Altar.io

We’ve teamed up with the Product Management Society to host an exclusive event in Lisbon on October 15th.

This evening is all about networking and growth. Whether you’re a founder aiming to accelerate your product’s success, or you’re looking to secure a role in product management, this is the event for you.

Join us for an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share insights, and take your career or startup to the next level.

📅 Date: 15 October 2024
📍 Location: Debru, Lisbon, Portugal
🕒 Time: 19:00 - 21:00
💰 Price: FREE

Spots are limited, so don’t miss out - register now! 👉

Recruitment & Founder Support Meetup Hosted by Altar.io (Actively Hiring!), Tue, Oct 15, 2024, 7:00 PM | Meetup Join us for a focused evening of networking and growth hosted and sponsored by [Altar.io](https://altar.io/)! Whether you're looking for your next career move or seeking ex

What does it take for a data scientist to become a startup founder and raise $19M? Peter Fishman knows the answer.

In this episode of The Startup Journey Podcast, Peter, the founder of Mozart Data, shares his story of transitioning from roles at Microsoft and Walt Disney to launching a startup that’s transforming how businesses handle data.

Peter takes us through his experiences at Y Combinator, the lessons learned, and the customer-first philosophy that’s been key to his success.

This episode is packed with insights on turning a vision into reality, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or simply a startup enthusiast.

Learn how Peter’s vision is making data more accessible and powerful for businesses of all sizes.

Listen to the full episode here: https://altar.io/podcast/?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=Organic+Social&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile+-+Podcast+Episode+10

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4fDCNQNW38b6uIXdKPyoYT?si=31eff04200cf40ec

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/10-from-data-scientist-at-microsoft-to-raising-%2419m/id1750694557?i=1000664603247

Are you overlooking key marketing strategies that could make or break your startup?

Our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Filipe, sat down with early-stage marketing expert & co-founder, Maria Cate, to uncover the insights you need to know.

With extensive experience in startup marketing, both Filipe and Maria bring unique perspectives to the table.

Filipe has not only launched his own startup but has also worked with numerous early-stage companies and mentored many founders through Techstars and Startup Lisboa.

Maria's journey is equally impressive. Starting as a marketing manager at Red Bull, she then joined Whoop as an early employee, where she thrived in a hyper-growth environment. Now, as the co-founder of her own agency, Cooth, she helps founders craft successful marketing strategies.

The result is an in-depth conversation packed with valuable takeaways for anyone shaping an early-stage startup strategy.

Check out the full conversation here: https://altar.io/strategic-marketing-insights-for-early-stage-startup-founders-expert-interview?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=Organic+Social&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile+-+Strategic+Marketing+Insights+For+Early+Stage+Startup+Founders+-+Expert+Interview

🎉 Today, we’re excited to celebrate the birthday of one of our incredible Altarions, André Oliveira!

As a talented fullstack developer, André truly represents the Altar spirit. His commitment to excellence is unwavering - always pushing us to improve and play a crucial role in our continuous growth.

André’s dedication to his craft is inspiring, consistently going above and beyond to enhance his skills and contribute to every project.

Wishing you an amazing birthday, André! Enjoy your day, and we’re looking forward to hearing all about it! 🥳

We are Hiring! 📣

We’re looking for a Senior Project Manager to join our ranks.

With us, you’ll be working among a cross-functional team of top talent to help build innovative products across a range of industries.

All in a remote-first environment, with the option to join us in an informal, pet-friendly office in the heart of Lisbon.

Our perks include 25 days of paid vacation, regular team events like weekly yoga classes and flexible working hours.

To apply and read more information on what you can expect from working with us, check out the link in the top comment.

Physics student turned successful founder, Ahana Banerjee, took a dorm room idea and built it into Clear, a pioneering social commerce app for skincare.

She sat down with our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, to share her story on The Startup Journey Podcast.

Despite being "often dismissed" because of her gender, Ahana’s determination led her to Y Combinator and then onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

In this episode, she discusses the challenges she faced, the strategies she used to secure venture capital, and how she balances the demands of entrepreneurship with personal growth.

This conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to turn their vision into reality.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here: https://altar.io/podcast/?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=Organic+Social&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile+-+Podcast+Episode+9

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1q8Hl5tm62L0EF2I6uDD8I?si=c51ec15aa4c642db

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-navigating-the-skincare-revolution-with-forbes-30/id1750694557?i=1000663915416

We are Hiring! 📣

We’re looking for a Senior Fullstack Developer to join our ranks.

With us, you’ll be working among a cross-functional team of top talent to help build innovative products across a range of industries.

All in a remote-first environment, with the option to join us in an informal, pet-friendly office in the heart of Lisbon.

Our perks include 25 days of paid vacation, regular team events like weekly yoga classes and flexible working hours.

To apply and read more information on what you can expect from working with us, check out the link in the top comment.

Unicorn Factory Lisboa is back with the Entrepreneurship Awards in Lisbon on October 1st!

This year’s event promises to showcase innovation, young talent, and the driving forces behind our ecosystem.

Expect a spotlight on innovation, a celebration of young talent, recognition of community contributors, and honours for the best pitches.

And, of course, the prestigious João Vasconcelos Award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nominations are open until September 8th, so if you know someone deserving of recognition, now’s the time to get involved.

We can’t wait to celebrate the achievements shaping the future of business, not just in Lisbon, but globally.

What kind of lessons do you learn after working in the startup ecosystem for three decades?

Our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, sat down with veteran founder Diane Prince to find out.

Diane launched her entrepreneurial journey over 30 years ago with her first venture, Onstaff, which quickly scaled to a $50M ARR business.

Since then, she’s built multiple startups, achieved five successful exits, and become a highly regarded business coach.

Catch the conversation on our podcast, where Diane shares timeless lessons from her extensive experience.

🎧 Tune in now: https://altar.io/podcast/?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile%3A+Podcast+8%C2%BA+episode

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DofcaIkn7L9sZ5kDtLrVj?si=37c28a09ff8e474f

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/8-scaling-a-startup-to-%2450m-arr-timeless-wisdom/id1750694557?i=1000663279706

Portugal is fast becoming a global leader in the startup ecosystem, thanks to its unique position as a central hub for data interconnection and digital innovation.

With a cutting-edge network of submarine cables, data centres, and Internet Exchange points, offers unparalleled connectivity that rivals traditional hubs like Frankfurt and London.

Lisbon’s direct links across the Atlantic, combined with affordable living, top-notch infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for digital nomads, make Portugal the ideal base for your next venture.

It’s no surprise that entrepreneurs from around the world are flocking here to take advantage of these benefits. If you're considering it, drop us a message - we'd be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We are ! 📣

We’re looking for a Senior to join our ranks.

With us, you’ll be working among a cross-functional team of top talent to help build innovative products across a range of industries.

All in a remote-first environment, with the option to join us in an informal, pet-friendly office in the heart of Lisbon.

Our perks include 25 days of paid vacation, regular team events like weekly yoga classes and flexible working hours.

To apply and read more information on what you can expect from working with us, check out the link in the top comment.

With over half of 2024 behind us, here's a quick roundup of the European tech ecosystem for the first half of the year and what you need to know moving forward.

The first half of 2024 showed that Europe’s tech ecosystem is bouncing back, with €47.3bn invested in startups so far.

Venture debt is becoming a key alternative to equity funding, which is slightly down. If you want to maintain control of your company, this could be a smart move.

Early-stage investment remains strong, with a lot of activity but relatively less funding. It’s a competitive space, but with the right approach, there’s plenty of opportunity.

Sector-wise, climate tech is leading the way, and fintech is making a comeback. If you’re in these areas, you might find a more receptive audience for your ideas.

With over 5,000 active investors and increasing involvement from public funds, there are more options to secure the capital you need. Don’t overlook location—places like London and Stockholm are at the centre of the action.

As we approach September, it's the perfect time to ramp up your efforts, reconnect with the right investors, and seize the opportunities ahead after the summer break.

What does it take to build a successful AI startup today? Discover insights from someone who’s done it...

In the latest episode of The Startup Journey Podcast, our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, sat down with Jags Kandasamy, co-founder of Latent AI.

He's raised over $22M revolutionising AI development, making it more accessible, efficient, and scalable, especially for deployment on edge devices.

In the episode, Rui & Jags explore the origins of Latent AI and the innovative approach that’s driving its success. Jags also offers invaluable advice for startups looking to make a significant impact in the tech world and provides a glimpse into the future of AI.

If you’re interested in the mechanics of successful startup growth and the future of AI technology, this conversation is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now: https://altar.io/podcast/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bIZltdOAYkXBOZQFu6r3Q

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/7-pioneering-efficiency-in-ai-and-raising-$22m-in/id1750694557?i=1000662493073

Networking is one of the most powerful tools you can wield as a startup founder, especially when it comes to finding key stakeholders on your startup journey.

Charlotte Ketelaar, CEO of Capwave AI, knows this firsthand.

She initially reached out to our team for help building her startup. While the conversation was positive, she ultimately found a technical co-founder—a fantastic outcome for her, though we were a bit disappointed given how exciting her project is!

But rather than ending the conversation there, our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, asked Charlotte to share how she found her co-founder. He knew her insights could be a valuable resource for others on the same path.

In their discussion, they explored why networking is crucial for any entrepreneur, how her connections led her to the right co-founder, and how she ensured it was the perfect match.

Read the full story via the link in the comments.

Entrepreneurial Tip #37: How to streamline product development with ChatGPT-4

is disrupting how startups operate, with ChatGPT-4 at the front of the pack in terms of its huge adoption.

So, here are six ways you can leverage it to benefit your product development:

1️⃣ Generate UX insights by getting feedback on your UI/UX designs. For example, ask ChatGPT-4 to review your mobile app's dashboard and user navigation, providing suggestions based on best practices.

2️⃣ Create user journey maps to identify pain points. Ask -4 to map out the journey from initial visit to purchase, highlighting areas for improvement.

3️⃣ Enhance your product by proposing new features aligned with market trends. For instance, ask for feature ideas for your project management software, focusing on remote work and collaboration tools.

4️⃣ Analyse competitors to identify strengths and weaknesses. Request insights on top AI chatbot platforms to differentiate your product.

5️⃣ Simulate customer feedback to make adjustments before market testing. For example, predict reactions to your personal finance app’s automated budgeting features.

6️⃣ Improve product documentation with clear, user-friendly manuals and FAQs. Ask ChatGPT-4 to draft a comprehensive user manual, explaining technical specs in simple terms.

These tactics will help you develop a product that meets market needs and enhances user experience.

🎙️ New podcast episode out now! 🎙️

In the latest episode of , our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, sits down with Louwrens Van Schalkwyk, a seasoned entrepreneur and Fintech leader, to discuss his venture, MyBucks.

MyBucks has made headlines for its comprehensive financial solutions, from insurance to banking, and recently became the first African-focused FinTech company to list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, with a public offering nearly hitting the $143M mark.

In this episode, Louwrens shares:
🔹 The inception and evolution of MyBucks from its early days to becoming a Fintech powerhouse
🔹 Challenges and milestones in taking MyBucks public
🔹 Insights into his entrepreneurial journey and the strategies behind his success
🔹 Practical advice for navigating the complexities of the Fintech landscape
🔹 His vision for the future of financial technology and MyBucks’ continued innovation

A huge thank you to Louwrens for sharing his invaluable insights and experiences with us.

🎧 Tune in now: https://altar.io/podcast/?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile%3A+Podcast+6%C2%BA+episode

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2H1rDp1NGyFjlNYvDDvxPT?si=e116266e806e4398

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-building-the-first-african-focused-fintech-company/id1750694557?i=1000661746026

If you're a founder in looking for , this may be the one for you! 👇

Meta's European AI Startup Program at STATION F in Paris offers an opportunity for to develop advanced AI solutions with open-source foundation models.

This 4-month program provides a unique blend of technical guidance and business acumen to help startups fast-track their and strengthen their market presence.

It's particularly exciting because it combines top-notch technical mentoring from Meta's AI research teams with invaluable resources from partners Hugging Face and Scaleway.

Plus, the business guidance from HEC Paris Incubator ensures that not only advance technologically but also succeed in their go-to-market strategies.

Applications are open until August 16th, and the program runs from October 2024 to February 2025.

With no fees and no equity taken, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

If your startup has an AI-powered and a dedicated technical team, this could be the perfect chance to elevate your AI innovation.

For more information and the application, check the link in the top comments. 👇

When Every Startup is an , How Do You Stand Out?

The explosion of companies over the past year has been overwhelming. Featuring “AI” in branding has become the norm, making it challenging to distinguish the wheat from the chaff.

In our latest article, Vasco, our Product Expert, delves into the AI gold rush. Drawing from a year of research, article creation, and workshop building on , Vasco shares his experience to help you navigate the hype and ensure your startup stands out.

Discover key strategies to cut through the AI noise:

🔹 Network Effects – Make it Hard to Leave
🔹 Privileged Data Access – Share What No One Else Can Share
🔹 Subject Matter Expertise – Sell Your Specialisation
🔹 Make Lives Easier – a Key to Recurrence

Don’t miss these insights to elevate your startup above the AI frenzy.

Read the full article via the link 👇

Beyond the Hype: When Every Startup is an AI Startup, How Do You Stand Out? The explosion of AI companies over the past year has been overwhelming. Read this to learn how to cut through the noise and be successful.

We are ! 📣

We’re looking for a Senior Developer to join our ranks.

With us, you’ll be working among a cross-functional team of top talent to help build innovative products across a range of industries.

All in a remote-first environment, with the option to join us in an informal, pet-friendly office in the heart of Lisbon.

Our perks include 25 days of paid vacation, regular team events like weekly yoga classes and flexible working hours.

To apply and read more information on what you can expect from working with us, check out the link in the top comment.

🎙️ New Episode 🎙️

In the latest episode of The Startup Journey Podcast, our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, chats with Atul Shinghal, CEO & Co-Founder of Scripbox, about building one of the most influential fintech brands in the world.

A few years ago, Atul identified an inefficiency in the way insurance products were sold in India. Drawing on his two decades of experience, he founded Scripbox to address this gap.

But, in a market unfamiliar with , he had to focus on honesty and transparency to build customer trust.

His efforts paid off, transforming Scripbox into India’s leading digital platform, raising over $34M, and earning recognition as the second most influential financial services brand globally.

In this episode, Atul shares:

🔹 How he validated the business idea behind Scripbox
🔹 The path to achieving product-market fit
🔹 Lessons from dealing with
🔹 Insights on building an early-stage startup team
🔹 Balancing entrepreneurial demands with personal life
🔹 And much more!

A big thank you to Atul for taking the time to sit down with us and share his invaluable insights from a 20-year career in .

🎧 Tune in now: https://altar.io/podcast/?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile%3A+Podcast+5%C2%BA+episode

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A25MoTSfomOJXtGtkRNSI?si=b9449a08ce6843fc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/5-building-the-2nd-most-influential-fintech-brand-in/id1750694557?i=1000660998250

‎The Startup Journey Podcast: #5 Building the 2nd Most Influential Fintech Brand in the World With Scripbox CEO & Co-Founder Atul Shinghal on Apple Podcasts ‎Show The Startup Journey Podcast, Ep #5 Building the 2nd Most Influential Fintech Brand in the World With Scripbox CEO & Co-Founder Atul Shinghal - Jul 2, 2024

Q2’24 Venture Capital Highlights: A Deep Dive for Entrepreneurs

startups stole the spotlight in Q2'24, capturing a record 28% of all . Total venture funding climbed to $65.7B, marking an 8% QoQ increase. However, deal volume declined for the 9th consecutive quarter, dropping to 6,230 deals, less than half of its peak in Q1’22.

Key insights for entrepreneurs:

🤖 AI Dominance: AI startups drew $18.3B in Q2’24, led by significant deals like Elon Musk’s xAI ($6B), CoreWeave ($1.1B), and Scale ($1B).

📈 Funding Trends: Despite a cautious investment environment, the average deal size has surged to $14.4M, up 17% YTD.

💸 Exit Activity: The US saw an increase in exit activity, accounting for 39% of all exits. Major IPOs included Tempus ($6.1B) and Rubrik ($5.6B).

💼Investor Activity: SOSV led the pack, investing in 35 companies, followed by Andreessen Horowitz (33) and General Catalyst (31).

📊 Sector Focus: Fintech rebounded, rising 19% QoQ to $8.9B, while retail tech remained stagnant and digital health funding dropped 26%.

For entrepreneurs, it's essential to note that funding is becoming increasingly selective. While AI is currently attracting a significant share, securing investment will be more challenging for other sectors.

Strategic planning, strong value propositions, and a properly constructed product rationale are crucial in this evolving landscape.

There’s a misconception that the most successful founders are young.

While tech legends like Zuckerberg and Gates started early, studies show the most successful founders are around 45, with more experience, a broader network, and greater resilience.

Yet, exceptions do exist.

Meet Slater Victoroff, Founder and CTO of Indico Data. From his dorm room, Slater and his co-founder envisioned a platform to transform raw data into actionable insights. This vision earned them a spot in Techstars Boston and led Slater to drop out of school to focus on Indico Data.

Their hard work paid off, with Indico Data now handling billions of API calls monthly and closing multiple six-figure enterprise contracts.

Our CMO & Managing Partner, Rui Lourenço, sat down with Slater to discuss his journey.

They shared insights on:
🔹 Validating the Idea for Indico Data
🔹 The Myth of the Overnight Success
🔹 Going to Market
🔹 Funding & The Road to Product-Market Fit
🔹 Building the Early-Stage Startup Team
🔹 Nurturing a Positive hashtag
🔹 A “Day-in-the-Life” of an Early-Stage Startup Founder
🔹 Advice for Entrepreneurs Launching a Startup Now

Don’t miss this founder story packed with actionable advice.

Check it out via the link 👇

Against the Grain: How a Dorm Room Startup Achieved $30M in Funding [Founder Story] I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Slater, founder and CTO of Indico Data to learn how he built his startup from his dorm room

🎙️ New Episode 🎙️

In the latest episode of The Startup Journey Podcast, our Managing Partner and CMO, Rui, chats with Roger Van Duinen, Co-Founder of Varo Bank, about his remarkable journey in the and financial services industry.

With 25 years of experience as a C-level executive, Roger leveraged his extensive network to co-found Varo Money, an innovative bank focused on financial inclusion and opportunity for all. It all began when a mutual connection introduced him to Colin Walsh, and their shared vision led to the creation of Varo.

In this episode, Roger shares:
🔹 The idea behind Varo
🔹 The path to achieving product-market fit
🔹 Lessons from dealing with investors
🔹 Insights on building an early-stage startup team
🔹 Balancing entrepreneurial demands with personal life
🔹 And much more!

A big thank you to Roger for taking the time to sit down with us and share his invaluable insights from a career spanning nearly three decades.

🎧 Tune in now: https://altar.io/podcast/?utm_source=Facebook+Profile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Facebook+Profile%3A+Podcast+4%C2%BA+episode

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Sbkq00Mqca7u1OuiiA90f?si=1ffc951b403d4dafa

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-how-to-network-your-way-into-a-unicorn-startup/id1750694557?i=1000660274539

‎The Startup Journey Podcast: #4 How to Network Your Way Into a Unicorn Startup With Varo Bank Co-Founder Roger Van Duinen on Apple Podcasts ‎Show The Startup Journey Podcast, Ep #4 How to Network Your Way Into a Unicorn Startup With Varo Bank Co-Founder Roger Van Duinen - Jun 25, 2024

Today, we honour the genius behind our technological marvels – our fantastic CTO!

Claudio's technical brilliance is inspiring, serving as a guiding light for our team and steering us with his profound expertise.

As we celebrate his birthday, we express our deepest gratitude for the extraordinary impact he's had on our team and the projects we've embarked on together. With him leading the way, no challenge is insurmountable, as he skillfully navigates through any storm – both in tech and now on the open seas.

Recently taking up sailing, Cláudio continues to show us the importance of exploration and mastering new skills. His passion for sailing is yet another testament to his adventurous spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.

So, as he enjoys this special day with his loved ones, let's raise a toast to our outstanding CTO! 🥂

A few weeks ago, we had our Summer All Hands.

In what is now a tradition, we headed across the bridge, to one of the beaches just south of .

The first job was that of transparency, and we shared what's been happening in the company with the team.

Then, the celebrations began in earnest.

We took a boat around the wild coastline, stopping for a dip in the ocean and a toast to the incredible work our team has produced so far this year.

Then, we headed to a beach bar for a lavish dinner before enjoying the sunset by the sea.

As usual, it was a day that went all too quickly.

Thank you again to everyone on the team for all your hard work – we hope you enjoyed the day.

is a major challenge for startup founders and SMEs, especially with today’s tightening landscape and declining bank lending.

But there’s hope!

Meet Maex Ament, the visionary founder of Taulia, a leading provider of working capital solutions used by over 1.8 million companies worldwide, including Airbus, Nissan, and the UK Government.

Maex and his team set out to tackle the delay in payment processing. Their innovative approach leverages the cash reserves of large corporations to pay suppliers early in exchange for a dynamic discount. This solution significantly improves cash flow, enhances operational efficiency, and strengthens supplier relationships.

Our Managing Partner & CMO, Rui, sat down with Maex to delve into his startup journey for our .

And now, we've released the transcript version too!

Discover insights and actionable advice on:
🔹 Finding the Perfect Co-Founder
🔹 Building the First Version of Taulia
🔹 Raising Money as an Early-Stage Startup
🔹 Managing an Early-Stage Startup Team
🔹 A Day-in-the-Life of an Early-Stage Startup Founder
🔹 Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting Out Today

Don't miss this inspiring founder story and learn how to navigate liquidity challenges with innovative solutions.

Read the full article via the link 👇

How to Build a 1.8M Customer Base by Focusing on 1 Critical Problem [Founder Story] I sit down with successful startup founder Maex Ament to discuss how he built Taulia, a leading global provider of working capital solutions.

🚀 Entrepreneurial Tip #34: Verifying the Credibility of a Software Development Company

Choosing the right software development partner is crucial for your startup's success. Here are some essential tips to ensure you make an informed decision:

1️⃣ Client Relationships: Look beyond standard testimonials and case studies. Seek out detailed stories and articles written by entrepreneurs who have worked with the company. These narratives offer deeper insights into the company's impact and credibility.

2️⃣ Authentic Stories: Check for genuine accounts of entrepreneurs sharing their journeys with the company. Real stories provide a clearer picture of the company's effectiveness and the value they bring to the table.

3️⃣ Independent Reviews: Utilize platforms like Clutch or GoodFirms for verified, independent reviews. These platforms ensure authenticity by requiring reviewers to log in via LinkedIn, making the feedback more trustworthy.

4️⃣ Caution with Reviews: Be wary of paid reviews. Some providers offer agencies "verified reviews" on popular B2B platforms. Always cross-check these reviews and seek additional proof of authenticity to avoid being misled.
⚠️ Just last week, our marketing team received an email from such a company!

5️⃣ Direct Contact with Clients: Ask the agency if they can connect you with some of their past clients. Agencies confident in their work often suggest this themselves. Speaking directly with previous clients provides unfiltered feedback on the company's performance.

Testimonials can give you a clear picture of what to expect – but they must be authentic.

Thorough due diligence is an essential first step to aligning with the right development partner.