• Visit Website
  • CONTACT
    Kyiv, Ukraine
    +380975058161

World-class mobile and web development agency

4.5
26 reviews

We create awesome web and mobile apps for entrepreneurs and startups in a cost-effective and timely manner based on Lean philosophy.

MLSDev specializes in providing all-in-one solutions in web and mobile development. We follow lean principles and work according to agile methodologies to deliver the best results reducing the budget for development and its timeline.

 

Our mission is to maximally unlock the potential of our clients’ business ideas through innovations. The main goal of our team is to create a product that is able to bring you profit. We care about your success and approach every project from lean perspective to minimize all possible risks and ensure the quick turnaround. As a result, the final product we deliver perfectly meets market demand.

Our main services include:

  • Business analysis;
  • Mobile and web design;
  • MVP development;
  • Ongoing development.

Additional services are:

  • Proof of concept / Technical research;
  • Load testing;
  • IoT hardware prototyping and software development.
READ MORE...
 
$10,000+
 
$25 - $49 / hr
 
50 - 249
 Founded
2009
Show all +
Kyiv, Ukraine
headquarters
other locations
  • MLSDev Vinnytsia, VI 21001
    Ukraine
    +380975058161
  • MLSDev
    1025 Alameda De Las Pulgas #535
    Belmont, CA 94002
    United States
    +13033176054
  • MLSDev
    3/12 Librowszczyzna str.
    Kraków 31-030
    Poland
    +48577813279

Portfolio

Key clients: 

ESPN, McDonald's, GoPuff, Danone, Panasonic, Alpine, Comfy, ArtStation, LevelUp, Chored, Yummi, EdgeRift

GoPuff

GoPuff has more than 100k downloads on Google Play and Apple App Store.

GoPuff is an on-demand delivery service that supplies its clients with student, office, party and household essentials, snacks, drinks, frozen food, groceries and electronics. This is a mobile convenience store that is always in a pocket.

McDonald’s Baltics

McDonald’s Baltics has more than 100k downloads on Google Play and Apple App Store.

McDonald’s Baltics is a mobile loyalty app for brand customers in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. Its main purpose is to offer users personalized deals, provide information about new promotions, products and their nutritional value. Apart from that clients can always find a detailed description of all McDonald’s restaurants in the region and access customer service.

ArtStation

ArtStation has more than 100k downloads on Google Play and Apple App Store.

ArtStation is a creative platform for artists who work in various areas of visual arts. It provides them with three main networking opportunities. Artists can showcase their works in personal profiles, discover new inspiring masterpieces and ideas and, apart from connecting with each other, they can also find a lot of job opportunities on ArtStation.

*In close cooperation with Ballistiq

reVistor

reVistor is a mobile app that allows its users to experience historical events where they actually occurred with the help of augmented reality. The main purpose of the application is to preserve the memory and increase public interest with the American Civil War and other historical events. But there is also a spin-off application that enables users to create their own 3D augmented scenes at the GPS locations of their choosing.

Yummi

Yummi is a mobile app that is specially created to help users store their best food memories. It is a platform where you can share your eating experiences, discover different meals, and log food images to never forget the fine cuisine you’ve tasted. In addition, users can build their network and follow friends’ recommendations while choosing where to go and what to eat.

More or Less

More or Less is a quiz game which can be played against friends, classmates, family or just a random opponent trying to best estimate a figure. Unlike other trivia or quiz games, it's not about knowing the exact answer but about gauging your knowledge against your opponents'.

Trybz

Trybz is a social tourism application for people with a certain vision and ideas who are really passionate about them. A user can create a Trybe and bring together other like-minded users to expand and grow it. All Trybz have their own code of rules, initiations for new members, self generated content and chats available only to those who are in.

erodr

erodr has more than 10k downloads on Google Play and Apple App Store

erodr lets you discover the college student community around the nation and on your campus. Choose whether to reveal your personality or stay anonymous every time you make a post.

GoGibbon

GoGibbon focuses on dating based on the activities you love. The app offers a wide range of activities that are easy, fun connection points: from boating, tennis, dog parks, museums, concerts and laser tag, to tapas, wine tasting, religious services and volunteer work, just to name a few. There's something for everyone. Just like there's someone for everyone.

TableFever

TableFever allows to discover culinary experiences in your neighborhood or in any Belgian city of your choice. Finding new restaurants on TableFever only takes a second: select your location, choo se a date and you're good to go! You will instantly see which restaurant is available for booking at the date of your choice. Booking is just one tap away!

Reviews

4.5
26 reviews
Sort by

UI Design & Web Dev for Digital Health Startup

“We made the right choice by working with them.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Dec. 2017 - Aug. 2018
Project summary: 

MLSDev developed a progressive web application for patients and designed its UI/UX. Their efforts included building a parser for existing data and integrating a complex navigation feature.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Freiburg, Germany
Jerome Meinke
CTO, Tomes GmbH
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MLSDev delivered a high-quality product that consists of intricate functionalities. Internal feedback is positive as the platform’s interface facilitates user engagement. They communicate effectively and are open to accommodating established processes. Their developers come up with innovative ideas.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO of a health technology startup called Tomes GmbH. Our main product is Idana, a software suite for intelligent digital anamnesis. It brings communication between doctors and patients to the next level by enabling the exchange of questionnaires through encrypted channels. This process can take place before, during, and after therapy. By increasing the flow of information between relevant parties, we seek to improve healthcare efficiency and patient safety.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

We needed an external firm to help us develop new software. Additional assistance was required to design the platform’s UI/UX.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

MLSDev provided detailed estimates and wireframes that outlined the project’s overall scope. We worked with their designer to create the product’s interface. Then, they developed a progressive web app while consulting with us throughout the process. Since the application isn’t native, users can access it through any device. This includes desktop browsers, iOS devices, and Android phones. They integrated the platform with an easy navigation feature that facilitates in-app movement via scrolling or button presses.

They allocated a QA resource to test the software during different stages of the development cycle. This resource also created unique testing protocols based on our protocol templates.

What is the team composition?

They assigned a project manager, a developer, a designer, and a QA tester.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

We conducted online research to find a mid-sized firm with the technology specializations required to complete our project. We used Clutch.co to help us find as many potential firms as possible. We gathered a list of 60 candidates and contacted 20 of them after reviewing our needs in more detail.

MLSDev was one of the first companies to respond to our inquiry and they provided a detailed pitch. They offered the best price estimate and designed an excellent mockup of the platform’s interface. We hired them as a result.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

This project took place from December 2017–August 2018. However, we’re currently working with them to complete a separate project.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We’ve recently launched a new version of Idana thanks to the software MLSDev developed. The website is relatively new, so our access to user feedback is limited at this time. However, the results of our internal testing efforts indicate positive feedback regarding the platform’s overall design and usability.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

We required them to carefully track their time and use the same project management tools as we do. This includes Jira, GitHub, and Travis CI. They further accommodated us by using Telegram and Google Meet instead of Skype. We held weekly meetings to review the project’s status, conduct sprint retrospectives, and plan the next sprint. Overall, they perform exceptionally well from a communication standpoint.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re transparent with how they approach each development task. I appreciate the ability to communicate directly with their team members. If we suggested a change they didn’t agree with, they stood up for themselves and made counterarguments. This made us reevaluate our decisions on several occasions, but they ultimately respected our requests and recognized us as a client. They’re professional, reliable, and creative. We made the right choice by working with them.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No. They do an excellent job and provide a valuable service.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They’re more committed to meeting deadlines than our in-house development team.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    MLSDev never went over budget.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They deliver state-of-the-art technology.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve already referred them to two colleagues.

Mobile App Dev for Health Startup

"They became, and will remain, valuable technology partners for my company."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Jan. - June 2018
Project summary: 

MLSDev developed a companion app to inform the users of a specific product and enhance their experience. The app, available for Android and iOS, uses animation to guide users through the product’s proper use.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
New Mexico
Claire Dishman, CCH
Founder, Healexir, LLC
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The product and its app are near launch, and the app provides a suitable guide for users. MLSDev was receptive to all requests and outlined the steps taken to achieve a successful project. They were communicative and professional from the proposal process through the development phase.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of the startup Healexir, LLC. We make a homeopathic solution that reduces the bruising and swelling associated with surgical procedures.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire MLSDev?

I hired MLSDev to develop a companion app for the product.

What were your goals for this project?

The app needed to strongly reflect the branded environment and proper use of the product. As a startup, I was on an extremely limited budget, but I still prioritized usefulness.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I interviewed several companies in New York before finding MLSDev on the Clutch website. I searched for Ukrainian firms because I had heard the notion of quality tech services at reasonable prices. MLSDev communicated well and created a strong relationship in the early stages of the inquiry. Their quote was detailed and clear, and they made an effort to speak with me directly and follow up on every stage of my decision-making process. Their responsiveness and their strong design skills were essential in making my final choice.

Describe the project in detail.

The app is available for iOS and Android and serves primarily as a timer that guides post-surgery patients through a specific recovery protocol. Instructions for how to use the product were critical, so we developed animations to show exactly how to use the product. The team continually came back with critical points and sophisticated questions about what I had in mind. They improved the app by staying curious and alert to what we were developing. I could not have been more impressed with their skills to put themselves in the user’s position.

What was the team composition?

I had a customer service specialist who provided my quotes and answered all questions in the early stages of the project. A project manager guided me through the development stages, where we identified all the screens and the flow of the app. I also had a detailed project manager who oversaw the Android and iOS coders.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The app and product are near launch, but I'm very confident about what we have created in terms of design and technical excellence.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

They respond quickly through Slack, Google Hangouts, and other tools. They ensured I understood all steps we took. They rose to the occasion whenever I asked for a new feature or a design change. They were clearly capable. I found their passion for their work refreshing. 

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The most notable aspect was their ability to make suggestions based on the user experience. They deeply understood what we were trying to accomplish and continually improved it as we moved along. They became, and will remain, valuable technology partners for my company.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Of course, there were minor setbacks but nothing I can't partially take responsibility for myself. I continue to be impressed with their skills, tools, and desire to make an incredible product.

5.0
Overall Score I look forward to working with them again.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They often worked nights and weekends to accommodate me.
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    We went over my budget largely due to the fact that I expanded the scope of work once we started.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The design and the quality of their product were excellent.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I will without question continue to support this company, and I highly recommend them.

Mobile App Dev for Delivery & Courier Service

“They did a fantastic job of both deciphering my requirements and also challenging me to make them better.”

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
June 2017 - Mar. 2018
Project summary: 

MLSDev provided business and system analysis, plus Android and web portal development, for a B2B courier service. They offered business plan critiques and built the web and app components from scratch.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Malta
Akram Rayes
CEO, Mela Ltd
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MLSDev’s team provided superior service throughout the review and development processes. They stayed on schedule and on budget while delivering a bug-free app that went through rigorous testing. Their passion for their work and willingness to offer advice resulted in a much-improved product.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Mela.biz, which is a professional B2B same-day courier and delivery service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

I initially wanted to develop a plan that would use technology to innovate the way courier work is performed in Malta. I reached out to MLSDev and they helped me perform a suitability study for the system specs. I also asked them to assist with the front- and backend development of an app for our drivers that linked everything together and allowed me to launch the business.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They initially went through my requirements, studied the system design, and discussed the business aspects underlying my concept. That process took about a month and helped me refine the idea. They presented some challenges for me that changed my initial expectations and led to alterations in the business plan.

Once we finished that stage, we moved on to a system design phase. I spent a week onsite with them in Ukraine and we went through the system in deep detail. They brought in the entire team that worked on the project and I heard feedback from all of them on how they thought the app should work. Based on all those notes, we came up with an initial design for how the system should look and how each component should function.

After that, we launched into a development phase that lasted four or five months. They built everything from scratch, which included an Android app specifically for couriers employed through the service. It allows the system to notify couriers when there are jobs available and interfaces with Google Maps to help them navigate as they collect and deliver orders. They receive contact information from the customer, as well as notes about whether the payment is cash or credit. The app also sends out text messages to inform customers whenever a package is picked up or delivered. In addition to this, there’s a portal for businesses to log into in order to view the status of their deliveries and confirm the signature of the recipient.

What is the team composition?

We had a project manager, system and business analysts, and frontend, backend, and Android developers.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

I used to be a software developer before changing careers, so I made a list of over 40 companies of interest, some of which I found through Clutch. I approached all of them and asked for proposals, then went through a process to eliminate the companies that were the wrong fit. Once I’d narrowed down the list, MLSDev stood out as the most interesting and suited to the project.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between $50,000–$65,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started the project in June 2017 and wrapped up in March 2018. Everything is launching in April and then I expect they’ll help refine things if there are any errors.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

They’ve produced a working system and a functional app that integrates nicely. They were instrumental in designing the pages and adjusting the interface to maximize the user experience. The quality of their work has been excellent and met international standards. They use independent reviewers for their QA process, and their testing is extremely thorough. It’s an extra cost, but it was worthwhile. I haven’t found any bugs yet in the final product they delivered to me.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

The project management has been exceptional. They’ve stayed on schedule and on budget. I'm lucky that I had a strong, experienced project manager who coordinated between me and the developers. They held regular meetings at the end of every phase of the project that showcased the completed work to that point and let me give comments, questions, and change notes.

For communicating, we used Slack for day-to-day contact, which allowed me to exchange ideas with the developers directly as well as the project manager. We also used Skype and Confluence, which is a project management portal that tracks your project and stores notes. During our development stage, we broke the project into phases and held weekly meetings throughout that process. Each time we completed a phase, we’d have a meeting to showcase the work to date and ensure agreement before moving forward.

What did you find most impressive about them?

One of my first points of contact at MLSDev was a salesperson who was not only knowledgeable about the system but also understood the industry and had the expertise to discuss my needs in depth. She asked the right questions, but she also gave me a sense that they invest in understanding you as a customer and give you personalized service. You can see their passion for their work and their company, and they work enthusiastically to maintain their relationships with their clients. That initial interaction inspired me to consider them so strongly.

I should also single out the business analysts, who did a fantastic job of both deciphering my requirements and also challenging me to make them better. They forced me to narrow my focus, which was instrumental in how I rebuilt my business strategy going forward. In addition, the project manager had a wealth of experience and knew how to effectively control a team in a way that I feel is rare.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I was initially concerned about a language barrier, but I didn’t have any problems communicating or feeling misunderstood.

5.0
Overall Score It’s been a pleasure working with them.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They met deadlines and sometimes finished early.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    I sorted through over 30 proposals before choosing anyone and they were extremely cost-effective.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    I’ve had no problems and everything works correctly.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I’ve already recommended them to a number of people.

Native Android App Dev for Photo Publishing Service

"They were always prompt and professional, and if there was going to be a delay, they’d let us know."

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.5
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Mar. 2017 - Jan. 2018
Project summary: 

MLSDev developed the Android version for an existing iOS app, featuring sophisticated photo editing features, a photobook, and more. They currently handle bug fixes on a three-month support contract.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Kuwait City, Kuwait
CEO, Photo Publishing App
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The app has gathered lots of praise; its source code is robust and identical to the iOS version. MLSDev’s professionalism and ability to execute with minimal questions asked are hallmarks of their work. However, they could improve their thoroughness regarding QA.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of an internet publishing service.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

We already had our iOS platform and backend system in place and wanted to create the Android version.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They developed our entire native Android application from scratch. We provided all of the screens from the iOS version, which they copy and pasted to the Android one. The app has advanced photo editing and photobook features and photo product creations. Once they finished with these features, our in-house team took over. They still handle bug fixes as part of the three-month maintenance agreement.

What is the team composition?

There was an Android developer, a project manager, a QA engineer, and a designer assigned to our project.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

I found them on Clutch and read some of their reviews. I wanted a development team that could easily communicate with my existing offshore team in Ukraine, and they happen to be within the same country.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve invested between $50,000–$100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked with them from March 2017–January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

I’m very happy with their work and everyone loves the app. The source code is good and there’s nothing different from the iOS version. The only drawback would be on the QA from their side.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

They were always prompt and professional, and if there was going to be a delay, they’d let us know and apologize. We mostly used Skype and they’d usually get back to us with a response within a few hours.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They knew the task well and didn’t ask lots of questions. This worried me in the beginning but the end result proved to be great.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Their QA needs improvement as most of the bugs were found by my in-house QA engineer. She basically did their job. More testing should be done on their side before delivering the final product.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They gave me a pessimistic and an optimistic estimate, and completed the project on the pessimistic side.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They could improve on bug testing and fixing.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Native Mobile App Dev for Artist Showcase Platform

"If you have a very well-defined project and timeline, MLSDev works wonderfully well."

See More

3.5

Quality: 
3.5
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
2.0
Willing to refer: 
3.0
The Project
 
$200,000 to $999,999
 
Apr. 2015 - Jan. 2018
Project summary: 

MLSDev built an iOS and Android mobile app on native software that enables users to view, like, and comment on artwork.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Montreal, Canada
CEO, Showcase Platform
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MLSDev performed well with defined milestones and developed multiple successful releases of the Android app. Once the project shifted to a sprint model with constantly evolving requirements, it was more challenging. Finally, unexpected price increases made it difficult to continue the engagement.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of a showcase platform for artists to share their portfolios and connect with one another.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

We wanted to build an iOS and Android mobile app that offered similar capabilities to our website.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We had a minimal viable product we working with before partnering with MLSDev. Once we began our partnership, they rebuilt the iOS and Android app from scratch on native software.

Some of the most important features of the app are the ability to view, comment on, like and post artwork.

What is the team composition? 

I had direct contact with a project manager, an iOS developer, an Android developer, a part-time QA, and a part-time designer.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

We originally found them on Elance.com, which is now UpWork. We decided to move forward with them because we felt comfortable with their expertise when communicating with them about what we were trying to accomplish. MLSDev also had a great project manager there at the time who really grasped the business challenge we brought to them.

How much have you invested with them?

We invested over $200,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We began working with each other in April 2015, and we ended our partnership in January 2018.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We have about three million users on our web platform, and we’ve managed to successfully engage about 120,000 monthly active users on the app. We consider that a successful collaboration.

As far as quality, currently, our Android app is several rolling releases ahead of the iOS app, so we’re attempting to solve that issue in-house.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

When we first engaged them, they did really well because the work was well defined and very contained. When we engaged them again to continue working on our apps, it was more challenging because the business requirements and hence backend API kept evolving. When the scope of the project is very clear, the API is stable and well documented, and the requirements don't have a high complexity, MLSDev works very well. They are able to give close estimates and work to that target. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Our initial partnership with them went really well. They gave us pretty good work on deadline at the estimated budget.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The first issue we had was when we switched over to scrum and tried to integrate MLSDev into our team. Where MLSDev has issues is generally when the scope becomes ambiguous - the API and business requirements are a work in progress and constantly evolving. Also, it's challenging for them to work on a staff augmentation model where MLSDev has to integrate into the client's processes. MLSDev really has its own processes - project management tools, internal build systems, etc. They work very well as a standalone team with few dependencies. 

The second and larger issue was their pricing model. They unexpectedly raised our rates because they claimed they were doing our project management for free and we were now expected to pay for that. We didn’t think that was appropriate, given we had worked with them for over a year and project management had always been included in our rate. Their pricing adjustment made them no longer competitive as we could afford to hire in-house development staff for the same price.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you have a very well-defined project and timeline, with few dependencies on your internal team, MLSDev works wonderfully well. But if your project is evolving rapidly, or you need a team to augment your own, it's a bit more challenging. 

3.5
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    When they had a defined deadline, they always met it.
  • 2.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They changed the price unexpectedly twice, which led us to hire an in-house development staff.
  • 3.5 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    It largely depends on which developer from their team you are working with.
  • 3.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    It depends on your project management model and what you’re looking to accomplish.

e-Commerce Web Dev & Design for Automotive Parts Company

“They brought some much needed discipline to our organization.”

See More

4.5

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
July 2016 - Oct. 2017
Project summary: 

MLSDev assisted in redesigning an old website and developing a new version of a legacy app. The process was iterative and collaborative, allowing for frequent check-ups and changes.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Los Angeles, California
CTO, Truck Parts Retailer
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MLSDev is incredibly organized and maintained almost constant communication. Although they don’t distinguish between experienced and new developers, their partnership led to an increased conversion rate and revenue.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CTO for an e-commerce site specializing in the heavy-duty truck space, primarily aftermarket parts for large-scale semi-trucks. We facilitate the sales and provide a concierge-type service for end customers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

We had some large-scale projects underway, so we needed development help. Specifically, we wanted an agency that could provide consulting, UI, and graphics UX expertise.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

The first thing MLSDev did was a new design. We took that design, iterated on it, and executed it together. They started from the ground up, in terms of usability and customer expectations. MLSDev questioned every component of the website, simplifying everything down to its lowest common denominator to make it comprehensible and efficient.

We gave them access to our source code, and we basically created a new application. We had our legacy application, and we had MLSDev begin a new bootstrapped version in the latest Ruby on Rails. We ported over features, tested the new app, and then began redirecting traffic from our legacy app to the new updated version.

What is the team composition?

We had two developers and one UI/UX person.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

Our COO heard of them through word of mouth in the Los Angeles tech community.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent in the $50,000–$150,000 range.

What is the status of this engagement?

The partnership lasted from July 2016 to October 2017. We would’ve continued, but one of our main project investors went away, so we had to scale back.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

MLSDev was instrumental in the development that took our conversion rate from 0.9% to 1.15%. While we used them, our revenue went up, and we did better as an e-commerce company overall.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

They brought some much needed discipline to our organization. Being a small team, we’re sometimes all over the place, so that structure was helpful. 

I communicated often with the developers over Slack. Because they’re based in Ukraine, we ran into some time zone issues, but we were able to deal with them. For the most part, MLSDev was available. They stuck to the budget, followed plans, and told us if they would be late in delivery.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their commitment to discipline is impressive. I've worked with other developers that don’t have a structured way of managing their projects, but MLSDev wasn’t like that.

They utilized cutting-edge best practices, which is great in a field that is constantly changing. Their team would walk me through why their approach was the best, and then we made dev decisions together. They created an iterative process that let us analyze our progress and make changes as needed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They don’t distinguish between experienced and new developers, so the abilities between people could vary quite a bit. We were just given two resources and billed the same for each, even though they had much different skill levels.

4.5
Overall Score
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They were really good about scheduling and on target with their estimations and deliverables.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    The variation in skills between the two people we had was quite large.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I had a very good experience with them, and the only reason we stopped was the lack of funding.

iOS/Android Dev for Financial Services Firm

"We’re very happy with MLSDevs .... They’re good, quality-oriented developers."

See More

4.5

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
4.5
Cost: 
4.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Nov. 2016 - June 2017
Project summary: 

MLSDevs acted as an in-house development team to create an iOS and Android app based off an existing web app. They also augmented an internal team working on the web app frontend.

The Reviewer
 
11-50 Employees
 
Sweden
CEO, Nordic Fintech Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MLSDevs is a rigorous team. They have plenty of senior-level team members and they bring quality, tested deliverables. Although their strict organization and structure can be limiting at times, they stick to budgets and can be flexible when necessary. They’re overall reliable and professional.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of a Nordic fintech company. We do asset management and investment advice.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDevs?

We wanted to have scaled-down iOS and Android app versions of our web application. We hired MLSDevs because we didn't have any app developers in-house. We also had to do this project while we simultaneously developed the frontend of the web app, so MLSDevs was basically part of our team.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Our target audience for the mobile apps was Nordic retail clients. We realized we didn't have the resources to build the mobile apps ourselves, but we still thought it was important to be in that marketplace.

How did you come to work with MLSDevs?

I previously worked at another company in the fintech space that had had positive experiences working with Ukrainian developers. So we looked at Clutch for companies with good references, and we narrowed those down to companies in Estonia, Poland, and Ukraine. We talked to five or six firms that had gotten good reviews on Clutch, and we eventually settled on MLSDevs. I think Clutch is a good way to get the first view of who’s good before you start to engage them. We chose MLSDevs based on their references and how important they found us as a client and how well they executed the proposal.

How much have you invested with MLSDevs?

I think we ended up paying roughly $50,000 to MLSDevs.

What is the status of this engagement?

Our work together is complete. Now we have to wait for FSA approval, and then I hope to launch the mobile apps in August. I think we started working with MLSDevs in November 2016, and I think we ended the work in early June 2017.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The problem we’ve had is that we’re a regulated business, so we’re not allowed to push out the apps until they’re approved. We have tested the apps, and MLSDevs have tested the apps. Technically, the apps work well. We’ll see how consumers perceive them in the fall.

How did MLSDevs perform from a project management standpoint?

I touched base with MLSDevs every week or so. My point of contact was the CEO. They had two and sometimes three developers. We developed the UX and UI of the apps ourselves, and then MLSDevs had a guy who kind of went through it and refined it a bit. They had some QA on their end, a project manager, some sales representatives, and then a product leader that changed in between. MLSDevs was also on-site with our developers to fix all of the nitty gritty details. I think the daily contact was on Skype or Google Hangouts, and I believe they used Trello for the project management.

What did you find most impressive about MLSDevs?

We liked MLSDevs a lot. They’re very rigorous. We had worked with other Ukrainian developers on the backend, and we eventually dropped them. I think MLSDevs has enough senior resources on their team. They’re a bit more expensive, but that means their quality is much higher. We’re very happy with MLSDevs. They’re very good and professional.

Are there any areas MLSDevs could improve?

We experienced some friction at the start, because I think MLSDevs had the impression that ours was a fixed-cost project, and they had to stick to the general budget and spec we had agreed to. We were telling them that it’s impossible to stick to spec 100%, and we needed them to work with a bit more agility. Then we had a good talk with the CEO, and we talked to the project managers and told them that it’s good that they were well-structured and tried to meet the spec price, but that they also needed to be adaptable to our needs. I think everything went well after that heated discussion. I think the problem was well-intended from their side, because they wanted to keep to the budget, but I think we should have had more detailed discussions so that we could keep working together to make the project as good as we could make it.

What tips or recommendations could you share that might increase the likelihood of success with MLSDevs?

I think what worked well is that, after the fight, I scheduled a short call with the CEO every second or third week or so. I think that was quite helpful. They’re good, quality-oriented developers.

4.5
Overall Score I think it’s a 4.5.
  • 4.5 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    I think it’s 4.5. It’s always difficult in these types of projects to say exactly when something will be ready, and we were a bit late. I think any delays were mostly because of us. 
  • 4.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    I think MLSDevs came in a bit aggressive on the pricing side. But then I think the other people we were considering were a bit higher. I think that’s why we had this problem in the beginning, because they wanted to be within a certain number of hours.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

App Development for Activity-based Social Network

"They were so professional, reliable, and creative, and I’m thrilled we made the choice we did."

See More

5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
$50,000 to $199,999
 
Aug. 2015 - Dec. 2016
Project summary: 

MLSDev guided a pair of non-technical co-founders of a location and interest dependent networking app from inception through to completed beta.

The Reviewer
 
2-10 Employees
 
San Diego, California
Danielle Weinstock
Co-founder, GoGibbon App
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The development team designed and executed the startup idea in a lean, resourceful manner. Their interest was in the client's success from the onset and they patiently led the project accordingly.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

GoGibbon is a social media company. The intention is that people can connect with other people to go out and do specific activities immediately if they don’t have other people that are available such as friends or family. It’s similar to Uber for activities. I am one of the co-founders.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

We wanted someone who could educate us and walk us through the process from concept all the way through to a finished product.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They began with a market analysis to look at what competitors were doing. They created wireframes which helped us to determine scale and scope. In the design portion, we worked with a couple of different designers which were outstanding. Then, they developed the iOS app. They helped us make decisions along the way that were to the benefit of our company.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

We did a lot of online research including Clutch. We were looking for a mid-sized firm. We had a list of 50 companies around the world. We did interviews with some of the firms and talked to references. A lot of the US-based companies we reached out to weren’t interested in the specifics of the app. They were more interested in starting with a monetary analysis. MLSDev approached it by encouraging us to create an MVP [minimum viable product] and we liked that idea. We liked the fact that they were transparent in the way they worked. Their primary focus wasn’t just on monetary gain for them.

How much have you invested with MLSDev?

So far we’ve spent between $50,000 and $100,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in August 2015 and we just finished the MVP. We’re doing some testing and making changes now.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We did initial beta testing and they scored off the charts in ease of use and design.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

They were great communicators in terms of their whole process. My partner and I do not have tech backgrounds and we felt that they provided information in a way that was easy to understand. We had talked to some US-based companies that use MLSDev and one of them told us that the MLSDev team can run circles around their MIT team. We were concerned about working with someone in another country because of the language barrier and time difference but they were unbelievable. None of those concerns proved to be problematic. We did all of our communication through Skype. Everyone that we dealt with knew English well. Every week we would have meetings on Skype for them to show us what they’d been working on. We’d give our feedback and any changes were done in a timely manner. They never went over budget. They were so professional, reliable, and creative, and I’m thrilled we made the choice we did.

What did you find most impressive about MLSDev?

When we would try to push for a change or idea that they did not agree with, they fought for what they believed in, and most times they were right in the end. If we wanted to stick with our decision, they were always respectful and recognized us as the client.

Are there any areas MLSDev could improve?

We were not familiar with the Apple review process. I think the only thing that we didn’t feel like we were educated enough on was how that process worked, but that’s not a reflection on MLSDev’s work at all. They were quick to make the changes that were required for Apple. It would have been good if they had explained the process to us.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    They deliver on time and on budget. They are busy but they are transparent about their schedule. Once you’re on their docket, you are their primary focus.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    Their work was of excellent value and they adhered to budgets that we agreed to.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They’re highly professional, responsive, and creative.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Design and Development for iOS Food App

"They’re reliable and they’re on top of things. MLSDev uses tools to keep the client on top of the day to day work process."

See More

4.0

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
4.0
Cost: 
4.5
Willing to refer: 
4.5
The Project
 
Confidential
 
May 2015 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

The client recently launched a social sharing app dedicated to food on iOS. MLSDev has supported the design and development for the non-technical founder since inception.

The Reviewer
 
Startup
 
Los Angeles Metro Area
Founder, Social App for Food
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The client has been impressed with UI/UX work provided by MLSDev and has received completements from end-users. However, the client wishes his outsourced team were available on nights and weekends for faster/additional support.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the founder of a startup. We’re working on launching a social sharing app - it’s a utility app for food sharing. It’s like Facebook, Instagram, and Yelp combined. Currently, a lot of food content is shared on these other platforms but these platforms are really designed for general use. We’re building a social platform focusing primarily on tools and features for the eating experience.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with MLSDev?

I have a great idea and I don’t have a tech background. They were able to help with realizing my idea.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

I had a wireframe and they helped with doing the mockup UI [user interface]. They also developed programming and coding, and continue to follow my lead on the UX [user experience] and UI of the product. They will develop it, too. It started out as a mobile web app. I think it’s using Swift and we’re just making an iOS for now.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

I placed an ad online and there were a bunch of developers that submitted their bid. I had a good experience with them [MLSDev] in the initial assessment. The relationship started with the concept, and the overall interaction I had during the initial contact was positive, so we continued to build on the relationship.

How much have you invested with MLSDev?

This is confidential.

What is the status of this engagement?

It began in May of last year [2015]. It’s ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We put a lot of emphasis on the design from the onset. The product was launched a few weeks ago. The feedback from users is that the interface is quite nice and clean.

How did MLSDev perform from a project management standpoint?

Pretty good. They’re reliable and they’re on top of things. MLSDev uses tools to keep the client on top of the day to day work process. They’re using Jira. That’s used for bug tracking as well.

What did you find most impressive about MLSDev?

I’m very impressed with their frontend developer, Artem. Anything I want, he’ll make it work.

Are there any areas MLSDev could improve?

It’s not my own team, so I don’t have the luxury of controlling their hours. They work 9-5 or 9-6 and not weekends, so it’s hard for me to expedite certain projects.

4.0
Overall Score
  • 4.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Nobody’s perfect. There are times when they’re behind. I wish it was faster because I’m limited to their working hours.
  • 4.5 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They’re giving me a good rate. I’m impressed with Artem.
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.5 NPS
    Willing to refer

App Development for Gaming Startup

"MLSDev was well organized...and carried out the development step by step."

See More

4.0

Quality: 
4.0
Schedule: 
3.0
Cost: 
3.0
Willing to refer: 
4.0
The Project
 
$10,000 to $49,999
 
Dec. 2014 - Apr. 2016
Project summary: 

MLSDev created a startup's mobile game app. They continue working to enhance and further develop the original minimum viable product.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
New York City Metro Area
Entrepeneur, Gaming Startup
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

MLSDev's organized and methodical processes built a solid product. Although it attracted less interest than anticipated, the game held potential for future expansions. High staff turnover and lack of in-depth collaboration and discussion hampered the development process.

BACKGROUND

Please provide a brief description of your company.

I am a single individual working on a game project in my spare time.

What is your position?

I am the product owner. I decide how the product should be designed from UI, to backend, to implementation. I set out the priorities and decide which things need to be done.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What was the business challenge that you were trying to address with MLSDev?

Since the product is a mobile game, the challenge was to bring entertainment and fun to our users.

SOLUTION

Please describe the scope of their involvement in greater detail.

The project was to create and launch a game application for smartphones.

MLSDev was to provide consulting and guidance for the project, as well as carry out the development of the frontend and backend for the app. This included the UI and some wireframing, although I initially provided the bulk of the wireframes and app description. Once the UI and the structure of the app was defined, MLSDev would provide me with test versions every one or two weeks, and I would carry out tests and confirm what’s OK or not.

How did you come to work with MLSDev?

I checked several companies on Elance.com with the same type of profile, credentials, and portfolios. I then contacted four or five companies and described the project to them. Based on the price, quality, and timeliness of feedback as well as elements of their portfolio, I progressively narrowed down my search to MLSDev.

Could you provide a sense of the size of this initiative in financial terms?

I have spent something in excess of $10,000 working with MLSDev.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started consulting for a few weeks in December 2014 and actually started the development of the project in February 2015. The finished application was released in April 2016.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Could you share any statistics or metrics from this engagement?

We decided early on that we would go for a MVP rather than work on a full-fledged version of the game. We felt that the latter would take too long, be too expensive, and too difficult to change.

Eventually, the result was a complete but simplified version of the game that was released only in one market to test the interest of users. It received only very limited traction, and we quickly stopped the Facebook and Google Mobile Ads marketing campaigns. I was personally convinced that the game needed more features to get users involved beyond the core gaming loop. We are now working on an enhanced version and have prioritized a number of next steps.

What distinguishes MLSDev from other providers?

I don’t have much experience working with different providers so I can’t really say. But overall, MLSDev was well organized, followed their internal rules and procedures, and carried out the development step by step.

Is there anything MLSDev could have improved or done differently?

I would have appreciated a more critical approach from their side, particularly in the design phase. In my opinion they went too straight to the final design, which was efficient but lacked constructive trials and back and forth discussions.

As a solo entrepreneur, I would have appreciated more guidance and consulting on an ongoing basis and not just a consulting session at the beginning. While I had a clear vision of what I wanted, and could carry on with purely operational conversations every week with the project manager, I would have appreciated another layer of conversation on the product, users, positioning, and so forth to help with the brainstorming and idea generation. Given how knowledgeable about the product the MLSDev team became, I think their opinion should extend beyond purely operational details.

Also, I had several issues in the process because of a high turnover at MLSDev. The consultant I worked with quit at the end of the process, as did the sales manager in charge of my account. Next, my product manager was fired and the second one quit after a year or so. I understand these things happen, and the follow up was usually quite well managed internally, but still every time you have to get acquainted with a new person, it takes time.

Finally, there was a period when I was working with the second product manager—who was an improvement from the product manager who was fired—when he became very unresponsive, very uninvolved, and generally difficult to work with. This lasted a few months and was a very difficult period for me. I was really thinking about finding another company to work with. Eventually he left MLSDev, and I got a third product manager who was pleasant and efficient to work with.

4.0
Overall Score
  • 3.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    The project ended a year later than expected, which was too late even considering the extra development we added and which was not in the initial scope.
  • 3.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They came in quite a bit above initial estimates.
  • 4.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 4.0 NPS
    Willing to refer