Software development for startups: a focused fintech or insurtech MVP
Put one useful workflow in front of real users. We scope the first release, build it on Java and Spring Boot, and hand over the code with a clear view of what to develop next.
- Best fit
- Fintech and insurtech teams with a defined workflow
- Scoping
- One week to agree the first release
- Build target
- Four weeks after scope and access are ready
- Commercial model
- Fixed quote for scoping; build billed time and materials with a ballpark estimate
Experience building and launching products
- 8 weeks
- from contract to a live Core Travel Insurance platform, using Openkoda. A platform implementation, not a custom four-week MVP.Insurance platform case study
- Acquired
- Recostream, the recommendation product we built in-house, was acquired by GetResponse in December 2022.Recostream product story
- 20-30 ms
- recommendation response times in Recostream, with performance measured as the product developed.Recostream engineering
One workflow, with the foundations to learn from it
A complete user journey
Choose the task that tests the business assumption: an application, quote, case or other domain workflow. Agree the users and the feedback you need.
Application foundations
A data model, authentication, roles and relevant audit events. Include the API and a practical web interface needed for the agreed workflow.
A usable deployment
Code in your repository and deployment in your cloud account, with basic monitoring, documentation and a handover.
Clear boundaries
Native mobile apps, extensive branding and additional workflows sit outside the initial build. External integrations and their readiness are agreed during scoping.
Scope first, then build the agreed release
Scoping week
Map the workflow, data, user roles and acceptance criteria. Identify dependencies and produce the build scope, quote and delivery plan.
First build increments
Implement the core workflow and data model. Share working software every week so your domain expert can resolve questions.
Test with intended users
Complete the agreed interface and integrations. Test the user journey, controls and failure cases, and collect focused feedback.
Release and hand over
Deploy when acceptance criteria are met. Hand over code, documentation and a prioritized next-step backlog with indicative estimates.
Use a product where it already meets the need
A custom MVP is useful when the workflow or business assumption needs testing through software. If an existing product covers it, implementation and integration may be the better starting point. For insurance, that can include the Openkoda platform.
The build target is four weeks after a one-week scoping phase. Unavailable data, third-party approval or an expanded workflow can change the schedule. The scoping output makes those dependencies visible before you commit to the build.
Before we start
How much does an MVP cost?
Scoping has a fixed quote; the build is billed time and materials against a ballpark estimate. The estimate follows the agreed workflow, integrations and acceptance criteria; it is not a commitment to deliver an undefined product in four weeks.
Will it meet regulatory requirements?
We implement the agreed technical controls, including roles and audit events where needed. Your legal and compliance advisers determine the requirements for your business and review them with the team. Software delivery does not itself provide authorization or certification.
What happens after the first release?
You keep the code and can continue with your own team. We can also quote a further phase or provide team extension. The handover includes known limitations and priorities informed by user feedback.
Is this right for a mobile-first consumer product?
Our focus is Java platforms and business workflows. Native mobile development and brand-led consumer experiences need different expertise; we will identify that during the initial discussion.
Why build a startup MVP in Java?
Because fintech and insurtech products handle money, policies and audit trails from the first customer. Java and Spring give you transactions, security and an ecosystem you can hire for, so software development for startups in these sectors does not have to be thrown away when the product finds its market. If a lighter stack fits your product better, we will say so during scoping.
Related services and guides
Stratoflow delivered the website successfully within the timeframe and budget. They assured that the output met the set requirements. Overall, the team's performance was excellent and recommended for their exceptional technical business expertise. They've been able to deliver all of their work on time and within budget, which has been very impressive.
Scope your first product release
Bring the workflow, the intended users and the question the first release needs to answer. We will assess whether the MVP approach fits.