FAQ
Questions we get asked, by topic.
Getting started
How fast can you start?
On a Sprint, you see a clickable prototype within 48 hours. On a build or in your team, a short matching call, then onboarding into your repo and tools within days, and engineers are usually producing within about two weeks.
Why not just hire someone?
Do it, and we'll help. A firmware search usually takes months, and the milestone you promised your board slides right while it runs. We keep the roadmap moving and hand your hire documented, reviewed code instead of a blank slate.
We tried a cheap shop and got burned.
Cheap partners underscope to win, bill the missing work as change orders after signature and hand over firmware with no documentation. We quote the scope we believe, in writing, and the architecture is yours whether you hire us or not.
Team and expertise
Do I need a tech lead or a fractional CTO?
If you have engineers and someone already owns the technical direction, a tech lead inside your team. If the technical decisions currently land on you, a fractional CTO. If you can't tell, the Sprint answers it.
Do you know our domain?
Mining, precision agriculture, remote sensing, and geospatial and field mapping, each with a named client and the stack we shipped. If yours isn't on that list, say so on the call and we'll tell you whether we're a fit.
Doesn't firmware need someone physically at the bench?
Part of it does, and we'll tell you which part. Ship us a dev board and we work it remotely, with live debug sessions on your hardware during your working day. Our team works from Brazil, 1 to 2 hours ahead of New York, so when something needs hands, your hardware person runs the test while we drive, or one of us takes an overnight flight and lands with no jet lag.
Cost and contracts
What does it cost?
The Discovery Sprint is US$ 1,500, and US$ 900 through the end of 2026. Everything after it is quoted from the Sprint, because quoting firmware before reading the hardware is guessing.
Do we have to sign a long contract?
No. Retainers run month to month with 30 days' notice, and if you're not happy within your first two weeks, cancel and you pay nothing.
Who owns the code?
You do: all custom code and IP we build for you, from the first commit. Contracts are in US dollars.