SmartUp Software

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Gaba Corporation, an educational company for young adults hoping to discover what they want to do when they grow up.

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartUp Software?

In April last year, we were featured in a television show, and our product needed several improvements before we went on air. We’d hired a developer who was not performing well, so we looked for a company to replace them.

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartUp Software provides software development services for us. They took over improvements to our mobile app to fix the technical issues we were experiencing. The app is for iOS and Android, and the team used Flutter for the project.

They initially worked with us to determine the easiest way to get the product improvement up to date before the show aired. SmartUp Software broke down the app’s vision into smaller components. The team did a lot of research on making our technology scalable. They also brought in technology suggestions and third-party tools that could be implemented, especially from a data analytics standpoint.

The bulk of SmartUp Software’s work has been on the scheduling functionality of the app, where students can schedule meetings with their counselor. That feature wasn’t up to par, and the team revamped the entire thing. 

Additionally, they refined the app’s algorithm, which involved machine learning, and they also refined our UI design. Currently, they’re working on improving our payment processes with tools that they brought to the table.

What is the team composition?

We work with two people from SmartUp Software.

How did you come to work with SmartUp Software?

They came to us through a word-of-mouth referral from another developer we’d worked with. It was hard to find a Flutter developer on short notice, so the fact that they had that expertise was critical to choosing them.

How much have you invested with them?

So far, we’ve spent around $50,000–$70,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in March 2021, and the engagement is ongoing.

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

SmartUp Software was able to fix our app’s issues in advance of the show airing. As a result, we converted 30% of the traffic from that outlet on its own. Our Net Promoter Score (NPS) has also improved, going from five to 10 points. 

The team elevated the technology of our app’s scheduling functionality; we hear from users all the time that’s it’s a very easy experience for them. Whenever we’ve had minor issues, they’ve been very responsive. The team has helped us with customer service challenges, getting into the kiosk to help users navigate different experiences. SmartUp Software is invested in the app beyond just developing the software.

Additionally, they were able to deliver on time in a very time-crunched project. When we hired them, we felt like we were asking for the impossible; they had four weeks to deliver, and they turned it around. SmartUp Software’s work enabled us to put the app on the App Store and Google Play Store at the same time. Plus, they have an awesome attitude and the ability to execute under pressure.

How did SmartUp Software perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re very organized. We use ClickUp as our project management tool, where the team provides us with a timeline and a list of deliverables. We use Discord, email, and the messaging system in ClickUp to communicate. 

SmartUp Software is right on time with deliveries or sometimes even earlier than we anticipate. Additionally, they’re super fast, which has helped us make progress.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I’m impressed by the way SmartUp Software takes ownership of the project. Moreover, they took us from idea to product in a fraction of the time it would have taken other developers. They’re also very communicative, which isn’t the case with many other providers.

When you have to find people to ask them questions, it takes time off the project, and we don’t have this issue with SmartUp Software because everyone on the team is informed. Collaboration with them is next level — it feels like we hired an extension of our team. 

We’re above and beyond satisfied. I hope they continue expanding the team because they have a wonderful work ethic and are very talented. They work really hard to deliver not just from a product standpoint but also from a company culture standpoint. It’s been a pleasure working with SmartUp Software.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No, there’s nothing they need to improve. 

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Have in mind what your vision is. Although SmartUp Software does a wonderful job taking you from idea to product, having your wireframes done definitely helps from a time standpoint. 

I have no reservations at all recommending SmartUp Software; they're absolutely amazing. If you’re thinking about working with them, do it — it’ll be the best use of your funds and time.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the co-founder of a social media platform, and we’re based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What challenge were you trying to address with SmartUp Software?

We hired someone to spearhead our mobile app development project.

What was the scope of their involvement?

SmartUp Software built our Android and iOS app using Flutter, and they used Ruby on Rails and Google Firestore for backend development. The app had geolocation features and enabled users to add friends to their profiles. Users could also change the privacy settings of their posts and restrict access to other people. In addition, the app had a QR function where users could check-in via QR code. At the same time, a host could manage their attendees using the QR code and accept and decline at their own will.

What is the team composition?

We collaborated with their project manager, developer, and UI/UX designer.

How did you come to work with SmartUp Software?

We found them on a freelance website and ended up communicating with them off-platform.

How much have you invested with them?

We spent $18,000–$20,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We collaborated with August–November 2022.

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

The app they developed ended up serving as a prototype for us because it catapulted us into acquiring $250,000 in funding. Internally, we were incredibly satisfied with SmartUp Software’s work. We identified bugs during the testing period, but the team resolved them and published new updates. Overall, they exceeded our expectations.

How did SmartUp Software perform from a project management standpoint?

We had a great point of contact; it never took more than 30 minutes to hop on a call whenever requested. They had strong communication skills, and we didn’t experience any language barrier. We used Slack to communicate.

Given the rate of creating MVP these days, we were impressed that they came in well under budget, and they finished our milestones within deadlines.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Their flexible and accommodating approach was impressive.

Are there any areas they could improve?

No.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

If you’re looking to work closely with a project manager and have something built within your budget and timeline, SmartUp Software will be a great fit for your company.