directories, scheduling, and everything in between.

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

The culture! I seriously cannot credit this team enough for the ability to execute a vision and do it with pure joy. It really goes to show that a business, when led by a team-oriented visionary like Amanda, can achieve anything they put their minds to. Our expectations were extremely high and were exceeded every single week of this amazing journey. We cannot wait to start the upgrade phase!

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

Nope!

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of a business called Hop Passport. We are a brewery marketing company that partners with breweries across the country in 28 states and put them into what we call a “passport”, which is essentially a coupon book. Our business does this to drive more new or existing customers into the locations.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

We needed mobile app development services.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We went to AppIt Venture’s offices before COVID-19 to lay down the groundwork and show them what we currently had for the first phase of operations. Their team designed how the app would like before they built it out. Our goal with this project was to replicate what we had with our main product which was a physical paper passport.

The cross-platform app allows customers to create a unique username and password to log in. Once they enter, they can see a map that shows where nearby partnered breweries are located and go there to get beer specials and digital stamps on their passports. The app tracks all the locations the client’s been to. 

The team also developed different Snapchat-like filters for people to take pictures with them. 

What is the team composition?

I have a main contact which is a salesperson that relays the information to the development team. I believe we’ve worked with ten developers, one of them being the head of the team. 

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

I found AppIt Ventures on Google, and I reached out to them. We looked at different development companies in the Denver area and met with them. 

How much have you invested with them?

Our company has invested $130,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement started in May 2019, and it’s ongoing. 

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

We’ve had 800 downloads in just one month, and around 2,200 digital stamps have been redeemed — it’s been a high success.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

AppIt Ventures’ team is very communicative, and if we have any questions or concerns, they’re pretty prompt and get back to us, even on weekends. For instance, we had a problem with an Android update that caused our app not to load on a certain Samsung smartphone model. I texted my contact, and they swiftly solved the problem. 

We have a weekly Zoom meeting to talk about how the enhancements are going. Communication is one of their biggest positives.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m very impressed with the work itself; they have very good designers that come up with creative functionalities to implement on the app. They’ve delivered each time and have always been there to fix problems quickly. Sometimes bugs appear, but that’s pretty normal when dealing with technology and app development. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing that comes to mind. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Come to them prepared with everything you want so they can start working on building your ideas.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of Vayn Inc.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

We were working with another service provider to create the initial designs for our app, but there were a few flaws that we couldn’t really get over. We decided to bring on AppIt Ventures during that early conception phase to redo the designs.

What was the scope of their involvement? 

When AppIt Ventures joined the project, they redesigned the app and helped us develop and manage it. We pretty much knew what the app’s functionalities needed to be, so they executed on it. The final app is for Android and iOS.

What is the team composition? 

I worked directly with four people out of AppIt Ventures’ office. Then, there was an additional team that handled the development portion. Basically, I would communicate directly with AppIt Ventures, and they would manage the technical side of things with the development team.

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

I decided that they were the right fit after my conversation with Amanda (Owner). As a business consultant, she really takes in projects as if they were her own. She looked at my company holistically, discussed the project beyond the development piece, and connected me with several other resources in the industry who could enhance my app with additional revenue channels.

How much have you invested with them?

The total cost was about $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

They worked with us from April–November 2020. 

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

We’ve gotten really good feedback through beta testing. The app is functional and easy to follow, and the design is pleasing, too. There have been a few things that we’ve needed to tweak, but no major issues.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

They performed great. Because they're a young team, they were more flexible in terms of the way they approached projects. That, combined with Amanda’s overall business views, made for a good process. We mostly communicated by email unless I had a call with Amanda.

What did you find most impressive about them?

AppIt Ventures has a willingness to help new entrepreneurs. They aren't just a development company. Rather, they're a full-service business consultancy that guided companies through potential pitfalls. Some of their suggestions really helped us avoid big issues that could’ve been pretty costly otherwise.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

As with any development project, when a team hands off the app management to you, it’s important to learn about your app so that you’re knowledgeable enough to handle it yourself. It took us six one-hour meetings to get trained, but, now, we don’t have to lean on them as much for every little thing in the future. 

I’d also add that you should have a good idea of what you want for your app before going into the project. That makes it so much easier to hand over the requirements and desired functionalities to someone and let them run with it. 

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of SkinForYou Inc., a subscription-based app for spas.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

I hired them to develop our app. We were in contact with another app developer, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they weren’t able to continue. AppIt was able to take the project on.

What was the scope of their involvement?

AppIt Ventures is developing our mobile app for iOS and Android. The previous company had done surveys with me as well as wireframes, and AppIt is doing the rest. 

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with 4–5 people, including Amanda (CEO), Hannah (Project Manager), and Emma (UX/UI Designer). We’ve also worked with Vamsi (COO), who is in India and deals with the overall project. Two more people are always on the phone calls taking notes and working behind the scenes.

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

Amanda is part of a women’s entrepreneur group, and I pitched to them for funding. Although the funding didn’t work out, that’s how I met Amanda. When the first company couldn’t continue working with us, they recommended Amanda from AppIt Ventures, so it was serendipitous.  

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve invested $30,000. The whole project is estimated to be around $125,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together began in May or June 2020, and it’s ongoing.

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

I have limited knowledge of app development. However, it took the previous company two years to do what Amanda and AppIt have been able to do in three months. They’re quick, thorough, and communicative. It’s nothing but five stars for them.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re doing great with project management. I know exactly who I’m supposed to email if something is wrong. They’ve been super good at sending me links so that I can always reference back to the emails. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their communication is impressive. They have somebody for everything, and I’ve never felt confused about who I’m supposed to go to or what the next step is. They’re really good at staying three steps ahead of me at all times.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Not yet — so far, so good.

Any advice for potential customers?

It’s been so easy so far. Get on the phone with Amanda. She’s really good at explaining things thoroughly. Then, get it in writing, so that you can reference it. Come prepared with your questions, because she can answer all of them. She’s quick and knowledgeable.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of the Women and Fitness Association (WIFA).

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

I was trying to build out a custom page to support an online marketplace. I hired them to build that page on our WordPress website

What was the scope of their involvement?

They designed and developed the pages. They took the ball and ran with it. We provided the content, but they handled the design key functions included a digital marketplace with affiliate links bouncing out to affiliate pages. We had custom personas created with different pathways. They also implemented flip tile functions, and things I couldn’t find on a WordPress template.

What is the team composition?

There were about five people on their team. We had one point person as a project manager and then different folks for different parts of the project. We still only had two points of contact, which was very helpful.

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

I found them through a referral. I found an app that I really liked and I followed the yellow brick road to figure out who made the app and came upon AppIt Ventures.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent about $3,5000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project started in March 2020 and we’ve kept them on retainer for web maintenance. The site went live June 1st.

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

 Overall, we’ve gotten feedback that the site is really easy to use and that people really like the page. Unfortunately, e-commerce trends haven’t translated yet, but I’m hopeful that’s coming.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

They used Slack to communicate with us, which was very helpful. They’re very responsive to feedback, so they were a pleasure to work with. It has been a refreshing experience to work with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re receptive to feedback, they’re willing to work with us, and they understand that we’re a new nonprofit.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I don’t have anything at this time.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Follow their process because they’re really great at what they do.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m a project manager for Cottrell Inc. We’re the largest car hauling manufacturer in North America. We design vehicle hauling equipment for our suppliers.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIT Ventures?

Initially, we wanted to make sure that our users had easy access to our user manual. We decided that a mobile application could help us with that challenge. The platform couldn’t only have the user manual on it because that wouldn’t be enjoyable for our customers. We decided to include different features to keep people on it.

What was the scope of their involvement?

AppIT Ventures managed all the responsibilities involved in building our mobile app. We talked with their team about the features that we wanted. Then, we surveyed our sales department which surveyed our customers about their ideas for features in an app. We narrowed those down to a handful of features. From there, AppIT created wireframes for us to review and adjust. Once we were happy with the wireframes, they started to design the app.   

What is the team composition?

Our main point of contact was Amanda (CEO). The size of their team was appropriate to build our app within our timeframe. They had a handful of people stateside but they also have another development team in India.

How did you come to work with AppIT Ventures?

We interviewed probably 10 different development companies. Many companies said that our project was too small for them. Some companies felt like Amazon. Others were startups, which we weren’t comfortable with at the time. We flew out to AppIt and sat down with Amanda and her team. They made us feel comfortable, so we decided to move forward with them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent approximately $100,000 on their services.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in June 2018, and it was complete 3–4 months—just as AppIT said. Since then, we’ve worked with them on minor tweaks and improvements.

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

We have a few thousand users, which is significant because of our small segment. A good portion of the industry downloaded the app. We targeted our group, so we're satisfied.

AppIT goes above and beyond. They want to grow and continue to improve our app.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

Their communication’s fantastic. I’ve never struggled to get a hold of someone there. If I call, they either answer the phone or answer shortly after.

During the project, we had weekly meetings via web meetings. We were satisfied and never felt lost in the process. We always knew the stage in the build. Everything went smoothly. We

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their willingness to work with us and help us is a notable quality. If we had a need or a concern during the development, they stopped and addressed them. As the project grew, our needs changed. Their team easily adapted. Our requests were never received with frustration. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they’ve done everything that we’ve asked them to do.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

They’re a good partner. If you’re seeking an agency, I would highly recommend them. They’ll take care of you.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner of two companies that have used AppIT Ventures. One is a data analytics health assessment company. The second company is a financial education platform.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

For both projects, I asked them to build a custom web app solution.

What was the scope of their involvement?

For the first project, we were looking to build a web application that allows participants to take a survey about their health. Afterward, a full report of personal recommendations would be made for them. That development involved a scoring algorithm attached to the backend and an identified aggregate reporting on the admin side as well.

The second project involved the build of a CMS that allowed participants within our backend system to access their assessment to input information about their personal finances and interests. After, they would receive recommendations about how to improve their finances.

All of the work for these projects was done in PHP. The first project was started from scratch. When we began the second one at my other company, we worked off that code. I provided all of the wireframes and did the design work while their team focused on the technical components.

What is the team composition?

Over the years, I’ve worked with about seven people. The core team is made up of Ravi (Android Developer), who is the lead developer, and Kayla (Project Manager).  

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

In 2016, I met their founder at a startup conference in Colorado. He talked about his organization and how they were supporting other startups. I was advising a different IT company at the time, and we looked at using AppIT Ventures there. When I did decide to start my new company, I had them bid on the project, and they seemed like the best fit.

How much have you invested with them?

I believe we’ve invested around $350,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started using them in July 2017.

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

The biggest reason we continue to work with them is their technical capabilities. Bugs come up regularly, and we work with enterprise-sized customers. Our largest customer has around 45,000 participants.

If we report a bug to Ravi, I never have to wait more than 10 hours for a solution. The efficiency of fixing any errors and getting it back to the customers is great. The customers never feel that there are any lags or glitches in our product. They always deliver quality.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

Kayla is excellent at communicating. A lot of times, we go back and forth with emails, but she keeps everything placed in Teamwork. As far as meeting deadlines, they’ve never missed one. We’ve always been able to launch on time. Their team knows what we’re looking for to better the experience for our customers. Over the years, we’ve never had an issue meeting our customer deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Having worked with other teams, there are always going to be bugs in software because these things just happen. But it’s a matter of their ability to be honest and keep their word. They promise that they’ll make a good product and follow through on that. Miscommunications can happen, and software can be tricky, but knowing that the right product will be done at the end of the day, provides relief.

This experience is different than others I’ve had in the past. Some people will charge you extra and explain, if there is a mistake, that’s what the requirement document said. That’s not how Amanda (CEO) runs the company. She guarantees that customers will receive the functional product that they were expecting, ensuring it passes a practical test.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I think probably the only area to improve upon would be the differentiation in design work. We’ve had to have other designers give updates, so that’s the only part I’ve had to rely on someone else for. That would be the only thing that would help us even further the partnership.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Bring an open mind to the table. They’re going to come back and give you different ideas to make things more efficient. That’s the benefit of working with a company like theirs. You don’t have a development team that’s only working on your projects. They’ve seen dozens of other projects and come back strategically to advise on how to make your product the best in your industry. Leave room for them to give their advice and opinions.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We're a healthcare software company that primarily serves the medical lab and health system market.  One of our solutions provides sales automation functions. I serve as the senior VP of technology.

What challenge were you trying to address with Appit Ventures?

One of our products is a sales-oriented solution designed to optimize a customer's sales process. We needed help in creating a mobile iOS version.

What was the scope of their involvement?

We used AppIT Ventures to develop a mobile iOS app that allows our users to have access to our system. We wanted to give sales reps on the road access to their contacts, opportunities, and activities with a customer.

A core function of our solution is a customer's ability to tailor the application for their business process. We needed AppIT to replicate those features in the mobile app.

We provided signed documentation about our APIs and they handled wireframing and building the entire system.

What is the team composition?

We had 4-5 people from their team, including one project lead and one development lead.

How did you come to work with Appit Ventures?

We did an open search and we were looking for companies that had experience in healthcare. We evaluated 4 other companies and Appit rose to the top because they understood the project we were scoping and were a good value from a pricing perspective.

How much have you invested with them?    

We've invested $150,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in June 2019 and wrapped up in January 2020. We've had a few small bug fix changes that are ongoing.

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

The feedback has been great for us. Critical customers have expressed how much they enjoy the mobile experience and how it has improved their productivity. It has been very well received across the board.

How did Appit Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

They're a traditional agile shop and worked in 2-week sprints and did a good job of laying out a spring plan in their contract. They did a good job of meeting and even exceeding those deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One thing that was really different about their approach was they were willing to go fixed-bid on a long-term project. They were motivated to manage scope. It demonstrated they were willing to put more skin in the game, which really stood out.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The biggest challenge we had was coordinating our API developers with their UI developers across time zones. We had to get the flexibility in there to make sure we had the right level of communication overlap. Once we did that, things worked really well.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

The better your goals or objectives are defined, the easier it is for AppIT to come on board with that mission. They've been very invested in our success from the start, so being willing to share your success criteria is key.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the owner and CEO of Mindful Mamas, a maternal wellness company.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

We needed to build a mindfulness and self-care app for moms and moms-to-be.

What was the scope of their involvement?

When we first engaged with AppIt Ventures, the team started with clickable designs. Together with our team, they helped us refine our branding kit, including the imagery and color scheme. After the wireframes and clickable designs were finished, we moved towards the actual development of the iOS- and Android-compatible app. 

The app offers a personalized experience, where mothers can communicate where they are in their motherhood journey. From there, the app shows content specific to the user. It has audio-streaming capabilities for guided meditation, breathing techniques, background sound, and more. Users can also record within the app and upload photos. 

What is the team composition?

We worked with Kayla (Project Manager) and Amanda (CEO).

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

I began inquiring about a local development team. I found AppIt Ventures after an online search, and met with Amanda. We connected over our mutual passion for the project, and, after talking with their previous companies, the choice to partner with them was easy.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent $150,000 so far.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in April 2019, and the work is ongoing.

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

The app launched four days ago, and we’ve had over 1000 downloads with a five-star rating on the App Store. Users call the app a virtual sanctuary, noting its ease of navigation and the calming effects of the user interface. It already stands out above other meditation and mindfulness apps on the market. 

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

AppIt Ventures did an excellent job of planning out the project before we even began developing the app. We knew exactly when certain phases of the code were supposed to be finished and ready for testing, and the team stayed absolutely within the timeline. 

Also, I had a weekly zoom call with Kayla and the team to talk about where we were in the process and what needed to be accomplished. She was always available through Slack, which was really key, especially as we were going live and receiving customer service feedback. Throughout the whole process, they’ve provided incredible support.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They really take ownership of the passion that the CEO brings to the team. AppIt Ventures adopts that enthusiasm, and they do everything to support our team. We can really feel that they want us to succeed. They’re particular about the project they take on, so they’re able to give each one the care and consideration it deserves. Now, I feel like they’re an extension of our company, rather than contractors I hired. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They exceed my expectations in professionalism and execution.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Start with a “why.” The “what” and the “how” will come, but if you can communicate the underlying passion behind your project, AppIt Ventures will take it and turn it into something you never could’ve imagined.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm a cofounder of Stratorsoft.

What challenge were you trying to address with AppIt Ventures?

I hired them to do software development work. It was a custom application for an engineering firm.

What was the scope of their involvement?

They provide full-stack development. They provide design assistance and software development work in JavaScript. We had a framework and they built it for us.

What is the team composition?

We worked with four members of their team.

How did you come to work with AppIt Ventures?

I went to college with their CEO.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working together in March 2020, and our work is ongoing.

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

I'm very happy with the progress so far.

How did AppIt Ventures perform from a project management standpoint?

They're very good with project management and we communicate via Slack.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their ability to establish a relationship has been key.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, they've been nothing but great right now.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

My advice is to pre-plan.