9 Custom App Development Service Success Stories [2024]
In today's digital landscape, custom app development services are increasingly in demand. Imagine offering tailored mobile and web applications for businesses that need specialized solutions beyond off-the-shelf software.
Starting a custom app development service means you can become the go-to resource for companies looking to innovate and streamline their operations. You’ll work closely with clients to understand their unique needs, translate those requirements into functional apps, and support them through the digital transformation process.
This business requires strong programming skills and an ability to understand diverse business models. It's not an easy road, requiring continuous learning and a keen eye for new technologies. However, the satisfaction of creating a unique product that solves real problems can be immensely rewarding.
If you’re tech-savvy and have a knack for problem-solving, this could be your path to a fulfilling and lucrative business.
In this list, you'll find real-world custom app development service success stories and very profitable examples of starting a custom app development service that makes money.
1. Appetiser ($8.4M/year)
Jamie Shostak, the co-founder of Appetiser App Development, came up with the idea for the business when he met Michael MacRae, who had apps with millions of users but was looking for a new challenge. They both shared a passion for building and growing tech products, and saw a need for speed, data-driven insights, and top-level quality in the industry. After landing two great clients, they realized the importance of setting up predictable growth systems and started reaching out to prospective companies through outbound sales tactics. They are now on track to make over $8,000,000 annually with over 200 employees worldwide.
How much money it makes: $8.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $0
How many people on the team: 175
Appetiser App Development grew from a startup with $0 to now making over $8,000,000 annually with over 200 employees across the globe, serving clients that have billions in valuations like Pointsbet and Good Empire, by helping startups succeed with their app development needs.
2. Jelvix ($3.6M/year)
Sasha Andrieiev, the CEO of Jelvix, came from an entrepreneurial background and saw the potential in the IT industry in Ukraine. He took a risk and launched Jelvix as a web and mobile development organization in 2011. Through careful planning, strategic positioning, and a people-centered approach, Jelvix has grown to become a global leader in software development and consulting services, working with renowned companies such as Samsung, Canon, and Louis Vuitton.
How much money it makes: $3.6M/year
How many people on the team: 250
This case study is about a CEO who built Jelvix, a software development and consulting agency specializing in digital transformation, into a $3.6M/year business with clients including Samsung and Louis Vuitton.
3. Appscrip ($3M/year)
Rahul Sharma started Appscrip after identifying the lack of a specialized technology provider for startups in the on-demand services, social eCommerce, Fintech, and messaging platforms. With a focus on delivering cost-effective solutions in a shorter timeframe, Appscrip has grown to become a globally-acclaimed company with over 350 apps delivered per year and an in-house team of 150+ developers. Their success is evident through their numerous awards, recognitions, and contracts with renowned companies.
How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $150K
How many people on the team: 185
Appscrip is a globally-acclaimed service-based app and web development company that has delivered over 350+ apps/year globally with an in-house team of 150+ developers, at an average of 45 days/app that otherwise would take almost 6-9 months to develop, generating an average monthly revenue of $2,50,000 and garnering recognition from Deloitte, Clutch, Good firms, while also encouraging women entrepreneurs.
4. SemiDot Infotech ($2.4M/year)
The founder of SemiDot Infotech came up with the idea for their business while working in London and realizing the issues faced by global clients in IT outsourcing. Recognizing the opportunity to provide solutions, they returned to India and established SemiDot Infotech in 2011, focusing on delivering efficient and effective IT solutions to businesses worldwide. Today, they have achieved significant success, earning over 2 million dollars annually and aiming to double their revenues in the coming years.
How much money it makes: $2.4M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
How many people on the team: 52
SemiDot Infotech has earned massive recognition across the world with its highly scalable, unique, and responsive web apps and mobile apps, earning over 2 million dollars annually and aiming to double revenues in the next few years.
5. Materialize ($1.5M/year)
Alex Nordlinger, the founder of Materialize, came up with the idea for his business while working on side projects as a software engineer. Realizing he could take on more projects by hiring a team, he decided to start Materialize, a software development studio that provides web and mobile app development services. The business has grown to 18 employees, with a revenue of $125k per month.
How much money it makes: $1.5M/year
How much did it cost to start: $3K
How many people on the team: 8
How a self-taught engineer built a software development studio, Materialize, into a 18-person team with a revenue of $125k per month, by leveraging his technical expertise and establishing well-defined processes to build products efficiently and cost-effectively.
6. Imaginovation ($1.2M/year)
Imaginovation has grown an average of over 40% in revenue every year since its founding in 2011. They have won several credible tech awards and have been featured in top publications. The company has a strong local presence and a focus on building SEO-optimized websites to establish an online presence. The future looks bright for Imaginovation as they continue to attract and retain customers with their client-centered approach and innovative technology solutions.
How much money it makes: $1.2M/year
How many people on the team: 35
Imaginovation, a technology and app development company in Raleigh, NC, was recently named one of the Top Technology Companies in North Carolina by Clutch and has grown an average of over 40% in revenue every year since it was founded in 2011 by co-founders Michael Georgiou and Pete Peranzo.
7. Dreamonkey ($360K/year)
Federico Schianchi and his four partners started Dreamonkey after their first project, Check Your Life, failed to take off. With their expertise in web app development and industrial IoT, they shifted their focus to selling their services to enterprise-level customers, leading to a constant growth of 50% per year and revenue of $300K.
How much money it makes: $360K/year
How much did it cost to start: $40K
How many people on the team: 2
Italian software company Dreamonkey grew from $90k to $300k in revenue with a constant growth rate of 50% per year, thanks to their focus on high-quality web development, industrial IoT, and open-source software development for web developers.
8. TRIARE ($300K/year)
Boris, the founder of TRIARE, came up with the idea for his software development company after working as a project manager for a German startup. When the company closed down, Boris decided to keep the team and build a business together. With just a $500 investment, they started providing software development services and eventually evolved into a full-cycle service provider. Through word of mouth and various marketing tools, TRIARE has attracted and retained customers, with their website receiving 22,000 unique visitors and generating dozens of leads.
How much money it makes: $300K/year
How many people on the team: 60
Ukrainian software development company TRIARE, with a current annual turnover of $500,000, shares how personal and collective responsibility, paired with patience and consistency, can help build a profitable business.
9. Mobapp Creator ($120K/year)
Leonardo, Germán, and Sebastian, the three co-founders of a No-code app builder solution called MobAppCreator, came up with the idea after years of working on various projects in the tech industry. They saw the potential of mobile apps after the launch of the original iPhone and noticed the similarities in their customers' requirements. They built a framework to develop no-code mobile apps and received a grant of 100K after participating in a product competition for entrepreneurs, which allowed them to dedicate all their time to the project and launch their business.
How much money it makes: $120K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
How many people on the team: 2
This case study features a team of three co-founders who provide a No-code app builder solution for small businesses and resellers, generating $120k per year while their running costs are only 10% of their overall COGS.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
