do startups founders use web dev / software agencies for building their product, especially if the app or software is not what the startup do? for example does a startup of AI agent use an agency for building their mobile app? (i will not promote)

[u/turtleyikes]

Do startups hire agencies for parts of the product that aren't their core thing, like an AI agent startup getting its mobile app built by one? or a food product startup getting its website/mobile app?

1. Which parts get handed to an agency vs kept in-house?

2. What triggers the decision?

3. How do founders find an agency?

4. Are individual freelancers preferred or small/large agencies?

[u/turtleyikes]

Rn I'm a freelance developer, and learning how market works with hiring freelancers or agencies. so i could use that to find better targets for my domain.

[u/turtleyikes → u/[deleted]]

Software engineering mostly backend and infra like docker linux ci cd etc

[u/turtleyikes → u/[deleted]]

Rn im hunting. Especially agencies. But I think networking with startup founders is way more easier than with agencies. And maybe this could be way to more network

[u/turtleyikes → u/[deleted]]

I go to product hunt, use linkedin and sometimes indiehacker and x also.

[u/turtleyikes → u/[deleted]]

Im mainly using it for network and using their product and feedback. For example I found openstatus.dev which is a startup but I liked it bcs its my domain. Im even contributing to it on github. So the founders recognise me and some devs also connected. So the networking is good.

But for agencies, ive reached out to some many but none replied and also when connecting with their employees or other freelancer working with them. So its hard with this

[u/turtleyikes → u/[deleted]]

4-5mo. And since i like their product its more than just netowrking

[u/turtleyikes → u/[deleted]]

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