Fixed-price clarity
No hourly billing surprises. You get a fixed-price proposal after discovery so you know exactly what your runway covers.
App Development for Startups
We help founders go from idea to App Store in 8–16 weeks. Fixed-price MVPs built by senior engineers, designed for traction and investor confidence.
From Idea to App Store
A lean process built for startup speed. Three phases, clear deliverables, no wasted motion.
1
Discovery Sprint
1–2 weeksWe turn your vision into a concrete plan. User flows, technical architecture, feature prioritization, and a fixed-price proposal for the build phase. You walk away with a spec you can share with investors.
- User flow diagrams
- Technical architecture plan
- Prioritized feature list
- Fixed-price build proposal
2
MVP Build
8–16 weeksFocused execution on the features that matter for launch. We ship working software every sprint so you can see progress, test with users, and adjust direction based on real feedback.
- Working iOS + Android app
- Backend API and database
- App Store submission
- Analytics integration
3
Launch & Iterate
OngoingAfter launch, we help you respond to user feedback, improve metrics, and plan the next set of features. Monthly retainer keeps the product moving forward without large upfront commitments.
- User feedback analysis
- Feature iteration sprints
- Performance optimization
- Growth feature development
Why Startups Choose Apptitude
We're built for the constraints and pace that startups operate under.
Senior engineers only
Your product is built by experienced engineers, not handed off to juniors after the sales call. You work directly with the builders.
Investor-ready delivery
Clean code, documented architecture, and scalable infrastructure. When due diligence happens, the tech stands up to scrutiny.
Speed to market
Sprint-based delivery with weekly progress. We optimize for getting you to market fast - then iterate based on what real users do.
Startup-Friendly Pricing
Most startup MVPs cost $25K–$75K with delivery in 8–16 weeks. Southeast rates give you 30–50% more runway than Bay Area or NYC agencies - without compromising on talent or execution quality.
Startup Development FAQ
How much does it cost to build an MVP?
Most startup MVPs cost between $25,000 and $75,000 depending on complexity. A focused product with 5–10 core screens, one platform, user auth, and basic backend typically falls in the $30K–$50K range. We provide a fixed-price proposal after a short discovery phase so you know exactly what your runway covers.
How long does it take to build an MVP?
Simple products can ship in 8–10 weeks; more complex MVPs with integrations or compliance needs may take 12–16 weeks. We include a 1–2 week discovery sprint before the build begins.
Should I build for iOS or Android first?
For native apps, we usually recommend starting with iOS first, then duplicating proven features on Android. We run in two-week sprints: one sprint builds a new feature on iOS, and the next sprint implements that iOS feature on Android while iOS starts the next feature.
Can you help with investor materials?
We provide technical documentation, architecture diagrams, and product demos that support fundraising conversations. Our discovery deliverables - user flows, technical spec, and product roadmap - are designed to be shared with investors.
What happens after the MVP launches?
We offer monthly retainers for ongoing iteration - new features, performance improvements, and responses to user feedback. We can also help transition the codebase to your internal team when you are ready to hire engineers.
Do you take equity or just cash?
We primarily work on a fixed-price cash basis. This keeps the relationship simple and aligned. In select cases we may discuss hybrid arrangements, but our default is straightforward project-based pricing.
Have a startup idea?
Tell us about it. We'll give you an honest assessment of scope, timeline, and cost - no pressure, no sales pitch.