Gigster Overview
Gigster specializes in custom software development, AI innovations, and digital experiences, and connects businesses with elite tech talent globally. Founded by Roger Dickey and Debo Olaosebikan, the company is headquartered in Austin, Texas, following its acquisition by Virtasant, a cloud optimization company. Initially founded in San Francisco, Gigster aims to enhance digital transformation and supports companies in developing their digital DNA by providing access to top talent and technology solutions.
Mission and Vision
Gigster's vision is to democratize access to premium tech talent, supporting businesses and ideas that leverage cutting-edge technologies. Its mission is to accelerate digital transformation, allowing businesses to keep pace in a rapidly evolving software-driven world.
Leadership and Key Personnel
Michael Kearns, the current CEO, directs the company's strategic initiatives towards transformative digital solutions. Under his leadership, Gigster emphasizes a culture fostering innovation, transparency, and entrepreneurial spirit, rallying a global network of motivated professionals.
Funding and Strategic Growth
Gigster has secured significant investment from renowned Silicon Valley entities, including a $10 million Series A round led by Andreessen Horowitz and a $20 million Series B led by Redpoint Ventures, involving investors like Michael Jordan. In total, Gigster has raised $32.5 million, which underscores its commitment to advancing its technological capabilities.
Core Offerings
- Custom Software Development: Delivers personalized software solutions using AI and expert human resources for efficiency and scalability.
- AI Development and Applications: Provides advanced AI integrations for modern business solutions.
- Design Services: Connects clients with freelance designers for creating exceptional user experiences.
- Software Platforms: Aids in digital transformation through robust, scalable software systems.
Talent Network
With an extensive network of over 900 professionals engaged in more than 100 active projects, Gigster leverages both internal teams and freelance experts to deliver effective and optimized software solutions.
Recent Developments
- Acquisition of CodersRank: In October 2023, Gigster enhanced its talent assembly capabilities by acquiring CodersRank, a developer-ranking platform.
- AI Teams On-Demand Launch: Introduced a service for deploying AI teams significantly faster than traditional hiring, addressing clients' immediate needs.
Company Culture and Values
Gigster's core values center around a Network First culture promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and impactful results. The company fosters accountability, transparent communication, and a commitment to maintaining integrity of the highest standards.
Competitor Profiling
Gigster
Gigster offers fully managed software development services, assembling teams from a top 7% pool of talent, which includes professionals from prominent tech firms like Microsoft, IBM, and Meta. Utilizing AI-assisted processes and a comprehensive code library ensures speedy and high-quality project delivery. However, Gigster's steep pricing structure, starting at $52,000 per project, and the absence of a trial period or refund policy may deter smaller businesses with budget constraints.
Key Features
- Expert Team Assembly: Quick formation of development teams within 1-3 weeks from a selective talent pool.
- AI-Powered Tools: Enhances efficiency and quality control in project development.
- Project Management Support: Provides dashboards for project tracking and real-time reporting.
Drawbacks
- High Entry Cost: Minimum project fee is a barrier for smaller or budget-conscious engagements.
- Rigid Terms: No trial period or refund guarantee limits client flexibility.
Alternatives
1. Index.dev: Offers a globally vetted talent network with flexible contracts and a competitive rate of $50-$80/hr. Features a 30-day risk-free trial for assessing potential hires.
2. Toptal: Provides access to a top 3% talent pool, robust multi-stage vetting process, and a 14-day trial period for flexible and quality engagements ranging from part-time to full-time roles.
3. Upwork: Grants access to a wide range of skills at flexible pricing levels, bolstered by user-friendly project management tools and milestone payment options.
4. CloudDevs: Specializes in Latin American talent, offering competitive hourly rates and a 7-day risk-free trial, with vetted professionals available within 24 hours.
5. Fiverr: An affordable solution for short-term projects, with varied pricing based on gig-based services from freelancers.
Gigster remains a dominant player for substantial projects requiring comprehensive oversight, while alternatives such as Index.dev and Toptal present scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions appealing to businesses managing tighter budgets while seeking top-tier industry talent.
