Guaraná Technologies

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a travel planning website. Our platform compares the prices of all accommodations existing in cities. For example, if you want to travel to Singapore and are looking for a nice place to stay, we tap into the APIs of providers such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and more. It’s a place to find the best and cheapest accommodation around.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guaraná Technologies?

We needed someone to help with our mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They started with an iOS project before moving into Android development. They built native apps using Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android. We only provided them the backend where they could see our existing platform, and they worked from there.

They’ve been building a matching web interface for mobile users. We had a graphic identity and corporate guidelines, but they came up with the entire UI case and everything matching our branding.

We’re testing the app little by little. We’re still in the soft launch phase, and we’ve been launching in a couple of countries. Our idea is that the app will be the place to go in order to have a faster and better experience than what we can offer on the web.

What is the team composition?

We have three main points of contact. There’s one person who works more on the sales aspect, one for the design and conception of the UX, and one more with the technical standpoints. There is a team of about 10 people that work on the project.

How did you come to work with Guaraná Technologies?

They had worked on a similar project to ours in the past and we got in contact with them through the firm that they built it for. They had the purest offer and they were ready to commit to our scope of work. We found they were willing to work up front to define and understand fully what we were trying to build.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent 120,000 euros ($132,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in October 2018 and the work is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have a lot of users that connect through mobile and we’ve increased stickiness by about 50% for mobile users. We’ve also seen that the session times are much longer than before with more returning users. Our feedback has been positive.

Our app is not fully rolled out in all our targeted countries, but we’ve seen quite substantial enterprising and downloads in the small countries where we did launch.

How did Guaraná Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

Their style is a good match for us. They reply to all our questions and give us the expertise we don’t have. Everything is always well-discussed. They define everything and don’t leave any blind spots in the project.

They’ve been very responsive, flexible, and friendly. They’ve always responded within a couple of hours to our emails, and if we wanted a call, we had it within the day. We also communicate through Slack and some other software.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They fully understand and deliver what we want.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There’s nothing I’d have them improve. They’ve been perfect.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Don’t hesitate to raise questions you have. When they’re challenged, they can produce more than when they aren’t.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of a startup with a mobile app that acts as a project management tool.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guaraná Technologies?

I needed a developer to build the app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I initially presented them with a preliminary user story and flow, and had some idea of how I wanted the app to work. We discussed my goals, and they compiled a list of features and a quote. They gave me options for functionality that would fit within my budget and assigned a project manager to create the workflow. Then, the development team worked through the front- and backend and resolved some design issues. I went back and forth with them to make corrections.

They developed the iOS version first, followed by the Android version. Once the prototypes were complete, we had an iterative testing period that lasted about four weeks. Finally, their production team launched the finished product on the App Store and on Google Play. They worked with my website designer to get images and information to upload to each store.

Today, I work with them on backend analytics on a separate contract. They help me manage the activity on the app, and they make updates to keep the app running properly and communicating with the server.

What is the team composition?

There were three main points of contact. I interacted with a principal designer and an InVision specialist. The principal designer became something of a project manager through the development process. When it went to production, my main contact switched to a developer who was very involved with the backend.

How did you come to work with Guaraná Technologies?

I found them through an online search. They catered to startups and gave me a fixed budget. Other companies couldn't offer that option and knowing exactly how much the project would cost really helped me make a decision.

How much have you invested with them?

The project cost between $50,000-$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in May 2018, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They set me up on Firebase to extract reports. The result is wonderful. I had a wish list that I had to make more realistic, but everything they've issued serves my needs. There were bugs that appeared throughout the process which caused delays, but the finished product is good.

How did Guaraná Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

They're good communicators. On average, they respond within a day or two. Whenever they were actively working on my file, I got a response immediately. Everything worked great, and they were easily accessible. I can go to their office and see them, which made a big difference to me.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They always found solutions to my issues, and they accommodated my needs. They never took shortcuts, and they presented me with options to choose from.

Are there any areas they could improve?

This was my first big project, so I was learning through the process. As we discussed alternative solutions, I wish they would have explained things with more detail so I could make more informed decisions. For instance, I thought the analytics would be included in the initial quote, but that was an additional fee. I would have liked a more itemized scope, which may have saved some time and avoided some changes midstream.  

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Hire them. I contacted a lot of agencies, but they were the most honest. They never try to oversell to their clients and are very accommodating.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder of a personal activities startup.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guaraná Technologies?

I needed a partner to develop a mobile app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Guaraná Technologies designed and developed my iOS app, using Swift. The app allows users to spontaneously post activities—such as playing tennis—and find other people in the area who want to participate. They can set a time limit to the event, and after it expires, it automatically gets deleted.

What is the team composition?

The project manager was my main point of contact.

How did you come to work with Guaraná Technologies?

I did some research on companies around me. I found a few and liked the website and past work of Guaraná Technologies the most, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

I’ve spent around $20,000 CAD (approximately $15,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

Our partnership lasted from June–December 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m satisfied with their work. 

How did Guaraná Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

They always asked for my approval before moving onto the next phase, allowing me to actively participate in the app’s development. They were responsive and prompt throughout the entire engagement.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have a small team that’s able to build whatever kind of app you need.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could’ve tested the app more before bringing it to me. I found a few bugs in the first versions. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

Clearly tell them what you want.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the co-founder of Payzpot, a company that helps large venues reduce the waiting time for food orders at big events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guaraná Technologies?

We had a client who was already interested in our product, so we needed a partner to make a white label MVP under a tight deadline.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Guaraná Technologies developed an MVP iOS app that’s for both mobile and tablets. We already had the design and some specs, which we gave to their team. They collaborated a bit with different third-party partners, working on the architecture of the backend and other components. They integrated the MVP with APIs and other services, using Heroku as a platform for the service. 

The app allows users to find all of the concessions around them in a particular venue, lets them see the menu, and directly order through their mobile device. On the other side, employees can use the app on a tablet to see orders in real time and send notifications when their food is ready.

How did you come to work with Guaraná Technologies?

We were looking for companies in Montreal that offered a price we could afford. We talked to a few different agencies, but Guaraná Technologies best fulfilled our expectations, so we hired them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from February–June 2018. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They enabled us to deliver the MVP on time and secure our first pilot project. Because of that project, it allowed us to get even more business and reach out to other potential clients. The quality of their work is excellent, and it was recently used at a festival that had over 10,000 attendees.

How did Guaraná Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

They were incredibly responsive and pushed back when they thought the project could go in a better direction. We communicated via email, text, and phone and had two-week sprints with a new feature at the end of each cycle.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have an optimized process to build mobile apps, which is efficient and easy to understand. Their workflow was transparent and allowed us to keep track of the app’s progress. We didn’t have much tech knowledge, so they explained things in a clear way without making us feel inferior.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. 
 
Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

To optimize the partnership, give details about what you specifically want. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder and CEO of Nexus Media Group, LLC. Our company is developing mobile, location-based discovery technology to strengthen particular market ecosystems.

We currently have an iOS product on the market called GoBeMap, which supports the healthy/active lifestyle ecosystem by easily connecting consumers and vendors. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Guarana Technologies?

I hired Guarana to handle the software development of our product while another firm did the UX/UI. I had a prototype that was more extensive than I wanted to take to market as a minimum viable product (MVP). Guarana scaled back the design and developed both the frontend and backend. Our software draws from Google Places and from a curated database, and Guaran also manages the database.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed a working MVP to test our product/market fit. I am currently bootstrapping the project, so obtaining a maximum impact at a reasonable cost was important, along with a reasonable feature set. 

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I interviewed developers across the spectrum—from local freelancers to large firms with offices across the globe. I knew I wanted a development firm with fluent English skills located near my time zone. Guarana was responsive, seemed easy to work with, and answered my questions without technical jargon. My consulting CTO translated their recommendations from time to time, and he praised Guarana's approach to the challenge.

We laughed a lot together during the vetting process, which I appreciated. They also wanted to use the app themselves, and from the beginning, I wanted the people I worked with to do a good job and live the lifestyle for which the app is designed. With this company, I want to support people who are making an effort to be their best.

Guarana’s price was considerably lower than other big firms; they had good references and had built a similar app before but with different content, so no conflict existed. I liked the fact that they’re located in Montreal, which is only two hours ahead of my time zone. Plus, working with Guarana allowed me to practice a little French.

Describe the project in detail.

Technically, GoBeMap can be thought of as a simultaneous, preset Google search for all the components of a healthy and active lifestyle. We find clean and healthy food, gyms and yoga studios, sporting goods stores, parks and trails, and kids' activities and put them on one map with a list. Categories can be turned on and off for clarity. The app is location-based, but users can also search anywhere in the U.S. Each category is color-coordinated with custom icons for easy identification.

The map has pins that lead to business detail pages for each place, with in-house ratings, images, address, navigation, phone number, and website information. The list view provides a matrix of places in each category that is turned on, and each listing leads to the organization’s detail page.

Since we are based in Colorado and are focusing our marketing efforts here, we are hand-curating a database. This also limits our requests to Google's database. Outside Colorado, we access Google with certain keywords and PlaceTypes and filter the results to eliminate some businesses that use our keywords but aren't truly providing the goods and services that our demographic wants.

I had a clickable prototype when I came to Guarana, along with a specification list that I developed with one of my advisors who has developed a studio-management app. We pared down the prototype to an MVP feature list that was cost-effective but still provided the core features that would allow us to test the market. During development, Guarana made a few minor graphics changes as needed when we scaled back from the prototype, and I revised some graphics as well.

Guarana used my PNG files to recreate the prototype in another software, which we then used for the logic application. Guarana was responsible for applying logic to the prototype screens, setting up and integrating the Heroku database, and setting up the analytics accounts based on the metrics I wanted. They also guided me in navigating the App Store.

What was the team composition?

I dealt mainly with the project manager. I also spoke with at least one engineer, and the CEO was involved in the beginning when we were defining the feature set and budget. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What outcomes or results can you share that demonstrate progress and/or success?

We launched to beta testers in November 2017 and began marketing on Facebook just before December 2017. Guarana worked diligently to remove any bugs prior to beta testing. We did find a few bugs during testing, but Guarana responded quickly, and we've had no crashes to date according to the App Store.

The results of the engagement exceeded my expectations. Users have complimented how fast and easy the app is to use, highlighting the quality of Guarana’s programming. The app works well, and people like it. The project was delivered on time and within budget, contrary to what some of my technical friends told me to expect.

How effective was the project management?

The project manager listened closely to my intentions and educated me about the possibilities and limitations clearly and without judgment. Guarana released drafts and revisions when promised, and they defined what they’d need from me in advance. The original quote and fees for additional services were detailed, and they invoiced through a straightforward online service.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The whole Guarana team—and the project manager especially—was very patient with me. As a first-time technology entrepreneur who’s bootstrapping the project as a solo founder, I had to start and stop the project a few times, sometimes for months, before we actually wrote any code. Although we were able to joke about it, they remained as responsive as the first time I called.

I also felt that Guarana was just the right size for me—small enough to give great service but big enough to have the resources we needed. They didn't over-promise on their turnaround time but still delivered before the holidays, which was important because the MVP is for travelers.

I haven't worked with any other vendors at this level, but I can say that compared to the other firms and freelancers I considered for the project, Guarana listened better and educated with less judgment than their competition, and their price was very fair.

What tips or recommendations do you have?

We did have one challenging incident. Again, I'm not a technical guy, so I don't know the options for database management, but we ran into a situation where someone on my team had deleted some data. I had been running trials with several different data-entry freelancers and had rejected a couple due to poor performance. To run the trials, I had to give them access to the database, and I think one of them retaliated once I terminated him/her. (It's nearly impossible to delete a whole column in Heroku/Parse since the system requires confirmation for actions like that.)

I am surprised that the database didn’t assign editing limitations to certain users. One of my data entry teammates suggested using CSV files and uploading them into the database, and I am disappointed that Guarana hadn't suggested that sooner. However, they probably didn't want to add extra work, and our current database uses a very secure process. Fixing the data issue created more work for them. Frankly, I'm shocked that apparently, no database system allows access for so many people without being able to set editing privileges. This makes me wonder how well Guarana knows the options out there or whether they simply use what they know. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our business is an app that connects people with nurses for home care in Canada.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guarana Technologies?

Our goal was to create an app that could gather information on the nurses for validation, and also connect them to the general public. We thought of ideas, and managed to find a platform and process that made sense for everyone.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They built the app for iOS from scratch. They showed me a design map before we started, and since it looked good, we decided to bring them on board.

The app has features like custom email notifications for appointment confirmations, invoice emails, etc. There are limitations in terms of when the appointments can be scheduled because we don’t want them being booked too late.

What is the team dynamic?

My point of contact is William [Account Manager, Guarana], and he has a team behind him, but I’m not sure who is working on the project.

How did you come to work with Guarana Technologies?

I had previously hired another company which was a one-man team, but it didn’t work out. I found Guarana through Google and decided to bring them on board.

How much have you invested with them?

I've spent around $25,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

I've been working with Guarana since May 2017, and the relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Some things could be improved in terms of the layout. I offered my ideas to switch up the splash page in order to make it more user-friendly. It was a bit disappointing, but overall, we have a general consensus that it’s doing what it should, and that we got what we paid for.

How did Guarana Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

They're responsive and accountable, and we mostly communicate via email. It's been a good experience.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They care about the product and their clients. They see the long-term potential, which is good.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They should make sure they can adhere to timelines. The timelines they provided were pushed by about 25%, and instead of taking 12 weeks for them to deliver the app for user testing, it took 16 weeks. I lost about a month of revenue because of that, so I launched a bit later than I should have.

They did what they were able to do, and we’re in this together. I hope they’ll understand that I was flexible with them, and that they should respect the timelines in the future despite what’s happening in their corporation.

Do you have any advice for potential clients of Guarana Technologies?

Flush out the details, think of processes and different scenarios as much as possible, and work with them so they can provide solutions. Use Excel or Word, or any other platform online, in order to provide them with all of this information. Make sure to track all changes, and face-to-face meetings are ideal as well.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a fitness app startup with three partners located across the country. Our team is made of military, airline pilots, and professional fitness trainers. Our goal was to produce a fitness app that builds custom workouts based on equipment, time, goals, experience level and how the user is feeling. I am co-owner and project manager.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guarana Technologies?

There are several fitness apps for travelers that claim to build custom workouts, but none that use the equipment normally found in hotel gyms and home gyms. There is a very large demographic of airline pilots, flight attendants and business travelers in need of such a customizable fitness app.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We were beginners and needed close guidance and hand-holding throughout the entire process. It was an education process for us. Guarana guided us from wireframe, to UX, UI, and through Beta. They helped us refine the flow of user interface, flow of pages, and nailed the graphic layout.

How did you come to work with Guarana Technologies?

We were connected with Guarana through Crew.co. We interviewed 3 different firms. We chose Guarana for their responsiveness, portfolio and immediate ability to grasp the vision of our app.

How much have you invested with Guarana Technologies?

Between $10,000 and $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

The project took about 9 months from initial contact through launch.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any evidence that would demonstrate the productivity, quality of work, or the impact of the engagement?

Will, Mat, and the Guarana team spent countless hours on the phone, on Skype and email taking our app from a complicated concept to an incredibly fluid and robust reality. This is our first app, and we just launched, so we don't have metrics to compare to past endeavors. But the initial feedback has been phenomenal. We haven't started large-scale marketing, but we're still averaging 100 downloads per week after 4 weeks. They were absolutely always there to help, fast to respond and proactive in giving feedback and making recommendations based on their experience.

How did Guarana Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

Guarana managed the entire project from start to launch. They absolutely met all benchmarks and deliverables, and came in on budget.

What did you find most impressive about Guarana Technologies?

My team is made of military servicemen; we're used to rigid schedules, honest discourse, integrity and hard work ethic. Guarana checked all of these boxes.

Are there any areas Guarana Technologies could improve?

The only improvement we could offer, and much of this is on our shoulders, is, as beginners in the software industry, we didn't really understand the limits of UX, UI and MVP. Clearly defining the limitations and expectations of each phase for us, as beginners, would have helped both Guarana and us. But that is only one minor element of a near flawless work relationship.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

Our mobile app allows parents to keep a personal inventory of child items and toys. In the event of a recall, they’re notified via push notification. I am the co-founder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guarana Technologies?

We used Guarana Technologies to develop our app for iOS.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We do not have an internal development team, so we raised the funds to develop the app with Guarana Technologies. They only developed the app for iOS because that’s what our budget allowed. We worked with a different company to come up with the look and feel of the app, but Guarana advised us on how we could restructure some of the things we had given them to conform to iOS. They gave us some guidance on growth hacking and helped us troubleshoot a lot of ideas outside of development. Once we submitted the app to the app store, Guarana was able to solve whatever developmental problems we encountered.

How did you come to work with Guarana Technologies?

We pushed out an RFP [request for proposal] to a bunch of different development companies. We ended up using a company called Crew to find Guarana Technologies. After a couple of conversations, we decided it was a perfect fit.

How much have you invested with Guarana Technologies?

The cost of the project ranged from $25,000 to $50,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We are waiting for the holiday season to do a big launch of the app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What did you find most impressive about Guarana Technologies?

Guarana Technologies is distinct from other companies because of their consultative approach. They put in a lot of care to ensure that what they build, will succeed. They felt like a partner instead of a vendor, which was very important to the relationship.

Are there any areas Guarana Technologies could improve?

I can’t think of anything. Any type of communicative gaps we might have had were on my end. They were really good at maintaining communication. What we asked for, we got back in tenfold.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

We are a dating app. We released a version of it in Brazil that was for beta testing. I am the cofounder.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Guarana Technologies?

We had Guarana Technologies code the beta launch. Since we don’t have an internal development team, we decided to outsource because we wanted a team of professionals.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Guarana Technologies helped us redesign the app for North America, which should be out in about a month. For now, it’s only iOS but we’ll explore Android later on once we know we have a solid iOS version.

How did you come to work with Guarana Technologies?

We looked across Canada to see what companies would be the best. We found Guarana because the price was very reasonable, we got along well with them, and they had the same ideas for our project that we did.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in December 2015.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

How did Guarana Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?

I think they’re pretty good. We have a go-to guy that works there and he relays the information to their designers and developers. He’s very agreeable and we can contact him at any time and he’ll answer.

What distinguishes Guarana Technologies from other providers?

The fact that they’re a small team means they care about their projects, and we’re generally very happy with them.