AI Services for Startups & SMBs
Generative AI Development Services That Ship Real Products
We build custom AI software for founders and SMBs: generative AI features, custom GPTs, chat assistants and workflow automation. Built with our 5D Process.
- Custom GPTs, gen AI features and AI-first products
- Nearshore AI teams at a third of U.S. costs
- Same timezone, same language, senior engineers
200+ custom B2B and B2C software solutions delivered since 2008.
Prefer to talk? Call +1 573-321-3030
Tell us about your AI project
Share a few details and our team will follow up to scope the work and next steps.
Why founders pick us for custom AI software
AI that solves a business problem
We start with your goals, not the tech. You get AI features that earn their keep, not a demo that goes nowhere.
A proven path from idea to launch
Our field-tested 5D Process moves you through Discovery, design, development, deployment and support.
Senior team, nearshore cost
Work with Latin American developers, designers, testers and PMs at about a third of U.S. team costs.
Keep your equity
You get a full product team instead of giving up equity to a technical cofounder.
We support what we build
AWS hosting, 24/7 server monitoring, database backup and disaster recovery are available after launch.
Entrepreneurs, not just coders
Our leaders have 30+ years as founders, owners and investors, so the advice goes past the code.
What our AI development services cover
Founders Workshop has built custom software since 2008, and AI is now at the core of much of that work. Whether you want a generative AI feature inside an existing app or a brand new AI-first product, we scope it, design it, build it and keep it running.
Not sure what is possible yet? A Discovery engagement (2-4 weeks) defines goals, features, integrations, a business model and the right tech stack before anyone writes code.
- Generative AI integration for new and existing products
- Custom GPT creation tuned to your data and use case
- Conversational AI assistants with realistic avatars
- AI RPA and intelligent workflow automation
- Model training and vector database setup and management
- AI consulting and AI workshops to upskill your team
- AI-first product development and MVPs
- Common uses: customer support automation, data insights, call transcription and summaries, document review, personalized marketing, fraud detection
Built by a team with a long track record
“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.”
“Founder Kevin Berk's MVP for ServiceGuru lacked a key feature set that slowed his sales efforts into retail and restaurants.”
What happens after you reach out
We talk through your idea
Tell us the problem, your users and where AI could help. We ask questions and flag risks early.
We scope and price the work
You get a plan for the AI build, the team you need and what a Discovery phase would cover.
We build and support it
Design, development, deployment on AWS, then ongoing support and monitoring if you want it.
Frequently asked questions
How much do generative AI development services cost?
Pricing depends on scope, features and team size, so we quote after we understand your project. Ongoing support and maintenance retainers start at $625 per month for up to 5 hours.
Can you add AI to an app we already have?
Yes. We support and extend apps built by our team or by other developers, integrating with your existing codebase or taking over from your current developer.
What if we are not sure what AI can do for us?
Start with Discovery. In 2-4 weeks we define goals, key features, integrations, revenue model and a recommended tech stack, including where AI adds real value.
Who does the work, and where are they based?
You work with U.S.-based business analysts plus nearshore teams across Latin America and the Western Hemisphere, in your timezone and language, at about a third of U.S. costs.
Do you train teams on AI?
Yes. We run AI workshops and consulting so your team gains practical skills and knows how to apply AI to your business.
How long does an AI build take?
It depends on scope. In our 5D Process, Discovery runs 2-4 weeks, Definition and UX Design 4-6 weeks, Development 2-3 months and Deployment about 1 month.
Ready to build with generative AI?
Tell us what you want to build. We will scope the AI work, the team and the plan to get it live.
- Custom GPTs, gen AI features and AI-first products
- Nearshore AI teams at a third of U.S. costs
- Same timezone, same language, senior engineers
Prefer to talk? Call +1 573-321-3030