Build Software
Decide whether to build at all, work out what kind of build you actually need, and understand what drives the cost.
Who this is for: Founders and business owners scoping custom software or a SaaS product.
3 resources, in the order we'd read them.
- Custom Software vs. Off-the-Shelf: A Build-vs-Buy Framework
A practical build-vs-buy framework for deciding which parts of your operation to rent and which to own — including how to measure what your current workarounds actually cost.
- MVP vs. Prototype vs. Production Application: What's the Difference (and Which Do You Need)?
A prototype, an MVP, and a production application solve different problems. Here's how to tell which one you actually need before you scope a build.
- What Drives the Cost of a SaaS MVP in 2026?
SaaS MVP costs vary widely because scope varies widely. Here's what actually moves the number, and how to plan a realistic budget without a generic price range that doesn't account for your actual scope.