OAK'S LAB Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 2016 by brothers Jake and Theo Dluhy-Smith, OAK'S LAB is a technology partner specializing in custom software development, product design, and AI solutions. Operating from Prague, Czech Republic, the company has successfully delivered over 65 software products for startups, scaleups, and enterprises, with a significant focus on the U.S. market.

Mission and Vision

OAK'S LAB's mission is to empower innovators to improve life and the world by transforming bold ideas into successful software products. Their vision is to be a hub of groundbreaking global innovation, driving technological progress and achieving ambitious business outcomes.

Industry Significance

Since its inception, OAK'S LAB has played a pivotal role in the tech industry by partnering with over 40 startups, helping them achieve a combined valuation exceeding $1.7 billion. Their expertise spans various sectors, including FinTech, Cybersecurity, FoodTech, and PropTech, demonstrating their versatility and impact across multiple industries.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

OAK'S LAB aims to deliver high-performance, scalable, and secure software solutions that drive business growth and innovation for their clients. They focus on building dedicated product teams that work exclusively on client projects, ensuring alignment with business goals and market demands.

Areas of Specialization

• Product Discovery & Design: Identifying and validating solutions with the highest potential for product-market fit through market analysis, user research, and high-fidelity design prototypes.

• Custom Software Development: Building web and mobile applications using modern technologies like React.js, React Native, and Node.js to create robust and scalable solutions.

• AI & Agentic Systems: Developing AI-driven systems that automate workflows, integrate data silos, and enable real-time decision-making, leveraging expertise in large language models and AI orchestration.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Frontend: React.js, React Native, Next.js

• Backend: Node.js

• AI & Machine Learning: Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI Orchestration

Primary Markets Targeted

OAK'S LAB primarily serves the U.S. market, partnering with startups, scaleups, and enterprises across various industries, including FinTech, Cybersecurity, FoodTech, and PropTech.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a privately held company, OAK'S LAB has not publicly disclosed detailed funding information. The company has demonstrated financial sustainability through its profitable operations and strategic partnerships.

Utilization of Capital

While specific details on capital utilization are not publicly available, OAK'S LAB has focused on expanding its team, enhancing technological capabilities, and broadening its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

OAK'S LAB has been instrumental in developing and launching several notable software products, including:

• Capital Markets Gateway: A FinTech platform connecting the buy-side and sell-side in the equity capital markets.

• PlexTrac: An AI-powered platform for penetration test reporting and real-time threat exposure management.

• Plotify: A real estate investment platform enabling global investors to invest in fully managed, cash-yielding properties in the U.S. and U.K.

Stages of Development

These products have progressed through various stages, from ideation and product discovery to design, development, and successful market launch, showcasing OAK'S LAB's comprehensive product development capabilities.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

OAK'S LAB employs a proprietary product development methodology known as "The OAK'S LAB WAY," which emphasizes user obsession, outcome-focused strategies, and disciplined innovation to deliver high-impact software products.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Product Discovery & Design: Utilizing market and competitor analysis, user research, and high-fidelity design prototypes to ensure product-market fit.

• AI & Agentic Systems: Leveraging large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and AI orchestration to develop autonomous systems that deliver measurable business value.

Leadership Team

Jake Dluhy-Smith: CEO & Co-Founder

• Professional Background: Extensive experience in product management, having led over 20 greenfield software product builds for both enterprises and startups. Former COO at a global digital development agency and Prague Director for the Founder Institute.

• Key Contributions: Shaping company strategy, driving business development, and overseeing product development initiatives.

Theo Dluhy-Smith: Executive Director & Co-Founder

• Professional Background: Background in finance, legal, and business operations, with experience expanding international market share for multiple global companies.

• Key Contributions: Overseeing strategic operations, business development, recruitment, and growth initiatives.

Andy Powell: Partner & COO

• Professional Background: Experience in legal, sales, and software product development, including serving as a founding team member of a B2B SaaS startup.

• Key Contributions: Managing client relationships, overseeing product development teams, and ensuring successful software builds.

Martin Klikar: Partner & CFO

• Professional Background: Expertise in corporate finance, economics, and business, with previous experience as a financial controller for a global financial services corporation.

• Key Contributions: Managing financial and legal operations, including client billing and contracts, and leading strategic planning for sustainable growth.

Tonda Kmoch: Head of Delivery

• Professional Background: Over 20 years of software development experience in enterprise and startup environments, with expertise in multiple programming languages and roles.

• Key Contributions: Ensuring timely, within-budget, and high-quality project delivery.

Denisa Lorencova: Head of Design

• Professional Background: Over 15 years of experience delivering innovative design solutions across various industries, with leadership roles at LEGO and Rohlik Group.

• Key Contributions: Leading the UI/UX design team to create intuitive and engaging user experiences.

Vladimír Řehoř: Head of Engineering

• Professional Background: Over 15 years of experience as a Software Architect and Tech Lead on large-scale projects in the banking sector and at Europe’s largest venture builder.

• Key Contributions: Leading engineering teams and overseeing technical strategy and innovation.

Igor Tadic: Head of Product Management

• Professional Background: Over 15 years of experience in venture building and product innovation, with leadership roles at Ernst & Young and Europe’s largest venture builder.

• Key Contributions: Leading product management teams, focusing on product discovery and innovation to maximize product-market fit.

Sean Smyth: Head of Talent Acquisition

• Professional Background: Over a decade of recruitment experience, previously advancing from Recruitment Consultant to Associate Director at Robert Half.

• Key Contributions: Leading talent acquisition efforts to recruit top global talent for client projects.