Discovery · Service
Validate before you build.
Pre-build clarity — architecture, scoping, and feasibility before you commit a dollar.
The problem
The most expensive software decisions get made before a single line of code is written. Founders commit six-figure budgets to a build without knowing what it really takes, what it should cost, or whether the hard part is even feasible — and discover the answer the expensive way, mid-project.
What this is
Discovery turns a rough idea into a costed, de-risked plan. We pressure-test feasibility, propose an architecture, recommend a stack with reasons, and put a real number on the build — so your next decision is an easy, informed one. You walk away with a plan you can execute with us, or with anyone.
How it works
What actually happens.
No black box. You see progress every week, and you know what comes next at every step.
Deep-dive kickoff
We map your goals, users, constraints, and the riskiest assumptions. The aim is to find the parts that could sink the project — and look at those first.
Feasibility & architecture
We evaluate the hard technical questions, propose an architecture, and assess vendors and integrations — with honest tradeoffs, not a sales pitch for the biggest build.
Costed plan & review call
You get a written technical specification, an architecture diagram, a recommended stack with rationale, and a real cost and timeline estimate — walked through live on a 60-minute call.
What's included
- ✓Technical feasibility analysis
- ✓Architecture proposal & diagram
- ✓Tech stack recommendation with rationale
- ✓Cost & timeline estimate for the build phase
- ✓Risk assessment of the riskiest assumptions
- ✓Vendor & integration evaluation
- ✓Written technical specification you own
- ✓60-minute review call
Who it's for
Founders weighing a build who want a costed, de-risked plan before committing budget — especially first-time or non-technical founders.
Not the right fit if
- ✗Founders who already have a validated spec and just want to build — go straight to MVP.
- ✗Anyone looking for free consulting rather than a serious, costed plan.
- ✗Projects with no intention to build in the foreseeable future.
Why Tactics
What you get that you won't elsewhere.
Senior architectural judgment
The plan is shaped by people who actually ship production software — including our own products — not by a sales team estimating from a template.
Vendor-neutral and honest
If the right answer is "do not build this yet" or "build it cheaper a different way", we will tell you. The plan serves you, not our pipeline.
You keep the deliverable
The specification and plan are yours. Execute with us, take it in-house, or hand it to another team — no lock-in.
FAQ
Discovery questions.
What do I walk away with?
A written technical specification, an architecture diagram, a costed build plan, and a recommended stack — enough to move forward with us or with anyone else.
Will you ever tell me not to build?
Yes. If Discovery shows the idea is not feasible, not ready, or better solved another way, we say so. That honesty is the entire point of paying for Discovery instead of finding out mid-build.
Is Discovery required before a build?
Not required, but recommended. It is the cheapest way to avoid building the wrong thing. Founders who skip it usually pay more later in rework.
Does the fee apply to the build?
Talk to us on the call. For projects that move straight into an MVP or Scale engagement, we are flexible on how Discovery folds in.
Who runs my Discovery?
Senior people — the same ones who would architect and build the project. You are not handed to a junior analyst.
Ready to start?
20-minute discovery call. We'll tell you honestly what's possible, what it costs, and whether we're the right team to build it.