Reef Technologies is a small company that specializes in helping v1 startups get from a situation where they have barely-working or non-working software to a v2 situation where software turns from a blocker into an enabler, letting the business grow and flourish. Dozens of projects were turned around like that over the years.
The CEO oversees all projects, he has 16 years of professional experience, 9 years in python and he has been building production-grade, world-class software services since 2005, achieving top1 place in e-radio station ranking in 2006 / 2007, with 2.6 million monthly users listening to over 20 channels. Today Pawel speaks at conferences about difficult challenges in software development and still writes code.
While the hourly rate seems to be substantial, Reef team is extremely efficient, which makes it one of the most cost-effective teams available for hire. It is typical for them to finish in hours or days what other teams could not have progressed on for months. Last November a customer who wanted to hire them for 2.5 weeks full time, had a finished task in less than three hours of work. This happens a lot, mostly due to the excessive experience, which effectively reduces the learning process down to zero.
Some projects are good for junior and intermediate developers to learn on the job, while some projects really need something who already has loads of experience.
If you think your project needs pros in the team, send Reef Technologies a line.
Min project size
$1,000+
Hourly rate
$200 - $300 / hr
Employees
10 - 49
Year founded
Founded 2002
No have been added yet...
Pricing Snapshot
Min. project size
$1,000+
Avg. hourly rate
$200 - $300
/hr
Rating for cost
4.6
/5
What Clients Have Said
Reef Technologies offers quality services at higher price points, with project investments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Clients praise their value for cost, emphasizing effective solutions, strong project management, and responsiveness, making them a strong choice for startups and established businesses alike.
Reef Technologies is highly regarded for their ability to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently. Clients appreciated their innovative solutions and the ability to think outside the box to improve project outcomes.
Strong Client Relationships
The team at Reef Technologies was noted for building strong, collaborative relationships with clients. They were described as honest, communicative, and professional, often going above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction.
Expertise in Custom Software Development
Multiple clients praised Reef Technologies for their proficiency in developing custom software, highlighting their ability to enhance and build complex platforms using technologies like Python and Django. They were able to transform MVPs and existing systems into highly functional and scalable solutions.
Impressive CEO Involvement
The CEO of Reef Technologies was frequently mentioned as a key asset. Clients appreciated his direct involvement, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to leverage team creativity to enhance project outcomes.
Technical Acumen and Expertise
The breadth and depth of technical knowledge at Reef Technologies impressed many clients. Their expertise in backend development, particularly with Python and Django, was frequently highlighted as a key strength.
Reef Technologies helped an existing development team build out a data curation platform. They improved the system’s codebase and integrated new APIs. Their team enhances the platform on an ongoing basis.
Reef Technologies transformed a standard MVP into a complex data platform. They consistently complete projects within client limitations. Their CEO makes sure that each engagement benefits all parties involved. The whole team is honest, communicative, and professional. They’re an asset to any firm.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the founder and CEO of Trouceflow. We collect and curate data on financial markets and emerging economies.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Reef Technologies?
When the company first started, I was the acting CTO managing a team of developers. It became clear that I wasn’t particularly good at the task as I lacked the expertise necessary for success. We needed an experienced development firm to assist with ongoing projects.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Reef Technologies made our MVP into a working platform by suggesting and executing enhancements. As part of the engagement with us, they built out a message passing interface (MPI) and increased our website’s processing speed. They also set up a proper workflow process that we use when onboarding new resources. Their team introduced us to more effective and efficient technologies that we’ve since integrated into our platform. Those systems help us monitor productivity and check for coding errors.
Requests get sent out to websites many times each second to see if there’s available data. Our platform extracts the data that gets passed around and stores it in our SQL database. Then, that information is displayed on the site’s frontend interface through various charts. The frontend was built using JavaScript, and it features multiple API integrations.
What is the team composition?
We interact with a total of three resources. That includes their CEO, a backend developer, and a frontend developer.
How did you come to work with Reef Technologies?
I can’t remember exactly how we found them, but I believe they responded to the RFP that we sent out. After talking with their CEO, it was clear that he runs a quality firm. We decided to give them a shot.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent around $50,000 thus far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working together in February 2017, and the engagement is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Reef Technologies has had a tremendously positive effect on the company as a whole. They continually improve our existing code. I’m super happy with the work they provide. Everything they deliver functions as promised.
How did Reef Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re a highly professional organization, so management responsibilities are allocated efficiently. I usually contact the CEO directly, but the whole development team uses Jira to track project workflows.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Reef Technologies is the total package of what we want in a development firm. They understand we’re a startup, so they work with our strengths and accommodate our weaknesses. They consider low-cost solutions and advise us not to move forward with projects that won’t ultimately benefit the platform.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No. We haven’t even tested them to the full extent of their ability yet. They’re fantastic.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
I suggest hiring Reef Technologies. Talk to their CEO and come to an understanding regarding project goals. They’ll provide excellent service.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Python Development for Custom Software System
Custom Software Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Nov. 2018 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"We’re extremely fortunate to have Reef Technologies as our partner."
Jan 16, 2019
Founding Partner & VP Marketing, Paragon Vitamins
Betsy Taggart
Verified
Healthcare
Toronto, Ontario
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Using Python on the backend, Reef Technologies is designing, developing, and configuring a custom software system for a nutritional supplement program.
The working system launched a Release I and has received positive feedback from key stakeholders. Expertise and meticulousness are hallmarks of their work. Reef Technologies’ understanding of development technologies helps them meet deadlines and respond quickly to any technical concerns that arose.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
I’m a founding partner and VP of marketing at Paragon VMS Inc., an online health brand. We combine evidence-based testing with a lifestyle and nutrition questionnaire to provide a daily nutritional supplement program based on unique biochemistry.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire Reef Technologies?
We needed help to build a custom software system to support an algorithm. The partner needed to be experienced in Python and general backend development.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to create a functioning system that can collect customer data from multiple sources and fulfill custom subscriptions based on the results. We had an existing system, but it was only partially functional.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?
One of our junior engineers found them on Upwork.
Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.
Reef Technologies took over the preliminary concept for our system. They designed, developed, configured, and launched our Release I. They built the backend of our system to work with our Shopify store on the frontend. They put testing systems in place and help analyze UX testing.
What was the team composition?
Our main points of contact are a project manager and a backend developer. They lead the rest of the team, which is made up of a junior engineer, a frontend developer, a marketing manager, and a R&D specialist.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
We were able to launch a Release I thanks to their expertise. They solved problems so that we could go to market with our first version. We had a rough idea of how the system would work when Reef Technologies came on board, but only some of it was operational. Their team quickly identified what needed to be done, implemented the steps, and built all the missing pieces.
They also dramatically improved the UX. By implementing testing systems, they were able to detect errors in our system that would’ve likely lead to failure.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
Their project management is excellent. Pawel (project manager, Reef Technologies) is one of the best I’ve ever worked with in over 20 years in marketing and operations. I’ve rarely seen someone with his skill level.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Their skill level, ability to solve problems, and capacity to quickly implement solutions is highly impressive. We’re extremely fortunate to have Reef Technologies as our partner.
Are there any areas for improvement?
I’ve not identified any areas for improvement at this point.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"High-quality execution and extremely pleasant to deal with."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"They led project management and scheduling."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"Costs are good considering the quality of work."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Database Development for Executive Search Platform
Custom Software Development
$10,000 to $49,999
July 2018 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“Reef Technologies excels at thinking outside of the box.”
Nov 6, 2018
President, Search Platform
Anonymous
Verified
Business services
New York City, New York
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Reef Technologies helped develop a database management system using Django, Python, and JavaScript. The team efficiently completed and expanded the semi-finished product with data scrapers and tables.
After a previous vendor couldn’t complete the project, Reef Technologies adeptly took charge and rapidly delivered. They used a smooth, effective workflow throughout the development. The team offers a rare combination of business acumen and innovation. They offer guidance to improve the product.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I am the president of an executive search platform.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Reef Technologies?
I wanted to create a database management system that tracks a specific profession and employees’ movements throughout the course of the year. A different computer programmer had already helped me create an initial version, but they hadn’t been able to complete the project. Certain tasks proved too difficult for them, so I hired Reef Technologies to take over.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
Reef Technologies picked up where the last developer left off. They essentially recreated the core of the app and then added a variety of new features like data tables and scrapers. While the previous programmer had been inefficient, Reef Technologies used a very effective methodology. The technologies they used included mostly Python and Django along with some JavaScript.
What is the team composition?
I’ve interfaced with about five people from Reef Technologies during our project.
How did you come to work with Reef Technologies?
Reef Technologies replied to a job description I had posted on Upwork. I decided to interview them even though their prices were at the higher end of what I wanted to pay. I spoke with Pawel (CEO, Reef Technologies) for several hours and was impressed with him based on our conversation. I figured I would be doing myself a service by paying more for highly competent resources. A skilled team would produce better results the first time around than a cheaper one.
How much have you invested in them?
I have invested roughly $10,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working with them in July 2018 and have an ongoing relationship.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
Working with Reef Technologies has been night and day compared to the prior programmer. The CEO genuinely seemed to have an excellent grasp on the project. He leverages the team’s creativity to come up with ways to improve my concept beyond what I originally requested.
Reef Technologies utilized their array of skills and resources to determine how they could best help me help myself. In my opinion, they succeeded. Rather than just a technical expert, the CEO is entrepreneurial and innovative, which is a rare combination of strengths. Usually, people only have one or the other.
How did Reef Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?
We use Slack and Trello to communicate. Reef Technologies has been quite responsive.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Reef Technologies excels at thinking outside of the box. They don’t limit themselves merely to what you ask them to do. Instead, they make suggestions regarding things I might not have considered.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I’ve been very satisfied and wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
My advice is to make sure you are on the same page as the team. Otherwise, you will waste working hours on things you didn’t want. I frequently spoke to the CEO on the phone and face to face using Zoom or other technologies. Consistent communication with the project manager has been the key to having a successful and cost-effective project.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Django Development for E-Commerce Company
E-Commerce Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Aug. 2017 - Ongoing
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“The solutions they propose are incredibly comprehensive and thoughtful.”
Nov 6, 2018
CEO, Retail Company
Anonymous
Verified
Retail
Washington, District of Columbia
1-10 Employees
Phone Interview
Verified
Reef Technologies developed a new scalable platform in Django for a just-in-time company. The platform has a complex tagging system that helps automatically fulfill orders for customized products.
The new system made it possible to launch over 200,000 new products within a year. Reef Technologies went above and beyond to meet all needs, while their expertise, commitment, and ability to find scalable solutions made them stand out among competitors.
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this
client over the phone. Below is an edited
transcript.
BACKGROUND
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the CEO of an e-commerce company with a big data background.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
What challenge were you trying to address with Reef Technologies?
Our company requires a very specific system that supports how our products are automatically created, processed, managed, and scaled. Everything is just-in-time. We built own system, but it wasn't scalable, so we were looking for a vendor to help us rebuild it.
SOLUTION
What was the scope of their involvement?
First, they looked at our old code. Then, they completely redesigned and rebuilt the entire system from scratch, making it scalable. They worked with Python and Django and were able to come up with creative technical solutions when needed. One of the key functionalities that we have is a tagging system within a complex tagging system, which automatically maps the designs that are ordered to customers. Since we're a just-in-time company, we often make and design first-time products. For example, if someone orders a Viking ship cookie cutter, the system will automatically find that design file, put it in a template column, which is "cookie cutter," and that will be attached to an order that goes into the machine. That is how the fulfillment process is managed.
What is the team composition?
We've worked with two or three of their team members, including their owner.
How did you come to work with Reef Technologies?
We found them on Upwork. We had an informational interview with them and they seemed very knowledgeable, so we chose them.
How much have you invested with them?
We've spent about $12,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We started working with them in August 2017 and the relationship is ongoing.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
With the scalable system that they developed, we launched about 200,000 new products within the past year. The system has been running without any problems, so we no longer need our previous technical in-house team, which allowed us to save between $50,000–$80,000. They're by far the most impressive team we've worked with. Their technical understanding is incredibly comprehensive.
How did Reef Technologies perform from a project management standpoint?
We mostly use Slack and Trello to communicate. They're very responsive and available 24/7, so they usually get back to me within minutes. We haven't had any issues with communication despite the fact that they're an offshore team
What did you find most impressive about them?
The solutions they propose are incredibly comprehensive and thoughtful.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can't think of anything.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Be open-minded when it comes to technical solutions. Often, we found their solutions much simpler and more scalable than what we had in mind.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Python Tool Conversion for Financial Analytics Firm
Custom Software Development
Less than $10,000
Mar. - June 2017
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
4.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
“They possessed an impressive breadth of technical acumen and delivered high-quality work.”
Nov 5, 2018
CEO, Sales Transaction Analytics Firm
Anonymous
Verified
Business services
Sausalito, California
11-50 Employees
Online Review
Verified
Reef Technologies updated an existing in-house analytics tool for a SaaS platform. They modified it into a front-facing solution for external customers.
The team from Reef Technologies was trustworthy and easy to work with. Their expertise made the process efficient and they solved every challenge that came up.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
I work for a sales transaction analytics firm. We offer consulting services, as well as a custom SaaS product.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire Reef Technologies?
We hired Reef Technologies to productionalize a portion of our analytics engine.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted to convert an existing internal tool into an external customer-facing solution.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor?
We evaluated reviews of their work via Upwork and then scheduled a phone interview.
Can you go into detail about the services they provided and the scope of the project?
They took some Python code that we’d already developed in-house for our internal staff and productionalized it, making it robust for everyday use by our customers.
What was the team composition?
We worked with our project manager and a front-line developer.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?
We got off to a good start, and their expertise meant that they were able to easily solve any technological challenges we faced. We’ll definitely call on them in the future with similar projects.
How was project management arranged and how effective was it?
They were reliable and very professional. It was a small project, so it was easy to manage.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
We felt confident in their abilities. They possessed an impressive breadth of technical acumen and delivered very high-quality work.
Are there any areas where they can improve?
I can’t think of anything.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
4.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
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