Best App Development Companies for Startups: 2024 Review

April 18, 2024

Mobile apps aren’t just nice-to-haves. Today, the right app can directly fuel your company's success. Just consider that businesses with mobile apps enjoyed a 60% higher growth rate.

In particular, startups can benefit from developing apps that highlight their value proposition. Some popular mobile apps for startups involve AR, fintech, video editing, and more. 

If you’re a startup looking to create a blockbuster mobile app, you’ll require a top IT partner. We've done the hard work and screened the best app development companies for startups. Get to know the ideal options to build a successful startup mobile app!  

Note: No sponsorships were involved in our selection process. 

Best App Development Companies for Startups (List)

  1. Netcorp
  2. You Are Launched
  3. Goji Labs
  4. Konstant Infosolutions
  5. SPEEDNET
  6. Cheesecake Labs 
  7. Simpalm 
  8. Binary Studio 
  9. Vention
  10. Sidebench
  11. Cleveroad
  12. Itexus
  13. Riseapps
  14. Sombra
  15. Adchitects

Why Should You Have an App? App Statistics You Need to Know!

Why apps? In the last five years, mobile app spending has seen a whopping 92% growth rate. And the mobile economy shows no signs of slowing down! 

For startups looking for app funding, there are still plenty of opportunities as well. In 2023, $3 billion or 2.5% of U.S. funding went to app-focused companies.  

That said, it’s vital to develop the right app for your user needs. Without the guidance of a top app partner, you may not see the success you hoped for. Keep in mind that 42% of apps fail because there’s no market need, and 80% of product features are rarely or never used

Before you choose one of the top app development companies for startups, learn more. Our key app statistics will help you get the full market picture:

  1. There were 257 billion app downloads globally in 2023. This amounted to $171 billion in app spending that year. 
  2. 41% of consumers shop daily or weekly on their smartphones. In fact, mcommerce is set to reach 44.2% of retail ecommerce by 2025.
  3. Time spent using mobile apps increased by 46% between 2019-2022. The global user average was 5.01 hours daily.  
  4. iOS has the most global app spending at 50% of the market, while Google Play sits at 27%
  5. The most popular categories for iOS apps were games, business, education and utilities. 
  6. The most downloaded apps in 2023 were Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp. 
  7. China, the United States, Japan, South Kore, and Germany are the top app spending markets today.

How to Choose App Development Companies for Startups?

Choosing from the many app development companies for startups is tough. A good rule of thumb is that you should look for a partner that fits well with your project needs. For startups, it’s especially key that your partner offers scalability and customization.

We’ve created an in-depth guide into how to select the right IT partner, which you should check out for full details. Some key points that you should consider as you seek a provider include:

  1. Check out their portfolio and industry experience 
  2. Analyse their technical specialisations/resources
  3. Ensure alignment with your business goals
  4. Get a feel for their work and communication style
  5. Assess the geographical logistics
  6. Get to know team dynamics and methodologies
  7. Guarantee the best security, data and IP protections
  8. Verify that expert testing and maintenance are included
  9. Define a detailed scope of work together
  10. Get in touch with real past clients

Selection Criteria and Research Methodology for Choosing the Top App Development Companies for Startups

We thoroughly evaluated the top app development companies available on the market. You can see the selection criteria for compiling the final list below:

  1. We looked up the app development companies on Clutch (100+ results).
  2. Further applied the following filters:
    1. They should have evaluations from at least  40+ satisfied customers across various review sites.
    2. They should have a total Clutch rating of 4.9 or better.
    3. No entirely negative reviews should be present.
    4. Reliable portfolio showcasing extensive and real link-building experience.
    5. We meticulously examined the individual customer reviews to determine that each company has a team with the knowledge and abilities to produce scalable outcomes. Also, they encourage an Agile working methodology and provide cross-functional teams with professionals dedicated to enhancing client business outcomes.

The combination of these criteria led to the selection of the software outsourcing companies featured in this guide. No sponsorship was involved in this process, and real people, not algorithms, thoroughly investigated the vendors.

Netcorp’s Evaluation System for Best App Development Companies for Startups


We have developed our scoring system to rank app development companies for startups based on several key factors. This system evaluates company size, service range, market presence, customer reviews, years in business, social media engagement, client base, industries served, and staff talent.

Each category has a specific point scale and is weighted differently to calculate a normalized total score out of 10. This system offers a balanced and comprehensive way to assess companies, simplifying and comparing them uniformly.

Let's explore the detailed criteria and the calculation method employed in our scoring system:

Read more

Scoring 

  1. Company Size (Number of Employees): This reflects the company's scale. Larger companies may have more resources, but size doesn't guarantee quality. Scoring: 1-5: 2 points, 5-10: 4 points, 10-55: 6 points, 55-200: 8 points, 200+: 10 points
  2. Service Range (Number of Services): Indicates various services or products. More services suggest versatility. Scoring: 1-3: 2 points, 4-6: 4 points, 6-8: 6 points, 8-10: 8 points, 10+: 10 points
  3. Market Presence (Number of Countries): Shows how many countries the company operates in, indicating its global reach. Scoring: 1: 2 points, 2-3: 4 points, 4-5: 6 points, 6-9: 8 points, 10+: 10 points
  4. Customer Reviews (Average Rating): This measure measures customer satisfaction through review ratings. Higher ratings indicate better quality. Scoring: Below 3.5: 1 point, 3.5-4.0: 3 points, 4.1-4.5: 5 points, 4.6-4.8: 7 points, 4.9-5.0: 10 points
  5. Years in Business: Reflects company stability and industry experience. Scoring: Less than 1 year: 1 point, 2-3 years: 3 points, 4-6 years: 5 points, 7-10 years: 7 points, 11+ years: 10 points
  6. Social Media Engagement (Interaction Rate): Assesses the company's interaction with its audience on social platforms. Active engagement indicates good customer relations. Scoring: Very low: 2 points, Low: 4 points, Medium: 6 points, High: 8 points, Very high: 10 points
  7. Client Base (Number of Clients): Evaluate the breadth of the company's client base. A larger number of clients indicates a robust business model and broader market acceptance. It reflects the company’s ability to attract and maintain a diverse set of customers, which is vital for long-term sustainability and growth. Scoring:1-5 clients: 2 points, 6-15 clients: 4 points, 16-30 clients: 6 points, 31-50 clients: 8 points, 51+ clients: 10 points
  8. Industries Served:  Demonstrates versatility and understanding of different markets. Scoring: 1-2: 2 points, 3-5: 4 points, 6-8: 6 points, 9-15: 8 points, 15+: 10 points
  9. Talents (Quality and Diversity of Staff): Reflects the skill level and diversity of the workforce. Scoring: 1-2: 2 points, 3-4: 4 points, 5-6: 6 points, 7-8: 8 points, 8+: 10 points

Weightings for Each Criterion

  1. Company Size (Number of Employees): 10%
  2. Service Range (Number of Services): 15%
  3. Market Presence (Number of Countries): 10%
  4. Customer Reviews (Average Rating): 20%
  5. Years in Business: 10%
  6. Social Media Engagement (Interaction Rate): 10%
  7. Client Base (Number of Clients): 10%
  8. Industries Served: 10%
  9. Talents (Diversity and Specialization of Development Team): 15%

Calculation Method

Each category's score is based on a scale from 0 to 10. Normalize each category’s score by dividing it by the maximum possible (10), then multiply by the category’s weighting, and sum all these to get the final score out of 10. Here's the formula:

Total Score = (Company Size×0.10)+( Service Range×0.15)+(Market Presence×0.10)+(Customer Reviews×0.20)+(Years in Business×0.10)+(Social Media Engagement×0.10)+(Client Base×0.10)+( Industries Served×0.10)+(Talents ×0.15).


Best App Development Companies for Startups (Details)

Netcorp

Netcorp is a tried-and-true IT partner with 12+ years of experience. Our experts are at the cutting edge of building high-quality software to meet your goals. Our software development agency is based in Estonia and has a global reach. Companies in 16+ countries and numerous industries have trusted us with their projects. Some past clients include Eesti Energia, Payr, and Rally Estonia. In addition to software, our agency provides talent solutions to fill vital team gaps. Our developers are skilled in diverse technologies to handle your requirements. Moreover, our teams are well-versed in next-gen techs, such as m-commerce, big data, and more.

Employee
250+
Location
Estonia (Headquarter)
Min. project size
$ 20,000
Rating
5

You Are Launched

You Are Launched is a startup-first tech company headquartered in Cyprus. It’s specifically conceived as a startup launcher. To this end, it offers key services such as MVPs, mobile apps, and consulting. Over the last 8+ years, it’s supported 70 startup products in various industries. As a result, You Are Launched has earned awards such as Top Mobile App Developers from Clutch.

Employee
50+
Location
Limassol, Cyprus
Min. project size
$25,000+
Rating
5

Goji Labs

Based in L.A., Goji Labs is a stellar digital product agency for startups and other ventures. For 10+ years, this company has built 214+ solutions, especially focused on mobile apps and MVPs. In fact, Goji Labs has helped clients in 12 countries raise $1 billion. What’s more, it’s received top accolades from Forbes, Expertise.com, DroneRush and Clutch.

Employee
30+
Location
Los Angeles, CA, United States
Min. project size
$25,000+
Rating
5

Konstant Infosolutions

For over 20+ years, Konstant Infosolutions has built pioneering mobile and web apps. This India-based agency has delivered solutions for 2,500+ clients. This includes industry titans such as Volkswagen, Scholastic, and Nestle. Moreover, its highly innovative iOS and Android apps utilize the latest tech, such as AI, VR/AR, and so on. On top of that, Konstant Infosolutions has won awards from Appfutura, Business of Apps, and so on.

Employee
180+
Location
Jaipur, India
Min. project size
$5,000+
Rating
4.9

Speednet

Speednet is a seasoned software partner with 20+ years in the business. It’s earned a first-rate reputation delivering 200+ innovative mobile and web apps. Its teams are especially experienced in fintech and banking. Key clients in this sector include Santander, PayTree, and Bancovo. Overall, Speednet has won prestigious awards from platforms such as Clutch and DesignRush.

Employee
200+
Location
Gdańsk, Poland
Min. project size
$ 10,000
Rating
5

Cheesecake Labs

Cheesecake Labs crafts high-impact digital products that empower brands from startups to enterprises. Over the last 10+ years, this agency has built 300+ digital products, primarily mobile apps. It also specialises in next-gen technology, such as blockchain, Web3, AR and beyond. Above all, Cheesecake Labs is trusted by names such as Mercado Libre, Sodexo and MoneyGram.

Employee
100+
Location
San Francisco, CA, United States
Min. project size
$50,000+
Rating
4.9

Simpalm

Since 2009, Simpalm has delivered modern, reliable mobile and web solutions. It has launched 350+ products for leaders like Pepsi, Medline and Delta Airlines. This agency also creates true partnerships, earning a returning customer rate of 95%. Simpalm has won mobile app development awards from Clutch, SoftwareWorld, GoodFirms, DesignRush, etc.

Employee
50+
Location
Rockville, MD, United States
Min. project size
$10,000+
Rating
4.9

Binary Studio

Binary Studio is a boutique software development company headquartered in Ukraine. It has 19+ years of expertise in delivering novel solutions to SMBs in 15+ countries. To date, it’s completed 100+ projects, mostly in greentech, healthcare and real estate. Additionally, Binary Studio has won countless Clutch awards for its excellence in mobile.

Employee
140+
Location
Lviv, Ukraine
Min. project size
$25,000+
Rating
4.9

Vention

Vention is a sleek software partner with a reputation for brand-first digital solutions. It boasts of 20+ years of experience and an impressive client list including IBM, PayPal and PWC. Based in NYC, this agency is known for leveraging next-gen tech, including AI, AR/VR, blockchain and more. To date, it’s built products for 500+ businesses. Most impressively, Vention has earned recognition from Inc., the Financial Times and beyond.

Employee
3000+
Location
New York, NY, United States
Min. project size
$25,000+
Rating
4.9

Sidebench

Based in L.A., Sidebench is a top-ranked digital transformation partner. It provides user-driven mobile, web and software solutions, as well as AI development. With 12+ years of expertise, this agency has earned a premier name in healthcare. Sidebench has also won prestigious awards from Fast Company, Inc. 5000, Forbes and more.

Employee
40+
Location
Santa Monica, CA, United States
Min. project size
$50,000+
Rating
4.9

Cleveroad

Since 2011, Cleveroad has delivered business-boosting solutions that make an impact. This agency also specialises in IT areas ideal for startups. Key services include MVPs, AI, IoT and cross-platform solutions. It’s fulfilled 170+ projects for global leaders such as Rakuten, LEGO, HSBC and more. In recent years, Cleveroad has become a Top 1000 Global Company by Clutch.

Employee
280+
Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Min. project size
$10,000+
Rating
4.9

Itexus

Itexus is a custom software agency with a special focus on fintech. Specifically, it creates financial products such as crypto, digital banking, insurance and more. This firm has a strong track record with 300+ fintech projects for 250+ clients. In 10+ years of business, it has won recognition from Clutch, GoodFirms and so on.

Employee
130+
Location
Warsaw, Poland
Min. project size
$10,000+
Rating
4.9

Riseapps

Riseapps builds innovative healthtech products that make a difference. With 8+ years of experience, this agency has launched 80+ products and served 100,000+ patients. Moreover, it has a strong background in creating investment-worthy MVP products. In particular, it has top expertise in fitness/wellness, edtech and fintech industries. Overall, Riseapps has earned countless Clutch awards, including Top 1000 Global Company.

Employee
50+
Location
Tallinn, Estonia
Min. project size
$25,000+
Rating
4.9

Sombra

Sombra is a modern technology consulting company based in Ukraine. It’s focused on results-driven products, such as mobile, web and software solutions. At the same time, it offers expert-level consulting in key IT areas to meet your business needs. Since 2013, Sombra has completed 200+ projects and won several Clutch awards.

Employee
300+
Location
Lviv, Ukraine
Min. project size
$25,000+
Rating
4.9

Adchitects

Adchitects is a top-ranked web design agency with 8+ years of expertise. Based in Poland, this firm builds impressive digital products, primarily for mobile. So far, it’s delivered 100+ projects for top clients such as Jagermeister, Pathlock and more. Most impressively, Adchitects won 12 Clutch awards, 5 CSSDesign awards and 4 Awwwards.

Employee
40+
Location
Poznań, Poland
Min. project size
$10,000+
Rating
4.9
Paavo Pauklin
Executive Board Member

Paavo Pauklin is a renowned consultant and thought leader in software development outsourcing with a decade of experience. Authoring dozens of insightful blog posts and the guidebook "How to Succeed with Software Development Outsourcing," he is a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Paavo hosts two influential video podcasts: “Everybody needs developers” and “Tech explained to managers in 3 minutes.” Through his extensive training sessions with organizations such as the Finnish Association of Software Companies and Estonian IT Companies Association, he's helped numerous businesses strategize, train internal teams, and find dependable outsourcing partners. His expertise offers a reliable compass for anyone navigating the world of software outsourcing.

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