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Verified Profile
Altar.io is an Award-Winning Product & Software Development Company committed to providing end-to-end IT services in Web, Mobile & Cloud. From inception, UX/UI design, and development to Software deployment. Altar has successfully helped worldwide entrepreneurs and Business Leaders disrupt their industries.
Locations
Portugal
Rua Adriano Correia de Oliveira 4A,
Lisbon,
Lisbon
1600-312
00447802685611
United Kingdom
4-5 Bonhill St, Shoreditch,
London,
London
EC2A 4BX
00447802685611
Italy
Via orti 14, 20122,
Milan,
Lombardy
20122
0039 3318853562
Focus Areas
Service Focus
- Web Development
- Software Development
- Big Data & BI
- Artificial Intelligence
Client Focus
- Small Business
- Large Business
- Medium Business
Industry Focus
- Information Technology
- Financial & Payments
- Business Services
Altar.io Executive Interview
Paolo Dotta
Founder
Kindly share your feedback on how GoodFirms has been doing so far in increasing your visibility among potential clients.
GoodFirms serve as an independent source of truth for entrepreneurs, especially non-technical, enabling them to find technical solutions tailored to their needs more efficiently and effectively.
For us as a company, GoodFirms allows us to better connect with entrepreneurs and business managers that need our help.
By hosting our reviews and case studies, GoodFirms allows us to showcase our strengths clearly, impacting potential clients when they are ready to buy.
That combined with the ability to reduce uncertainty for the user makes GoodFirms, in my opinion, a perfect bridge, helping the industry as a whole.
For us as a company, GoodFirms allows us to better connect with entrepreneurs and business managers that need our help.
By hosting our reviews and case studies, GoodFirms allows us to showcase our strengths clearly, impacting potential clients when they are ready to buy.
That combined with the ability to reduce uncertainty for the user makes GoodFirms, in my opinion, a perfect bridge, helping the industry as a whole.
Please introduce your company and give a brief about your role within the organization.
Altar is a product & software company in London, Lisbon, and Milan.
We help companies - ranging from startups to big corporations - bring their products to life.
The way we work is, the client brings visionary concepts and deep knowledge of an industry that they want to transform. Then, we bring our accumulated knowledge to transform this concept into a tangible product that is better than any other solution on the market.
My role is to manage the company with a specific focus on commercial activity.
We help companies - ranging from startups to big corporations - bring their products to life.
The way we work is, the client brings visionary concepts and deep knowledge of an industry that they want to transform. Then, we bring our accumulated knowledge to transform this concept into a tangible product that is better than any other solution on the market.
My role is to manage the company with a specific focus on commercial activity.
What is the story behind starting this company?
It all started when I left banking to pursue entrepreneurship. I had an idea to solve a problem I had found in the leisure industry.
So I set out to build my first startup. I had little to no tech literacy and was very much a non-technical founder with a business vision.
This startup failed for a number of reasons, one of which was I didn’t know how to manage and communicate with a technical person – it was literally like we were speaking a different language.
More than this, I didn’t know how to assess if the couple of developers I had working with me were actually high-quality talent or not.
I was not alone in this. I began to hear more stories of non-tech entrepreneurs who were struggling to communicate their business ideas to developers.
There was a clear need for a company that was not just a software agency, but a company that could also provide the bridge between the business person and the developers.
And that entity that can create that bridge takes the form of a product person. Someone who understands both the business side, the tech side, and the UX/UI side.
So I came together with my co-founders to launch Altar.
We focus not only on the software development process but also on the product aspect - which is the core of our value proposition.
This results in products that more effectively meet the demand of their users – who are a lot more demanding nowadays due to the rapidly maturing tech world over the last 15 years.
So I set out to build my first startup. I had little to no tech literacy and was very much a non-technical founder with a business vision.
This startup failed for a number of reasons, one of which was I didn’t know how to manage and communicate with a technical person – it was literally like we were speaking a different language.
More than this, I didn’t know how to assess if the couple of developers I had working with me were actually high-quality talent or not.
I was not alone in this. I began to hear more stories of non-tech entrepreneurs who were struggling to communicate their business ideas to developers.
There was a clear need for a company that was not just a software agency, but a company that could also provide the bridge between the business person and the developers.
And that entity that can create that bridge takes the form of a product person. Someone who understands both the business side, the tech side, and the UX/UI side.
So I came together with my co-founders to launch Altar.
We focus not only on the software development process but also on the product aspect - which is the core of our value proposition.
This results in products that more effectively meet the demand of their users – who are a lot more demanding nowadays due to the rapidly maturing tech world over the last 15 years.
What is your company’s business model? In-house team or third party vendors/ outsourcing?
Consultancy firm, with an in-house team, on a T&M business model.
When you sign up with us, you’re working with Altar and our in-house team and no one else. The reason is we find that too many cooks really do spoil the broth.
The more players you add to a project, the more likely you are to face issues of miscommunication, cultural clashes, and loss of control of the process.
In terms of our T&M business model – our estimates are approved by the client before any work starts. If we exceed the budget that has been agreed upon through our fault we take responsibility for that.
Of course, if anything outside of the scope of work comes up, it must again be discussed and approved by both parties before work can begin.
We know when you’re launching an early-stage startup, every penny counts. That’s why we ensure as much as is humanly possible there are no unexpected costs for the entrepreneurs we work with.
When you sign up with us, you’re working with Altar and our in-house team and no one else. The reason is we find that too many cooks really do spoil the broth.
The more players you add to a project, the more likely you are to face issues of miscommunication, cultural clashes, and loss of control of the process.
In terms of our T&M business model – our estimates are approved by the client before any work starts. If we exceed the budget that has been agreed upon through our fault we take responsibility for that.
Of course, if anything outside of the scope of work comes up, it must again be discussed and approved by both parties before work can begin.
We know when you’re launching an early-stage startup, every penny counts. That’s why we ensure as much as is humanly possible there are no unexpected costs for the entrepreneurs we work with.
How does your company differentiate itself from the competition?
Our leadership, as a rule, must have experience as either a founder or an early employee of a startup.
Why? Because forming a startup is the only real way that you learn how to bootstrap and follow a lean methodology.
It’s this basis in lean methodology that makes us tailor-made for entrepreneurs.
More than this, we are able to more effectively serve our corporate clients, such as Coca-Cola, as we use those same lean methodologies to build their products.
Lean methodology, twinned with the focus on the user and the product, is something rarely seen at a corporate level – however, leads to better products.
Why? Because forming a startup is the only real way that you learn how to bootstrap and follow a lean methodology.
It’s this basis in lean methodology that makes us tailor-made for entrepreneurs.
More than this, we are able to more effectively serve our corporate clients, such as Coca-Cola, as we use those same lean methodologies to build their products.
Lean methodology, twinned with the focus on the user and the product, is something rarely seen at a corporate level – however, leads to better products.
What industries do you generally cater to? Are your customers repetitive? If yes, what ratio of clients has been repetitive to you?
We work across a number of industries. That being said due to our early clients, and subsequent referrals, we have a vertical in fintech and heavy data solutions.
We do have repeat customers in some cases. In other cases don’t for one simple reason.
We cater to entrepreneurs and startups. And we believe strongly that startups should eventually recruit an internal team – normally after their MVP has begun to gain traction.
The repeat clients we do have generally stay with us because they do not yet see the need to onboard an internal team and wish to continue their project with us.
We do have repeat customers in some cases. In other cases don’t for one simple reason.
We cater to entrepreneurs and startups. And we believe strongly that startups should eventually recruit an internal team – normally after their MVP has begun to gain traction.
The repeat clients we do have generally stay with us because they do not yet see the need to onboard an internal team and wish to continue their project with us.
Please share some of the services that you offer for which clients approach you the most?
Product Scope: This is our service to help an entrepreneur structure the business vision and prepare it for the development phase.
This process begins with finding the project's unique value proposition. Then, we analyze all the stakeholders who will benefit from that value proposition.
Then, we create the user stories for the product – along with a Key BPMN (Business Process Model & Notation), Tech Scope, Tech Spike, Business Model if needed (this is judged on a case-by-case basis).
This process begins with finding the project's unique value proposition. Then, we analyze all the stakeholders who will benefit from that value proposition.
Then, we create the user stories for the product – along with a Key BPMN (Business Process Model & Notation), Tech Scope, Tech Spike, Business Model if needed (this is judged on a case-by-case basis).
MVP Builder: First, we design the UX/UI of your product. When you’ve approved the full design, our team progressively delivers the modules of your MVP. Finally, we go through the testing phase, where we stay in constant contact with you to fix major bugs and make sure your MVP is ready to go to market.
Custom Software Development: This service is designed with corporate projects in mind. It takes the same lean methodology, and user-centric approach to product development and applies them to larger projects.
What is your customer satisfaction rate according to you?
We would recommend looking at our testimonials on platforms such as GoodFirms to perceive what our clients think about us.
That being said, we have an average internal net promoter score of 9/10.
Most of our clients turn into brand ambassadors, which is another thing that makes us really proud.
That being said, we have an average internal net promoter score of 9/10.
Most of our clients turn into brand ambassadors, which is another thing that makes us really proud.
What kind of support system do you offer to your clients for catering to their queries and issues?
Transparency & open communication.
We ensure that, throughout the project, we have recurring mandatory calls set in stone to assess the project with the entrepreneur we are working with.
More than that, our model does not include account managers. When you work with us you have access to the lead stakeholder for the specific aspects of your project. For example, if you need to talk tech, you talk to the lead developer on your project. If you need to talk product, you’ll talk to the lead product manager – just like you would have if you hired an internal team.
You will also have a direct channel to contact us in case of any emergencies relating to your project.
We ensure that, throughout the project, we have recurring mandatory calls set in stone to assess the project with the entrepreneur we are working with.
More than that, our model does not include account managers. When you work with us you have access to the lead stakeholder for the specific aspects of your project. For example, if you need to talk tech, you talk to the lead developer on your project. If you need to talk product, you’ll talk to the lead product manager – just like you would have if you hired an internal team.
You will also have a direct channel to contact us in case of any emergencies relating to your project.
What kind of payment structure do you follow to bill your clients? Is it Pay per Feature, Fixed Cost, Pay per Milestone (could be in phases, months, versions etc.)
We have a pre-agreed fee to commit to a starting date – then we work on a T&M basis up to the pre-agreed estimate.
We also carry out time reports to ensure you can see where your money is going.
We also carry out time reports to ensure you can see where your money is going.
Do you take in projects which meet your basic budget requirement? If yes, what is the minimum requirement? If not, on what minimum budget you have worked for?
There is no minimum requirement or maximum requirement – we evaluate every project on a case-by-case basis.
What is the price range (min and max) of the projects that you catered to in 2020?
$15k-$500k.
Where do you see your company in the next 10 years?
Becoming the industry queen in product development.
Altar.io Clients & Portfolios
Altar.io Reviews
9 Reviews
- All Services
- Software Development
- Big Data & BI
- Artificial Intelligence
- Web Development
- Relevance
- Most Recent
- Rating: high to low
- Rating: low to high
Adil Kurt-Elli, CEO at at SYNCH
Posted on Feb 24, 2022
They are more than professional developers who delivered a truly unique system for our users.
Review Summary
We were looking for a development partner to run point on tech for our start up. This would be to develop the first version of our product and help us integrate a number of data feeds into the system.
This was going to be a partnership and not just a transactional relationship. Our developer needed to have fintech specific expertise, good understanding of our aims and be aligned in developing and delivering an enterprise system.
We ran a detailed product scope process led by Altar. This used all the common collaboration systems to facilitate our workstreams. Ultimately Altar have presented to us a cloud-based system architecture which we believe will be robust and scalable in line with our business needs.
Altar.io has delivered on time and within budget despite the changes in the scope and scale of the project. Flexible and intuitive, the team continues to deliver excellent communication throughout the engagement. They remain on track for the project deadlines as we progressed.
This was going to be a partnership and not just a transactional relationship. Our developer needed to have fintech specific expertise, good understanding of our aims and be aligned in developing and delivering an enterprise system.
We ran a detailed product scope process led by Altar. This used all the common collaboration systems to facilitate our workstreams. Ultimately Altar have presented to us a cloud-based system architecture which we believe will be robust and scalable in line with our business needs.
Altar.io has delivered on time and within budget despite the changes in the scope and scale of the project. Flexible and intuitive, the team continues to deliver excellent communication throughout the engagement. They remain on track for the project deadlines as we progressed.
What was the project name that you have worked with Altar.io?
Synch by Symplified Capital Markets
Describe your project in brief
An innovative fixed income data system providing robo-analytics for the professional user. Co-mingling market data, news feed and credit analytics we provide a unique 3-dimenisional, curated, contextual information experience with "one-click" access. Synch reduces data analysis from hours to seconds using smart algorithms and clever user interfaces, all at a fraction of the cost of incumbent legacy data systems. We deliver actionable information, not just data. Synch. Bonds unlimited.
What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?
Highest quality work - we get amazing feedback from our customers
UX/UI overlay on a (really) complex back end work load
On time and on budget with clear communication throughout the process
Technically amazing - no problem or ask was out of reach for them
A really nice team and easy to work with throughout the process
What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?
Nothing at all - any road bumps occurred because of us (honestly)
JAH
Posted on Aug 04, 2020
Altar.io was an outstanding partner working with me to clarify my vision, bring it to life, and feel accountable for its success. The team's commitment felt as deep as another cofounder.
Review Summary
Altar.io added value to the project far beyond the intended scope of work. Their advice and guidance about running a new business have been invaluable. The team is clearly passionate about the work and shares innovative ideas and solutions to drive the project forward.
Paulo Gaudencio, Co founder at SprintProd.dev
Posted on May 12, 2020
Next-generation AI multichannel marketing platform
Review Summary
We are building a next-generation AI multichannel marketing platform and we needed a proven tech stack to address millions of contacts imports, data cleaning, real-time segmentation and ready to scale on demand. Altar.io showed us a product that had these problems solved so they were hired to do a tech spike.
Altar.io has an impressive cross-industry experience in product and software development covering verticals like fintech, real estate, fashion, and music, applying deep tech like AI & ML.
They delivered the service through a lean and agile process aligned with the best practices of designing and building modern products.
Altar team is smart, fast and entrepreneurial. They combine tech, business and user value to deliver fast and high-value service to the client.
Altar.io has an impressive cross-industry experience in product and software development covering verticals like fintech, real estate, fashion, and music, applying deep tech like AI & ML.
They delivered the service through a lean and agile process aligned with the best practices of designing and building modern products.
Altar team is smart, fast and entrepreneurial. They combine tech, business and user value to deliver fast and high-value service to the client.
Peter Muller
Posted on Apr 30, 2020
Remote Staffing for Data Science Company
Review Summary
Altar.io helps us to find specialists for different technologies. We have always been very happy with the candidate preselection for each vacancy that was perfectly tailored to our needs. They have a very broad and strong professional network and care about people a lot. Our expectations have definitely been exceeded and we look forward to working with Altar.io in the future.
Alex Oana, Co-Founder at Audio Test Kitchen
Posted on Apr 29, 2020
True collaborators
Review Summary
I’m Alex Oana, co-founder and CEO of Audio Test Kitchen, the world's first online, unbiased, audio product sound-comparison showroom.
My company hired Altar.io to lead ground-up development of our online platform. We needed to scrutinize and stress-test our prototype and UX concepts, with the ultimate goal of building a great product.
We partnered with Altar.io because their positivity, skillset, and client-centric views represented great value to us. The project began with an in-depth product study, the goal of which was to ensure we would be building the right product.
Altar.io’s team is composed of excellent, personable leaders that take the initiative in communication and product development. They have proven very adaptable and scaled their team to our needs throughout the project, going above and beyond again and again.
An overseas partnership has its challenges; however, Altar.io has always overcome time and distance challenges with great scheduling and flexibility. Money cannot buy passion. Altar.io gave passion in abundance to our project.
My company hired Altar.io to lead ground-up development of our online platform. We needed to scrutinize and stress-test our prototype and UX concepts, with the ultimate goal of building a great product.
We partnered with Altar.io because their positivity, skillset, and client-centric views represented great value to us. The project began with an in-depth product study, the goal of which was to ensure we would be building the right product.
Altar.io’s team is composed of excellent, personable leaders that take the initiative in communication and product development. They have proven very adaptable and scaled their team to our needs throughout the project, going above and beyond again and again.
An overseas partnership has its challenges; however, Altar.io has always overcome time and distance challenges with great scheduling and flexibility. Money cannot buy passion. Altar.io gave passion in abundance to our project.
What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?
Personal, passionate commitment to our success.
What was it about the company that you didn't like which they should do better?
Timeline estimates.
Dudley Gould
Posted on Mar 23, 2020
Exactly what I was looking for
Review Summary
I spent months searching for a tech co-founder until I came across a blog post written by Altar.io comparing CTO, freelancers, and agencies for building startups. After a couple of calls with the team, I took the plunge and flew to Lisbon to join the co-founders’ retreat program. It was a fantastic, fast-paced week both working on the project and going out in the evenings to get to know the team better. All in all, I can’t recommend Altar.io highly enough and look forward to continuing Audapio’s journey with Altar.io.
What is it about the company that you appreciate the most?
The Team
Philip Schoch, Product & Strategy at Apiax
Posted on Dec 27, 2017
Fintech Project
Review Summary
Great product thinking to build MVP. Lots of speed, but of course comes with some technical debt at later point.
Anonymous
Posted on Apr 28, 2020
Great, helpful and honest people to work wit. Did a fantastic job to us!
Review Summary
What was the project name that you have worked with Altar.io?
Software Dev & UI Design for Banking Platform
Philip Schoch, Co-Founder at Apiax
Posted on Apr 29, 2020
We achieved out goals with the help of Altar.io. Their diversity, marketing expertise is great!
Review Summary
What was the project name that you have worked with Altar.io?
Fintech Project