YourCTO

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the CEO of In-Home Cooking, a technology company based in Washington, D.C.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO, and what were your goals?

We hired YourCTO to develop an app we called "In-Home Cooking." We wanted a company that could take our idea and translate it into a finished product and YourCTO did that for us. Our app facilitates live video-streamed cooking lessons between users.

How did you select YourCTO and what were the deciding factors?

We selected this vendor by a basic internet search. Based on our conversation and NDA, we believe they were the best people to go with. Also, the CEO won my heart from our very first conversation. He's caring and was deeply committed to seeing us finish the app and get it out there.

Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.

We had a series of meeting, back and forth emails, and after we launched the app development phase, they sent biweekly report and also hopped on calls when they were needed.

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

Two. The CEO and the Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer.

Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?

Within 2 months of the app developed, we started seeing users creating their accounts. Little by little, we started seeing more people join each day. We recently also signed a deal with a chef who's going to assist us in prompting the app and getting our name out there, only because he believed in the idea and our overall vision.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

We did most of the communication through emails. I always got a response back and never felt like they went remote silence on me. In the initial stage, we discussed the app extensively via Zoom. After the consultation stage was done and the development begun, we transitioned to a biweekly report of where they were at in terms of the app development.

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

The fact that they were so communicative. I was always in the loop about what was going on; resources were shared with me, such as fundings; and they just wanted to see my success beyond the development of the app.

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

N/A

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the founder of tech company. Our mission is to digitize commodity hedging.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

As a business veteran with a good tech idea, it's intimidating starting a software company. That's why I hired YourCTO: to vet the business plan, give us specific advice on next steps wrt tech, and advise on resources in the broader tech ecosystem.

What were your goals for this project?

Pursue our business model as far as we could without spending the money to hire a CTO.

How did you select YourCTO?

Vetting different consulting services in the tech space, we found their value proposition appealing.

Describe the project in detail.

The project involved the creation of a SaaS solution for companies engaged in end-user commodity price risk management. As a two-sided business with both technical and legal challenges, I was skeptical I could find a consulting resource that could both understand our unique challenges, and present actionable advice that would add value to a start-up. YourCTO exceeded my expectations.

What was the team composition?

2 founders with 20+ years business experience each, with no tech expertise.

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

My firm recently retained legal counsel with Gunderson Dettmer in anticipation of an initial raise of seed capital funding with multiple (private) institutional investors.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Starting a company is a heavy cerebral activity, so it's often overlooked how taxing the emotional component can be. It's lonely, daunting, and exhausting. That's one of the reasons I found working with YourCTO so refreshing: they're genuinely helpful people who've been through the process, understand the challenges, and can provide real guidance.

They were able to understand my needs quickly without being forceful or salesy. We wish working with all tech companies was this easy.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Their unique value is a combination: the high level of conceptual development they can provide at an early stage lays a roadmap; while the detailed nature of their advice at every step bolsters confidence along the way.

For instance: a simple conversation about the timing of app deployment can turn into general advice on employee equity pools, website design, and sequencing of beta-testing clients. YourCTO is an encyclopedia of tech entrepreneurship.

Are there any areas for improvement?

They should hire more people so more start-ups can take advantage of their service.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of an company that is building mobile applications in language-learning. We have created tools that use the same methodologies that the founder has used to learn three foreign languages using electronic devices. You cannot learn a language completely without speaking to people, but you can and should learn a LOT without needing another person. Self-learning is arguably the language-learner's greatest tool. LL Apps today are not efficient enough. Word Of Mouth, Inc. is here to change that.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

We hired YourCTO to build a demo version of Word Of Mouth Language Trainer (WOMLT) on Google Play / Android.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted a demo that demonstrated multiple aspects of our learning system. Since the IOS version of the app only consisted of sentence training, we wanted to be able to demonstrate the other learning modes to users.

How did you select this vendor?

We searched online for app development companies. The founder met with David Kirk in a coffee shop in DC and discussed the project. The detailed proposal that we received led to us selecting YourCTO as the vendor.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we sleeted this vendor, we had a series of discovery meetings to discuss our goals and objectives. Within a short time, we received mock-ups and initial designs for the Android app. After a few iterations, we provided feedback and approved the design.

What was the team composition?

David Kirk was our project manager and supported us throughout the project. We were made aware that there were developers working on the project.

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

The project was a success as YourCTO created an impressive demo of Word Of Mouth Language Trainer for Android.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was effective. We were able to communicate well throughout the whole project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

We were impressed with the level of detail provided in every step of the project. Email updates were frequent and timely. No question was left unanswered.

Are there any areas for improvement?

It could not have gone better.

Please describe your company and your position there.

We streamline payments and processes for providers of affordable housing and their residents. I manage the operations of the business.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

We had no web process and we needed to develop a platform that was easy to use, efficient, highly reliable and scalable. Beyond highly skilled coding, we also needed someone who understood how to best design an easy and efficient work flow.

What were your goals for this project?

We needed to get to market quickly, but also with a highly reliable product. This was critical because our goal was to become a market leader within the niche we had identified.

How did you select this vendor?

I was impressed by their past projects, although they were one of 6 companies we interviewed. I was impressed by their ability to understand our needs, but also their cost effectiveness and emphasis on quality. Our senior leaders were closely involved in the selection process.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They designed, developed, configured and launched both a new backend administrative solution as well as a consumer-friendly frontend. The project began with a requirements document from us and then a very thorough series of conversations to reach a mutual understanding of business challenges and goals.. Once we approved the workflows, production began in the form of 2-week sprints, with internal feedback provided on our end.

What was the team composition?

The project team had about 8 people, with certain resources participating as needed. The Co-founder acted as Project Manager and was with us every step of the way. He was awesome and became a highly respected and trusted advisor.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

They completed one project ahead of schedule and on budget and we were very pleased. In fact, we then deepened the partnership by hiring them to complete additional phases. The response from customers was outstanding. We are able to replace traditional analog processes with faster, easier, more efficient and more cost savings procedures all leveraging our technology platform.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

Project management was very impressive. We were kept in the loop for every step of the project by email and phone calls. Every deadline was met. Whenever a hiccup happened, which is the case in every project, we were alerted and they were always solution oriented with creative ideas and offering substantive suggestions.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I truly view them as partners in the business who are here to help us grow the business. They are trustworthy, honest, work hard to understand our business needs and match those with the right technology approach. They do everything possible to advocate for the most cost-efficient solutions without compromising quality. They certainly do NOT adopt the approach of many companies who try to get as much money out of a contract as possible. Because of that approach, they are highly valued and trusted.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I struggle to think of areas of improvement.

Please describe your company and your position there.

My name is Misty Burch and I am the CEO and founder of Handicapable. My mobile app idea came about in 2012 while I lived in the City of Los Angeles, CA. I formulated a brilliant plan to fix and remedy accessibility issues. These issues although growing, Handicapable provides a resolution based situation to help raise awareness and to change things for the better

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

I hired YOURCTO to help me with the start up, website and aide in a project scope. So that I could adequately pitch to investors.

What were your goals for this project?

The goal for this project is to maintain a common ground from start to finish from the prototype, the first phase, and then the final phase. We wanted to ensure that we had an on going relationship with YOURCTO to ensure the app was always fully functioning. YOURCTO has made this process a breeze for me, as I have had my share of trials with this endeavor.

How did you select this vendor?

I was looking for a company to help me with my pitch deck and to secure investor funding, I had googled various things like “Start ups, Apps, funding, pitch deck, and I somehow found YOURCTO. I talked with David Kirk for over an hour and a half in our first meeting and he made the process effortless and made me feel comfortable working with him.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

The mobile app is designed in three phases. Prototype, Launch Phase, and the final phase which is in part the most marketable for reasons I can’t say here as we are still working on this project. This is essentially a philanthropic effort to effect the way sidewalks, and cities take action in repairing said walks, the goal is to partner with cities and sponsorships so that things can be fixed faster. David and I have talked more than I can count and has helped me with the concept, and helped me find various ways to fund this venture.

What was the team composition?

I am a sole proprietorship at this time.

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

I have gone through a lot with this company. I’ve had more no’s more rejections, more set backs then I can even muster up the strength to say. I’ve been working on this idea since 2012. I lost my spark for a bit, and then in stepped in YOURCTO. For the first time in a long time, I finally felt excited again. I knew this was a possible venture again and YOURCTO even followed up with me continually about the progress and would send me links to sign up for for incubation and start up ideas. The fact that they’d go above and beyond for me, was vital to my dream and it gave CPR to my dream again.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

I know very little about designing an app, I sort of just came to them with the idea, talked with David on the phone and he and his partner in the business executed a strategic plan to implement with the project proposal and what we should add or don’t need.I would cautiously share my ideas, and he;’d brain storm with me and help me enlarge my vision even more. It’s just very helpful and encouraging.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

As I’ve mentioned before I’ve had a lot of “No’s and a lot of this wont work out, but I’ve also had a lot of “ghosting” I’ve had people promise to meet and then never call or show. So, when I reached out to YOURCTO they didn’t disappoint. The ever evolving door of communication is something I value the most.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Not that I can see at this time.

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the founder and CEO of an e-commerce app that helps people shop together online.

What challenge were you trying to address with YourCTO?

I had an idea and a limited budget, so I reached out to them to take it from the business plan and actually build an app.

What was the scope of their involvement?

I knew how I wanted the app to work. It’s similar to a dating app, but it helps people buy things together online. You can swipe left or right depending on if you like a product. For example, if you’re looking for a coffee table, if both users like a product, users are notified of a match.

YourCTO handled the technical aspects, but they also served as a product consultant. We had a lot of regular calls with them. They walked us through the customer journey, asked us what we wanted it to look like, and questioned the layout’s usability.

What is the team composition?

We had a technical resource and a project manager.

How did you come to work with YourCTO?

We found them on Google and after doing some digging,  we reached out. We also had a mutual friend.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together in April 2017 and its ongoing.

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

The functionality of the app was exactly what I was hoping for, and the feedback I got from users has been positive. There are a few reviews on the app store. Based on user group feedback, we’ve also been able to deploy a lot of changes too. We’ve been able to convert sales 2% of the time in a limited release, but we expect that number to go up quite a bit as well as we continue to push more updates.

Their whole model is based on giving clients solid advice, so that over time, the ROI makes a lot of sense. It’s expensive, but if you look at what they’ve done for me, and the amount of money they’ve saved us, it pays for itself.

How did YourCTO perform from a project management standpoint?

They’re really good. The project manager we worked with has very good instincts. Their advice saved a lot of time and prevented me from going down a path that’s not worthwhile. We had regular weekly meetings, they worked around my full-time job’s work schedule. So, I was able to work with them outside of your typical 9–5 schedule. We then had emails and calls in between our weekly meetings They were really helpful, particularly considering this is my first time working on a project like this.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I haven’t found very many bugs, but if I find something I want corrected, I just create a list to give to the project manager and developer. They put their heads together and make sure it’s fixed.

Are there any areas they could improve?

There were a few times when things were a little slower than I liked, but I understood that they were also working on different projects. It definitely wasn’t a major negative.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Visualize everything that you want to get done and be very literal about what you want to accomplish. That way, they can build the right project plan and write a plan that’s aligned with what you expect.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder of skateboarding's latest mobile app called, Shred O Tour. This app allows users to host as well as join various skateboarding tournaments.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

Mobile app development. They also designed the website for my company as well as pitch in their own ideas on what features to be added into the app which was super helpful.

What were your goals for this project?

To create an app that includes multiple features such as "create a tournament" , "edit profile" , and "leaderboards". I want users to be able to participate in cyber skateboarding tournament by the end of the development.

How did you select this vendor?

I found this company online and browsed through their website. I found their site super informative which made me feel like I could rely on them to help me with the app development process.

Describe the project in detail.

Once I've selected YouCTO, I emailed them and they quickly responsed. We set up a time and place to have a meeting where I could discuss my vision for the app with the project manager, David. After the meeting, he followed up with more detailed information as to how this project is going to run.

He gave me a timeline on what features in the app that their team is going to be finished working on with a specific deadline/date over the course of 6-8 months. He also gave me a list of the things that needed to be completed on my part in order to proceed with the development. Communicating was an ease for me because he was responsive and made sure the project is aligned with the deadlines, if not, he was at least very detailed as to why there were delays which was understandable.

He would give me updates on the app and i like how he showed me some of their progress through videos and screenshots. He allowed me to make changes to the app features before the actual project started. After the development was finished, the project manager allowed me to bug test the app before it got released in the app stores. It was great to see the results that I had envisioned.

What was the team composition?

The only person in that company that I was in contact with was the project manager David. I was aware that another person was involved in the project and that he did the coding and creating the system.

And David informed me later on that he had another set of people to bug test the app to make sure the app was flowing smoothly from multiples users' end because they wanted to test it our on both Android and Apple phones.

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

Every few days or weeks, the project manager would show me a screenshot or a video of their project. This let me know that I can depend on their team as they have been constantly showing me the results of their amazing work during the development process.

My app has now been published in the app stores just last month and I am satisfied with their service. My project is still ongoing now because they want to make sure that the app is running smoothly and I still want to continue to work with them in the future to expand my app.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was a breeze on my part because the project manager was very responsive and informative in the emails throughout the 6-8 month duration. He made sure the the team was working based on the guideline or timeline that he had given me.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The communication and the information they give me set them apart. David, the project manager is very reliable and has a great team! 100% Amazing company!!

Are there any areas for improvement?

I'm not sure but I am looking forward to working with them on the visual appearance aspect on the app in the future.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and owner of GuestsParking LLC, it a digital parking pass that caters to Apartment management companies and Condos.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

When I started my hunt for a web/app developing company, I ended up with a company based in Ukraine simply due to the price. After a year, I part ways with that company due to misunderstandings. I had access to Freelancers in the U.S.(West, North and South), India and other parts of the world but turned them down, based on my previous experience. I want to work with a local company that is affordable, and accessible via phone or face to face meetings with.  

What were your goals for this project?

I wanted my ideas of establishing a web and mobile application developed by the end of 2019. After speaking to YOURCTO they execute my ideas and finish on time.

How did you select this vendor?

I kept seeking for local and affordable company, it took me 2 months of research before I stumbled upon YOURCTO. I checked out their website and gave it a shot. I called the number on their website, and in an instant, I was explaining the details of my company and my vision. YOURCTO not only listened but also execute my ideas. They helped me every step of the way ensuring my satisfaction. Their professionalism is outstanding.

Describe the project in detail.

I had several online/phone meetings with YOURCTO on precisely executing the company`s vision. They met my expectations.

What was the team composition?

I was aware that their were several people working on this project but I only had access to the project manager. Based on my previous vendor, I was talking to multiple people and none of them were on the same page. I like this idea of speaking to one voice and that voice represent your goals and objectives.

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

After speaking to YOURCTO, we get the ball rolling. They developed a mobile app and website within span of 2 to months. The app works well and no crash or issues. The website looks outstanding.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

I was in constant contact with YOURCTO throughout the process. We had video and phone calls to prevent any misunderstandings. We both knew significant to the project.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

The vendor experience on web/mobile app development was impressive. YOURCTO educated me on things that I didn`t know about before mobile app development. If knew back then what I know now, I would have cancelled by previous vendor a week into the project.

Are there any areas for improvement?

The quality work they provide for the price they charge, I am satisfied and highly recommend them to anyone seeking web/mobile development locally, nationwide and international. I look forward working with YOURCTO on future projects.

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Drake Institute of Research and Policy, a nonpartisan policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. I spearhead policy research and technology development for the institute and establish partnerships with grassroots organizations and legislators nationwide.

For what projects/services did your company hire YourCTO?

We needed a comprehensive software development plan for a new web-based platform we're bringing to market this year.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted documentation that would outline the feasibility, architectural design and functionality, associated costs, timeline, and User Interface design mock-up of our web application. We anticipated that the project would result in securing more funds from potential investors and donors to successfully bring this product to market.

How did you select this vendor?

My team searched online for web developers in the Greater D.C. area and came across several service providers. After consulting with our top three, we found YourCTO to be the best possible option. Their extensive experience in the field, flexible scheduling, superb customer service, and pleasant and professional demeanor stood out among their competitors.

Describe the project in detail.

Once we selected YourCTO, we were scheduled to meet with their project manager and tech developer the following week. Prior to the meeting, however, we were asked to respond to a preliminary questionnaire to provide more insight into my team's vision for the project. Our feedback was used to help YourCTO assess the scope of the project more accurately in preparation of our initial discovery meeting. During the meeting, we spent an hour or two discussing every detail of the project from both a technical and design perspective. Post the meeting, YourCTO remained in constant communication with my team via email to ensure that both parties were in agreement as the project progressed from one stage to the next. The deliverables were made available to us within budget and on schedule. YourCTO also conducted a follow-up call to discuss the functionality of the plan, the proposed design of the UI their team designed for us, and to address any questions we had!

What was the team composition?

We worked with YourCTO's highly experienced project manager and tech developer. They were both very knowledgeable and accessible to my team from the first day of the project through completion.

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

Thanks to the technical research and technology advisory services we received from YourCTO, our trademark application in association with this project was approved and registered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office with no corrections required. We are now prepared to move into the next phase of our fundraising plan.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

YourCTO remained in constant contact with my team. They were always readily available to answer questions we may have had and to explain processes pertinent to this project in an easily digestible manner. We used Zoom when video conferencing was more efficient than phone or email, which I found to be extremely convenient.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

YourCTO exceeded every expectation my team and I had for this project. I still cannot believe how well they captured our vision and developed it into a comprehensive software plan that is feasible, functional, and aesthetically appealing. More importantly, I was most impressed with their ability to deliver the product for only a fraction of the cost that other service providers offer.

Are there any areas for improvement?

My team was 100% satisfied with the service we received from YourCTO. From a client's perspective, they exceed all standards and expectations.