Espresso Labs

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of Kala, a company that helps organizations organize and distribute trusted company knowledge. We make it easy for employees to find the right information through AI and access the most relevant source documents in seconds.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Espresso Labs to accomplish for Kala?

We hired Espresso Labs to build Kala from scratch, including the software development, AI integration, ongoing technical maintenance and improvements, and the development and maintenance of the website. The goal was to entrust them with the full technical implementation of the product while we focused on the business and product strategy.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Espresso Labs is responsible for the end-to-end technical development of the Kala platform. Their scope of work includes software architecture and development, implementation of new features, integration of AI functionalities, bug fixing, technical maintenance, infrastructure management, and ongoing product improvements. They also design and develop the Kala website and provide technical support to ensure the platform remains operational and evolves according to business needs.Some of the most important deliverables include the development of a secure document management platform with role-based access controls, content libraries, search capabilities, analytics, and content distribution features. A particularly significant and technically complex component is the integration of AI to enable users to ask questions in natural language and receive answers based on approved company documentation, together with references to the relevant source documents. Espresso Labs also develops and maintains the public-facing website and continuously implements enhancements and new features as the product evolves.

What is the team composition?

We work with 11–20 teammates from Espresso Labs.

How did you come to work with Espresso Labs?

We found them through a referral. We chose them over other options because they were a great culture fit, offered good value for the cost, and had company values aligned with ours.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in January 2023, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our collaboration with Espresso Labs has resulted in the successful delivery of a fully functional software platform and website that meet our business objectives. Over time, the platform has evolved with new features, AI capabilities, and continuous technical improvements. Their work has enabled us to bring Kala to market, demonstrate the product to prospects, onboard customers, and maintain a stable and scalable solution while continuing to enhance it based on user feedback and changing business needs.At this stage, we don’t publicly share detailed customer or usage metrics. However, Espresso Labs has successfully delivered the technical platform that has enabled Kala to launch and support customer onboarding. The platform has remained stable while continuously evolving with new features and AI enhancements, allowing us to demonstrate the product to prospects, onboard users, and iteratively improve the solution based on customer feedback.

How did Espresso Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

Espresso Labs has a structured project management approach with clearly defined milestones and deadlines, and they’ve consistently delivered according to the agreed roadmap. One aspect we particularly value is their fixed-price model: they commit upfront to the scope, timeline, and budget, which provides a high level of predictability and avoids unexpected costs. This combination of disciplined execution and transparent pricing has made the collaboration both reliable and comfortable from a planning and budgeting perspective.

What did you find most impressive about them?

What we’re most impressed with is Espresso Labs’ combination of technical expertise, reliability, and accountability. They take ownership of the entire development process, consistently meet their commitments, and communicate transparently throughout the project. We also particularly appreciate their fixed-price approach, which provides budget certainty without compromising on quality or delivery. Their ability to integrate advanced AI capabilities while remaining responsive to feedback and evolving requirements has made them a valuable long-term technology partner.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing we can come up with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm director of a startup called Licita Mais Brasil, who helps the government with their buys.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

Hiring Espresso Labs gave start to our comapany. They helped us since the begining, starting with the designs of our web site, until the develepoment of the entire system. Our system are already working but the develepoment still on going, and parallel with the develepoment we started a maintence service too.

SOLUTION

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

We searched on-line for developers, but due the complexity of our system, only fell companies answered back. Espresso Labs answered all our questions since the begining, and showed us they were prepared for the challenge.

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

The project started with the design, where I showed to the designer all my ideas. He help me, showing how to improve the system, using his UX knowlodge. After the design, we started the developement of the system, who started with the database in MySQL, after this, they started to develop the sign-in system, and then the main system. Our plataform has many different functions, since a chat box to an bid system. Im not an especilist but i know they used technologies like VUE.js, Node.js and MailJet.

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

A project manager, 2 full stack developers, 1 front end developer and a designer. Possible more people worked at the project, but i did not had contact with then.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Our system was launched less than a month ago, so we are at a change point, where we still to develop the system, but some functions are already working. Our first clients gave us good feedbacks, about their experiences.

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

The development start in the middle of the covid pandemic, so since the beggining our meets were made by video calls. We use to make video calls once a week, where we can talk about doubts or problems. We used google meets for video calls and Microsoft teams.

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

From the beginning, working with Expresso Labs has been a good experience. That was my first time working with a development company and they overpassed my expectations. Some things took more time than we thought but the quality of their services made the waiting worthwhile.

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

The project took much more time than we expected, maybe they underestimated the complexity of the system. It took more time, but they did a great job.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I work for a multinational health devices manufacturer, and our focus is on the treatment of chronic diseases in both hospital and home environments. I am part of a clinical team that provides support to marketing and commercial activities.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Espresso Labs?

We needed to create a mobile and web application. We started working with EspressoLabs in August 2018, and the app went live by the end of 2018. However, we still work with them on continuous development and updates of this tool.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Espresso Labs first developed an Android and iOS app for us from scratch. The app initially served as an online product portfolio for our customers. Since then, it’s evolved into an education platform, offering content from healthcare professionals. Customers can learn about our products and how to use them.

Our second project was developing a customer profile web database. That system is used internally by our sales team.

What is the team composition?

I’ve worked with 5–10 people from Espresso Labs.

How did you come to work with Espresso Labs?

We were referred to them. A mutual connection in our network recommended their services, saying they were a young team with the skills we needed for our project. There were a few interviews, allowing us to examine how their committed work style. They fit within our budget, so we decided to hire them.

How much have you invested with them?

I can’t give an exact figure but estimate the total so far is around $10,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Espresso Labs in August 2018, and the app went live by the end of 2018. The first version of the scorecard tool is finished, and the development of the mobile app is ongoing. We’re also looking to update the scorecard tool in the near future.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Espresso Labs has been successful. We created the website and mobile app when the ideas behind them weren’t totally mature, so any underperforming metrics are a result of that.

We’re currently working on improvements based on user response. Their work was very successful because it solved a huge information access issue. Espresso Labs did everything we asked them to.

How did Espresso Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve done very well with management. We struggled a bit with timelines in the beginning because we didn’t plan them out precisely. Once we established a clear timeframe, our interaction was much better.

Espresso Labs always delivered within our timeframes. While we used to have in-person meetings, we now communicate over Zoom, WhatsApp, and email.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very cost-effective and were very engaged with their work. They’re always available and willing to address any concerns.

Are there any areas they could improve?

 If I were to change something, I’d establish a clear timeline from the beginning. I wasn’t experienced on that front, so it didn’t cross my mind to ask for a timeframe.

Had they brought it up proactively, I would’ve understood more about due dates and everything else. I’ve learned to be more organized during the collaboration, and I think that Espresso Labs’ team has as well.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I recommend laying down a proposal and timeline proactively.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Project Manager at a Software Services Company headquartered in São Paulo. Our company has about 10 employees and we serve corporate clientes in Brazil.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Espresso Labs?

The design of our applications was outdated and usability needed to improve. We do not have any in-house UX/UI Designer, so we needed to outsource this job.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to improve user experience when accessing our systens. We were interested in a user friendly platform.

SOLUTION

How did you select Espresso Labs?

We searched for companies to do this job (about 8). We analysed case studies on their websites and contact each one. Espressolabs was select based on the quality of their proposal, their price point, which is accessible to small companies like us.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected this vendor, we had a series of Discovery meetings to discuss our goals and objectives. After a few meetings between Espressolabs and our commercial and it team we decided together the Project scope detailed. We quickly received the final UX-UI Design Presentation and we liked very much. Afther this, technical team implemented de new design and our clients approved the new layout and design.

What was the team composition?

We are assigned a Project manager, a Commercial Manager, a IT analyst and a IT Developer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The New Layout and Design improve the acceptability of our systems by customers

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Communication between the teams was dynamic, clear and objective.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Espresso labs has great knowledge on the subject, good prices, and fast delivery.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Everything can always be improved, but we are very happy with the results.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Arknoah. We’re developing a social media platform for pet owners. We also provide services like digital identity and location for pets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Espresso Labs?

When we started the company, the main problem was finding an IT partner that understood our needs and had the right quality for our limited budget.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Espresso Labs is our partner in all IT components. They developed our social media platform in its entirety. The design was made by another company.

What is the team composition?

Thiago (Founder & Project Manager) is our main contact point, and we’ve worked with 4–5 people from Espresso Labs overall, including Eduardo (Founder and CEO).

How did you come to work with Espresso Labs?

They’re a young team, so my partner was unsure whether they had enough experience to work on a social media platform. We had 2–3 meetings with Thiago and his team, and we were very impressed with their past work. We considered two other companies, but we chose Espresso Labs based on their reactivity, work experience, and price.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested around $120,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with Espresso Labs in February 2019, and our relationship is ongoing. Our platform is evolving every day.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Espresso Labs has a good understanding of market needs, and we’re very happy with the platform they delivered.

We’ve had some problems during development, but they were always by our side to solve them. It’s impossible not to make mistakes, but Espresso Labs has always been quick in finding solutions. We consider Espresso Labs a strategic partner in our business.

How did Espresso Labs perform from a project management standpoint?

We have calls and meetings with them on a regular basis. They know our software and market, and they’re able to propose how we can evolve the platform. If I have a problem, I can pick up the phone and tell them about it, and Espresso Labs will have a solution in 1–2 days.

They send us schedules for every part of our work, and we have access to tools where we can see what exactly they’re doing.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Espresso Labs is a young company with young people, but they’re working with some important customers. We’re a small company, but they’re giving us the same attention as their bigger clients.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We haven’t been able to have face-to-face meetings in 2020 because of COVID-19. I hope we can come together more frequently after the pandemic is over. It’s very important for us to discuss problems and ideas in the same room.

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

The fact that they’re a young team shouldn’t be a concern. They’re professional and very good at what they do, and they commit to their clients.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Project Manager of Allert Platform in an IT services and consulting company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

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

We needed to modernize the mobile app: update the framework, improve security, performance and design. Our goal was to have an app for the most demanding customers.

SOLUTION

How did you select Espresso Labs and what were the deciding factors?

We found Espresso Labs on Internet searches. We chose this vendor for 3 reasons: - cost benefit - Solid experience - recommendations from other customers

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

We had two discovery meetings to discuss our goals. We made a schedule with the steps of the project that was strictly fulfilled. Our team of testers analyzed the first app beta version and after that they made adjustments and the final version was delivered on time.

How many resources from the Espresso Labs team worked with you, and what were their positions?

A project Manager (main point of contact) A developer A UX Designer

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

After our app was launched, a large customer approved the app for use by thousands of employees.

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

The project manager was easy to communicate with, through e-mail, videoconference and phone calls. Everything was delivered on time.

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

Their commitment to deadlines, quality of deliverables, and a team of professionals stood out in the workflow.

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

Nothing to comment

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

Pharmaceutical industry in Brazil, supplier for hospital segment. Product Group Manager

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Espresso Labs?

To develop app for a drug ( esmolol ) , in order to assist physicians to calculate de correct dose and administrations for this drug.

What were your goals for this project?

Close to access ( on the hand ), easy to access, quickly find the correct dose and additional informations.

SOLUTION

How did you select Espresso Labs?

The leader is a friend and the company is well structured.

Describe the project in detail.

Dose calculator Video classes Tecnical informations Product presentation User datas

What was the team composition?

Marketing and medical affairs

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Launched this year in august but COVID quarentine limited the publicity.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Good ( 1 to 10 > 7)

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The cost of the project and the team's dedication impressed us.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Flexibity in legal affairs