Software product development
Custom Software Development for Chicago Founders and SMBs
We build web and mobile apps from idea to launch with our field-tested 5D Process. U.S. business analysts, nearshore build teams, work done in your time zone.
- 200+ custom B2B and B2C apps built since 2008
- 5D Process moves you from idea to launch, step by step
- Nearshore teams in your time zone at a third of U.S. costs
Since 2008: 200+ custom software solutions built for founders and SMBs.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 573-321-3030
Tell us about your software project
Share a few details and we'll follow up to talk through scope, plan and next steps.
Why Chicago founders and SMBs work with us
A proven path from idea to launch
Our 5D Process covers discovery, design, development, deployment and support, so you always know the next step.
Keep your equity
You get a senior product team without handing shares to a technical cofounder.
Same time zone, same language
Nearshore developers in Latin America work your hours, at about a third of U.S. team costs.
A senior team, not juniors
25 senior developers, designers, testers and project managers, led by founders with 30+ years in business.
AI built in where it helps
Generative AI, custom GPTs, conversational assistants and workflow automation inside your product.
We keep your app healthy after launch
AWS hosting, 24/7 server monitoring, backups, disaster recovery and monthly support packages.
What custom software development looks like with us
Founders Workshop is an Arizona-based software product development firm serving clients across the United States, including businesses in Chicago. Since 2008 we have delivered more than 200 custom B2B and B2C web and mobile solutions for founders, startups and small to medium businesses.
Every project follows our 5D Process. We start by defining your goals, users, integrations and budget, then design, build, launch and support the product. If your app was built by another developer, we can take it over and keep it moving.
- D1 Discovery: goals, key features, integrations, business model and tech stack (2-4 weeks)
- D2 Definition and UX Design: specs, designs and a clickable prototype (4-6 weeks)
- D3 Development: agile build of your web or mobile app (2-3 months)
- D4 Deployment: AWS cloud hosting, 24/7 server monitoring and disaster recovery (1 month)
- D5 Support and Maintenance: monthly hour packages starting at $625 per month
- AI services: generative AI, custom GPTs, conversational assistants, RPA workflow automation
- Nearshore staff augmentation: developers, designers, testers and PMs from Latin America
- Takeover and ongoing support of apps built by other developers
- Marketing and business help: market research, branding, positioning and go-to-market planning
Built by a team with a long track record
“Eric Owen saw an immediate opportunity in the senior living space. Our founder-approved 5D process delivered ALBedFill's MVP in just three months.”
“Shane Ettestad's concept for HomeKey required an MVP balancing a complex, AI-enabled backend with a consumer-friendly user experience.”
“A new internal predictive analytics engine gave Bigg Whale's reps a competitive edge and positioned Susan Horowitz to scale her investment firm.”
What happens after you reach out
You share your idea
Tell us what you want to build, who it is for and where the project stands today.
We talk it through
We set up a call to review goals, features, integrations and the team you would need.
You get a plan and quote
We outline scope, schedule and budget, starting with a Discovery engagement when it fits.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an office in Chicago?
Our headquarters is in Arizona and we serve clients across the United States, including Chicago. Our delivery teams are nearshore in Latin America, so everyone works in your time zone and language.
How much does a custom software project cost?
Cost depends on scope, features and team size, so we quote each project after Discovery, which is where we build the budget, plan and schedule. Ongoing support packages start at $625 per month for up to 5 hours.
How long does it take to build?
Our 5D Process runs Discovery in 2-4 weeks, Definition and UX Design in 4-6 weeks, Development in 2-3 months and Deployment in about 1 month. ALBedFill's MVP was delivered in three months.
Can you take over an app another developer built?
Yes. We support apps built by our team or by other developers, integrating with your existing codebase or transitioning you from your current developer.
Do I have to give up equity to get a technical team?
No. You hire us as your product team instead of trading shares for a technical cofounder. Our leadership team has 30+ years of experience as founders, owners and investors.
Can you just add developers to my in-house team?
Yes. Our nearshore staff augmentation places developers, designers, testers and project managers under your management at about a third of U.S. team costs. We supported WellPsyche this way for 8 years.
Ready to start your custom software project?
Tell us about your idea or your existing app. We'll review it and come back with a clear plan, team and quote.
- 200+ custom B2B and B2C apps built since 2008
- 5D Process moves you from idea to launch, step by step
- Nearshore teams in your time zone at a third of U.S. costs
Prefer to talk? Call +1 573-321-3030