Shakuro

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CMO of Hyphen Global AG

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Hyphen provides a atmospheric-based monitoring, reporting and veritifcation service to quantify GHG removals, reductions and sources in real-time. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Shakuro to accomplish?

• Pitch deck
• UI Design

SOLUTION

How did you find Shakuro?

• Online Search
• Dribbble

Why did you select Shakuro over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Shakuro were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The work Shakuro provided encompassed two main components: creating a new investor pitch deck and designing the user interface (UI) for the Hyphen system. The work focused on effectively communicating the company's value proposition to potential investors while also developing a functional and intuitive interface for a climate data analytics platform.

1. Investor Pitch Deck Creation: The scope includes developing a comprehensive and compelling investor pitch deck. This presentation will be tailored to showcase the company's unique offerings, market potential, and growth strategy to attract potential investors.
2. Hyphen System UI Design: The second major component involves designing the user interface for the Hyphen system, a platform dedicated to displaying real-time climate data analytics. The UI design will focus on effectively presenting complex information related to flux measurements and emissions data. Key Deliverables

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Investor Pitch Deck: We received an exceptionally high-quality pitch deck with outstanding design elements. The deck effectively communicated our value proposition, market potential, and growth strategy. Its clarity and visual appeal significantly enhanced our ability to engage potential investors.
• Hyphen System UI Design: The delivered UI design for the Hyphen system is highly functional and user-friendly. It successfully incorporated complex climate data analytics into an intuitive interface, making real-time flux measurements and emissions data easily accessible and understandable.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The project management demonstrated by the team was exemplary, with consistent on-time delivery and exceptional responsiveness to our needs. They adhered strictly to the agreed-upon project timeline, meeting key milestones without significant delays. 

The initial concepts, iterative designs, final pitch deck, and Hyphen system UI were all delivered either on time or ahead of schedule. This punctuality allowed our internal teams to proceed with their dependent tasks efficiently, contributing to the smooth progression of our project pipeline. The team's responsiveness to our needs was particularly noteworthy.

Shakuro maintained open lines of communication throughout the project, typically responding to emails and messages within a few hours. Their flexibility was evident when they swiftly accommodated last-minute changes to the pitch deck without compromising on quality or delaying the final delivery. The team also demonstrated proactive problem-solving skills, anticipating potential issues in data visualization for the Hyphen UI and presenting multiple solutions for our consideration.

Their commitment to our project's success was highlighted by their receptiveness to feedback and their ability to quickly incorporate our suggestions and concerns into their designs. They turned around revisions within a few hours. Their availability for both scheduled check-ins and impromptu calls when urgent matters arose further demonstrated their dedication. Their style is professional, timely, and strongly client-focused, consistently meeting and often exceeding our expectations.

What was your primary form of communication with Shakuro?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

What we found most impressive about Shakuro was their remarkable ability to quickly grasp highly complex concepts. They demonstrated an exceptional understanding of intricate climate data and analytics, which allowed them to translate these complexities into clear design. 

This facilitated effective communication throughout the work and ensured that the final deliverables were both accurate and user-friendly. Their capacity to distill complicated information into accessible formats truly set them apart. They are also excellent designers. 

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

At this point in time, we only hope to keep working with Shakuro. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CFO of a coins and collectibles grading and authentication company.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We authenticate and grade collectibles, specifically coins.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Shakuro to accomplish?

• Design a user-friendly interface for coin reference material.

SOLUTION

How did you find Shakuro?

Online Search

Why did you select Shakuro over others?

Good value for cost

How many teammates from Shakuro were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The key deliverable was a modern user interface for coin reference material; the pages will be database driven, so data handling wasn't the issue. Shakuro was hired to make the UI/UX attractive and, more importantly, easy to understand. There is a lot of information to be displayed, so the goal was to make it not overwhelm the user. They nailed it.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Completion of the project within the timeline and budget - both of which were achieved.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They were very communicative and responsive. They anticipated my questions and, more often than not, answered them before I asked, especially when it came to deliverables and the timing of delivery.

What was your primary form of communication with Shakuro?

Virtual Meeting

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

Even though most of the employees I worked with were located on the other side of the globe, they were very accommodating with their meeting times.

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

I wouldn't ask for anything more than they delivered.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the VP IT 

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Boutique Travel Agency focusing on international business and first class airfare.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Shakuro to accomplish?

• Develop in house custom CRM

SOLUTION

How did you find Shakuro?

Referral

Why did you select Shakuro over others?

Referred to me

How many teammates from Shakuro were assigned to this project?

15

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

As a leading travel agency, our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our clients is unwavering. However, to achieve our ambitious goals, we recognized the need for a tailored CRM solution that could streamline our operations and enhance customer interactions. Enter Shakuro, our trusted partner in technological innovation and efficiency. From the outset, Shakuro impressed us with their dedication to understanding our unique business needs. 

They listened attentively to our requirements and collaborated closely with our team to develop a custom CRM solution that surpassed our expectations. Their expertise in the travel industry was evident throughout the development process, as they seamlessly integrated functionalities tailored to our specific workflows and clientele. The impact of Shakuro's custom CRM on our operations has been nothing short of transformative. 

With intuitive features designed for travel professionals, our team can now navigate tasks effortlessly, from managing bookings to tracking client preferences. The CRM's adaptability allows us to personalize our services with ease, fostering stronger relationships and enhancing customer satisfaction. One of the standout features of Shakuro's CRM is its robust reporting and analytics capabilities. 

With real-time insights into booking trends, customer feedback, and agent performance, we can make data-driven decisions that optimize our business strategies and drive growth. This invaluable intelligence has empowered us to stay ahead of market trends and deliver unparalleled value to our clients. Throughout our partnership with Shakuro, their commitment to our success has been unwavering. 

Their responsive support team has been a constant source of assistance, addressing any issues promptly and providing guidance on maximizing the CRM's potential. Their dedication to customer satisfaction has not only earned our trust but also solidified Shakuro as an indispensable partner in our journey towards excellence. In conclusion, Shakuro has been instrumental in revolutionizing our travel agency with their custom CRM solution. 

Their expertise, attention to detail, and unwavering support have enabled us to elevate our services, exceed customer expectations, and achieve unparalleled success in a competitive industry. For any travel agency seeking a partner in technological innovation and efficiency, Shakuro comes highly recommended. We look forward to continuing our journey of success together.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Increased Efficiency: Before implementing the custom CRM, our team spent significant time on manual administrative tasks such as data entry and communication tracking. With the new CRM in place, we have seen a notable reduction in time spent on these activities. Our agents can now focus more on high-value tasks, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency across the board. 
• Improved Customer Satisfaction: One of our primary objectives with the CRM implementation was to enhance the customer experience. Through personalized communication and streamlined booking processes facilitated by the CRM, we have observed a significant improvement in customer satisfaction scores. Positive feedback from clients and increased repeat business serve as tangible indicators of the CRM's impact on customer satisfaction. 
• Enhanced Data Insights: The CRM's reporting and analytics capabilities have provided valuable insights into our business operations. By tracking key metrics such as booking trends, customer preferences, and agent performance, we have gained a deeper understanding of our business dynamics. This data-driven approach has enabled us to make informed decisions that drive growth and optimize our services. 
• Reduced Error Rates: Manual data entry and communication tracking often led to errors and inconsistencies in our processes. With the CRM's automated workflows and centralized data management system, we have seen a significant reduction in error rates. This has not only improved the accuracy of our operations but also enhanced overall reliability and trustworthiness in our services. 
• Cost Savings: By streamlining our processes and reducing manual labor, the CRM implementation has resulted in cost savings for our agency. The increased efficiency and productivity have allowed us to reallocate resources more effectively, leading to a more optimized cost structure and improved profitability. 

Overall, the measurable outcomes from the CRM project reflect tangible progress and success for our travel agency. From increased efficiency and improved customer satisfaction to enhanced data insights and cost savings, the CRM implementation has had a positive impact on every aspect of our business operations. We attribute much of this success to the expertise and dedication of the team at Shakuro, whose custom CRM solution has truly transformed our agency for the better.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Shakuro's project management approach was exemplary throughout our collaboration, characterized by effective communication, meticulous planning, and timely delivery of project milestones. Here's a detailed overview of their project management practices and how they responded to our needs: 

• Initial Planning Phase: From the onset of the project, Shakuro conducted comprehensive consultations to understand our requirements, objectives, and timeline. 
• They meticulously documented our needs and translated them into a detailed project plan, outlining key deliverables, milestones, and deadlines. This initial planning phase laid a solid foundation for the project and ensured alignment between our expectations and Shakuro's proposed solution. 
• Transparent Communication: Throughout the project lifecycle, communication channels remained open and transparent. Shakuro's project managers provided regular updates on the project's progress, highlighting completed tasks, upcoming milestones, and any potential roadblocks. This proactive communication approach fostered a collaborative working relationship and enabled us to stay informed and engaged throughout the development process. 
• Timely Delivery of Items: Shakuro consistently met or exceeded our expectations in terms of delivering project items on time. Each milestone was completed within the agreed-upon timeframe, allowing us to maintain momentum and make progress according to our project timeline. Their commitment to meeting deadlines was evident in their diligent work ethic and proactive approach to project management. 
• Adaptability to Changing Needs: As with any complex project, there were instances where our requirements evolved or unforeseen challenges arose. Shakuro demonstrated remarkable adaptability in responding to these changing needs, promptly adjusting their approach and offering innovative solutions to address emerging issues. Their flexibility and willingness to accommodate our evolving requirements were instrumental in ensuring the project's success. 
• Responsive to Feedback: Shakuro was highly responsive to our feedback throughout the development process. They actively solicited input from our team at various stages of the project, incorporating our feedback into their work and making adjustments as necessary. This collaborative approach allowed us to iterate on the CRM solution iteratively, ensuring that the final product met our expectations and fulfilled our business needs. 

In summary, Shakuro's project management was characterized by effective communication, timely delivery of project items, adaptability to changing needs, and responsiveness to feedback. Their proactive approach and commitment to excellence were instrumental in delivering a custom CRM solution that exceeded our expectations and transformed our business operations for the better. We commend Shakuro for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to customer satisfaction throughout our collaboration.

What was your primary form of communication with Shakuro?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Extremely reliable and efficient communciation.

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

N/A

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am a Consultant at Midnight Evergreen Technologies, Inc.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Midnight is building the world's first deconstructed MMO.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Shakuro to accomplish?

• Branding of our flagship product
• Corporate website redesign
• Mobile app UI/UX

SOLUTION

How did you find Shakuro?

Referral

Why did you select Shakuro over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Shakuro were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Complete branding of flagship product, Evergreen: Logo, marketing collateral, swag, etc. Also designed a corporate website refresh and laid out complete UI/UX for our Evergreen mobile app.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Delivery of final assets that were on time.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Unless communication on our end was the cause, they always delivered on time. They were also extremely accommodating and responsive to last-minute needs that arose during the course of a project.

What was your primary form of communication with Shakuro?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

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

Their ability to understand our vision and goals was very impressive and quite unique from other vendors we've used in the past. They are also very good at identifying and accommodating specific preferences from us that may have been counter to their proposals, and then working with them instead of against them. Very refreshing and constructive dynamic.

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

Nothing off-hand. Time difference was only major challenge but that is the nature of working with international vendors.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of a company building a creative platform on blockchain technology. We make it easier for creators to monetize their video content, among other things.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shakuro?

We hired them for UI/UX design.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Shakuro has designed our platform’s UI/UX using Figma. Right now, we’re in the development stage for our app. However, we will do more work with Shakuro afterward. 

What is the team composition?

I’ve been in touch with two teammates from Shakuro: Moses (Creative Producer), who acted as a project manager, and someone in charge of the financial side of the project. However, I’m unsure how many of Shakuro’s team members worked on the project. 

How did you come to work with Shakuro?

They reached out to us through a cold email. At that point, we happened to be looking for a design provider, so it was good timing on Shakuro’s part. 

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $20,000. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working with them in July 2023. Although we’re not currently using their services, we will in the future. 

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

The design gives our platform a clean, sleek, and modern look. Shakuro has done high-quality work; we’re very satisfied with their deliverables. The team really listens to what we want and has made that a reality. We’re in our company's early pre-revenue stage, so we don’t have quantitative results yet. 

How did Shakuro perform from a project management standpoint?

They initially gave us a range regarding the timeline and budget and have fallen within it. From the get-go, Shakuro strived to understand what we wanted. As for communication, we use email and Slack. Once in a while, we had video calls with Moses using Google Meet. Overall, the process has been very smooth. 

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

Moses has brought our vision to life. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Shakuro is very organized, which helps us follow along with the project. They’re also punctual and provide a solid service and product. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

Although everything could be improved, I’ve never had any specific issues with Shakuro. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be as specific as possible. The cool thing about Shakuro is that you can give them highly specific requirements, and they’ll do a good job, or you can give them a basic idea and have them help you with the groundwork. Shakuro does branding and development besides UI/UX design; you can go from A to Z with them. Our internal team handles branding and development, so we only needed them for UI/UX.

Still, the more details you give Shakuro, the better. Know what you want from them — a suite of deliverables or specific tasks. This approach will save you money and make the process smoother. 

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m an SEO consultant. My company is in the SEO industry; I have five people on my team. We’ve been in this industry for 15 years with clients in Italy and outside of Italy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shakuro?

We had an MVP project for an end client. We needed to develop the MVP more solidly, so we needed to engage someone to test the product with solid infrastructure and allow us to scale.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Shakuro provides custom software development services. We initially provided them with the wireframes and a document with all the specifications. They follow a specific order to develop the software.

They’ve used a Python infrastructure and AWS for image and video management. The CSS part in the frontend is made with Tailwind. Additionally, we’re working with Docker.

The team continues to work on implementation, so they’re engaged in this project.

What is the team composition?

We first talked with Alex (Account Executive & Account Manager). We’re also in contact with Liza (Branding Designer), Dmitry (IT Project Manager), and some developers.

How did you come to work with Shakuro?

We initially found them through a recommendation. We then worked with Shakuro on another project. They built the CRM software for link-building campaign management we use now.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent between €25,000–€30,000 (approximately $27,000–$32,000 USD).

What is the status of this engagement?

We began our partnership in June 2023, and our relationship is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Having Shakuro available to do things has been a great opportunity. Our business can have an impact if the software works well, and they’ve done an excellent job.

How did Shakuro perform from a project management standpoint?

They’ve been on time and within budget. We have many weekly meetings to discuss what’s done and what they’re ready to do. Overall, they keep their promises.

Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review? 

We relate to Alex and Liza. Additionally, Alexey (3D Generalist Unreal Engine), the developer, is a very prepared and knowledgeable person.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They’re very serious people. Shakuro does things in their own time and is very professional.

Are there any areas they could improve?

Everybody has things to improve. Sometimes they miss parts of things, or the pricing isn’t clear. For example, if we have to change something, they do it without mentioning the cost. We then have to pay an invoice for €500 (approximately $500 USD) without understanding what they’re charging. However, it’s not a consistent issue.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Smace

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Smace specializes in revolutionizing cross-company collaboration, delivering unparalleled efficiency and productivity in the workplace.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Shakuro to accomplish?

• Screen Design
• UX Optimization

SOLUTION

How did you find Shakuro?

• Online Search
• Dribble

Why did you select Shakuro over others?

• High ratings
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from Shakuro were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• UX/UI Design Development for MVPs: Shakuro was integral in designing the user interfaces for both MVP 1 and MVP 2, creating initial mockups, refining them through iterative feedback, and finalizing user-friendly interfaces. 
• Challenging and Enhancing UX Concepts: Their expertise in UX design was crucial in challenging and enhancing your initial UX concepts, especially in integrating advanced features and polished design elements in MVP 2, built upon the insights gained from MVP 1. 
• Key Deliverables: 
  • Detailed UX/UI design prototypes for MVP 1 and MVP 2. 
  • Final, optimized interfaces for both MVPs, ready for technical deployment. 

Shakuro's contribution significantly evolved the UX design of your MVPs, ensuring they were visually appealing, user-centric, and functional.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project's success with Shakuro can be measured by the valuable feedback received, the challenging insights provided, and the high-quality Figma files delivered. These elements collectively demonstrate progress and success in the following ways: 

• Valuable Feedback: The feedback served as a crucial metric for understanding user needs and preferences, directly impacting the UX/UI improvements. 
• Challenging Insights: Being challenged by Shakuro's expertise helped refine and elevate the UX/UI concepts, ensuring that the final designs were not only functional but also innovative. 
• High-Quality Figma Files: The delivery of detailed and polished Figma files represents a tangible outcome, showcasing the sophisticated and user-centric design work accomplished.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Shakuro's project management, led by our dedicated Project Manager Mary-Ann, was exemplary. The approach was highly structured and efficient, ensuring that all phases of the project were executed smoothly. Mary-Ann demonstrated exceptional dedication and a commitment to quality, which was evident in every aspect of the project management process. 

Did they deliver items on time? Yes, Shakuro consistently delivered items on time. The timely delivery of each component of the project was a testament to their well-organized and effective project management system. This punctuality played a crucial role in the seamless progression and successful completion of the project. 

How did they respond to your needs? Shakuro, particularly through Mary-Ann, responded exceptionally well to our needs. They were attentive, adaptive, and responsive, ensuring that all our requirements were met with a high degree of precision. Mary-Ann's ability to understand and cater to our specific needs, coupled with her proactive approach to communication and problem-solving, greatly contributed to the project's overall success.

What was your primary form of communication with Shakuro?

Virtual Meeting

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

What was most impressive about this company was their exceptional quality and creativity. Their meticulous attention to detail in design and their innovative approach to UX/UI challenges set them apart, ensuring that each deliverable was not only aesthetically impressive but also highly functional and user-focused. Their creativity in design was particularly noteworthy, adding a unique and engaging dimension to the project.

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

The primary area for improvement for Shakuro could be in increasing their flexibility to better adapt to the dynamic and rapidly changing needs of an early-stage startup like ours. While they delivered high-quality work, a more agile approach in response to evolving startup scenarios could enhance their effectiveness in meeting our unique and shifting requirements.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the Senior Marketing Associate at a sustainable energy infrastructure developer.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Shakuro?

We were looking to create a series of illustrations of our technologies as well as updated posters for our offices.

SOLUTION

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

When searching for a design studio, I came across some of Shakuro's work on Dribble and reached out. I was impressed by the caliber of their work, their attentive and timely responsiveness, and their professionalism during the initial interview.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After an initial kick off call to start the first project (illustrations), I met with the Project Manager to review each iteration of the designs in Figma once feedback had been implemented. Starting from sketches all the way to the polished final versions in color. This was not a straightforward assignment and I was so impressed that I put in another request for the poster designs.

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

I primarily worked with with Karina (Project Manager), while Tatyana (Illustrator), Liza, and Anna (Branding Designers) worked on the designs themselves.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

We've received lots of compliments on the final product!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Karina was wonderful to work with--extremely competent and thorough and absolutely the right choice as project manager. She was acting as a conduit for the team (not sure if because of a language barrier or for efficiency) but even with the complex nature of the material that I myself wasn't sure how to proceed with and the increasingly mercurial and finicky edit requests we were always on the same page. The Shakuro team is a well-oiled machine.

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

It's truly unique for a design studio to excel in every area, and that's why Shakuro stands out. The entire team is talented, attentive, and efficient.

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

I can't think of a single piece of criticism! I suppose in general their services might be on the pricier end, but for creative design work you get what you pay for.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO and founder of Proko, an online art education platform that offers video courses for people to purchase. One of our platform’s most important assets is its community area, where people can have discussions under every lesson. Additionally, users have a newsfeed where they can see their classmates’ artwork, the assignments they’re working on, and the comments the instructor gives to everyone. In addition to that, we have a YouTube channel where we promote our platform.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Shakuro?

We had a very simple WordPress website to host the YouTube videos with the lessons. However, we wanted to create a complete social networking platform with our lessons, a forum, and a newsfeed with a complex algorithm behind it, so we hired Shakuro to help us out.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Shakuro has built a brand new custom website for us with all the capabilities we need. Initially, I provided them with some sketches and my idea of how I wanted the site to look, and they brought a professional designer to create the site designs on Figma.

Now, Shakuro helps us develop new features ongoingly. I met regularly with their team to discuss questions they might have and new features we want to implement. Then, they do research based on my requests and create designs for the new features, after which we evaluate them together and begin the implementation once the designs are approved.

As for the technology stack, our platform is based on AWS and uses Ruby on Rails and AngularJS. Shakuro handles everything related to its server maintenance, offering 24/7 support. If the site goes down in the middle of the night, they wake up and fix it.

On the site, users can log in and create a profile page. They also can purchase courses and add them to their classroom area, which has a newsfeed. Additionally, they can see the progress they make in their lessons and interact with other students. Instructors are different types of users; they can post courses and get paid.

One of the features we’re currently working on is a livestreaming service. With it, we will allow instructors to go live directly on the site, and we will host the livestream video ourselves. Additionally, students will be able to ask questions during the stream, as well as to message the instructor directly and share private messages.

Moreover, Shakuro is also building a tool to improve students’ drawing sessions. Students can purchase reference packs from us. With this tool, they’ll be able to start a drawing session, and one of the references they’ve purchased will pop up randomly during that session.

What is the team composition?

I work with nine people from Shakuro, including Michael (Project Manager), a backend developer, and a frontend developer.

How did you come to work with Shakuro?

We found them through a referral from another client who was very happy with them. I had several meetings with Shakuro where I explained what I wanted and asked a lot of questions. They seemed very genuine, knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk to, and they had a good portfolio, so I hired them.

How much have you invested with them?

We’ve spent around $1.5 million.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around July 2017, and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

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

Shakuro has created a very powerful platform where other instructors can now come in and run their own businesses. Since we launched it, we’ve gone from another instructor and me teaching on the site to about 20 instructors with published courses. We’ve also grown from six employees to 17, achieving almost a 3X growth because we now have more sales and a better product.

How did Shakuro perform from a project management standpoint?

Shakuro has performed well, and we haven’t had any surprises. Setting a deadline was very challenging because it was a large project with many moving parts, so I never expected them to deliver on a specific date. Still, they launched the site in a very reasonable time. Ultimately, I’m very happy with how long things have taken and how much they’ve cost.

I have video meetings with Michael twice per week, during which he comes to me with questions from the developers and the designer. Additionally, we have an emergency Slack channel where I can message them anytime, and they respond. Michael is also integrated into our internal Slack, so he can communicate directly with anyone from my team.

What did you find most impressive about them?

The quality of Shakuro’s work and project management is outstanding. I’ve worked with other development firms in the past, and Shakuro’s codes are better, and their team is more organized and communicative. Additionally, they hire better engineers.

Are there any areas they could improve?

We’ve been working together for so long that I can’t think of anything Shakuro could improve at this point. I’ve already discussed areas of improvement with them throughout the years, and they’ve already improved. I’m very happy with them.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Be very specific with what you want and communicate it to them. Shakuro will do what you want, but if you keep changing your mind, it will ultimately cost you more money. Organizing your ideas is very important.