Mobile app development company for startups shipping their first iOS and Android app
We're a mobile app development company that works with startup founders, not enterprise IT departments. We take your app from scope to the App Store and Google Play, usually from one React Native codebase, and you work directly with our founder the whole way.
- Idea to MVP
- 4-8 wks
- Mobile app case studies
- 9
- Code & IP yours
- 100%
The decisions that shape a startup's first app
Most of the cost and risk in a first mobile app is decided before anyone writes code.
One codebase or two
Building separate native iOS and Android apps roughly doubles the work for a first version. For most startup apps, a cross-platform framework like React Native covers both stores from one codebase, and we only recommend fully native when the product genuinely needs it.
Which features the first release actually needs
Chat, offline mode, social feeds and in-app purchases all sound essential in a planning doc. A first app usually needs one journey done well, plus sign-up, notifications and the admin tools to run it.
The backend nobody budgeted for
An app is only the front half of the product. Accounts, data, payments and push notifications all need a backend and an admin view, and leaving them out of the estimate is where many first quotes go wrong.
What's in a startup app build
Everything needed to get a first version into real users' hands and keep it running.
- A scoped phase-1 plan and a fixed estimate before any code is written
- UX and UI design for the core journey, on both iPhone and Android screen sizes
- iOS and Android apps, usually from one React Native codebase
- Backend, database, authentication and an admin dashboard
- Push notifications, payments and analytics where the product needs them
- App Store and Google Play submission, including listings and review requirements
- Full repository access from the first commit, plus documentation for whoever builds next
App development in your country
The same build process, with the working hours, privacy rules and budgets that matter in your market.
App development company for UK founders
UK-morning working hours, a scope sized to a SEIS round, and UK GDPR built into the plan.
App developers for Australian startups
Afternoon overlap with AEST, and apps already live with Australian founders.
App development for UAE startups
Mobile apps for founders in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
How it works
From first call to live product in 4-8 weeks.
Free 30-min call
Walk us through your idea. You leave with the biggest risks and a realistic estimate. No obligation.
Product blueprint (weeks 1-2)
Scope, tech stack, architecture and a phase-1 roadmap before any code is written.
Build and test (weeks 2-7)
Weekly demos of working software. Security and performance testing before anything goes live.
Launch and grow (week 8+)
Go live, then iterate on real user feedback. Hand off to your own team whenever you are ready.
Case studies
Real projects, including work for clients under NDA.
Metaboly
A Clinic Platform and Client App That Keep Exercise Physiology Clients on Track
Read case study
Focus Wearable
A Native iOS Companion App for a Wearable Device That Helps Adults Focus
Read case study
Remittance App
Web, iOS and Android Apps for an Australian Cross-Border Payments Startup
Read case studyMobile app development for startups: common questions
Tell us what you're building
30 minutes with our founder. You'll leave with a clear next step, whether or not we work together.
Prefer to write? Send us a message or email connect@trydevforge.com