Frequently Asked Questions
Mile Marker's Services
How Mile Marker Works
Working With Us
Pricing
Mile Marker's Services
What is the value of the Strategic Alignment Workshop?
The direct answer: The result of the Strategic Alignment Workshop is a comprehensive Product Development Plan. This document includes product requirements, feature requirements, a proposed architecture, and a roadmap that details the necessary time and monetary investment to reach your product goals. This document has been used to successfully close financing rounds and align teams and advocates on a clear product strategy and vision. Two thirds of our Strategic Alignment Workshop participants successfully raise funds after the completion of the workshop.
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The indirect answer: Participating in the Strategic Alignment Workshop causes you to rethink and solidify your product goals. Completing this process leads to new discoveries, pivots to realized opportunities, and increases confidence in the product's direction.
Is the Product Development Plan developed during the Strategic Alignment Workshop still valuable if I choose not to develop with Mile Marker?
The Product Development Plan offers more than a cost and schedule estimate - it outlines the roadmap to bring your product to life. The feature definition, architecture design, and data models presented in the plan are beneficial to anyone working on your product’s development. Additionally, the information provided in this document is immensely helpful in supporting your fundraising rounds as it demonstrates due diligence and a thought-out plan to investors.
How Mile Marker Works
What 3rd party services does Mile Marker use, and how is it decided when to use them?
"Creation through integration" is one of our core values. We don't believe in reinventing the wheel when highly functional wheels are already available off-the-shelf. We often integrate robust off-the-shelf solutions to handle standard yet complex functions.
A common example is authentication - it is rare to require a truly unique implementation. Existing services are available for a nominal monthly fee which is cheaper than the months of development it would take to create an alternative. By outsourcing these components, we can focus more on the features that make our clients' products shine.
How does Mile Marker handle security?
Mile Marker takes security seriously. Internally, we operate under well-defined processes based on industry standards, with tight controls regarding code access. We leverage robust third-party tools where appropriate to ensure our applications offer the highest level of security. We meet SOC 2, HIPAA, and ITAR requirements. Let us know what you need, and we will work with you to create a robust security plan. Contact us to learn more about how we can meet your security protocols.
Working With Us
Does Mile Marker only service startups?
Our founder's background and lean, agile team make us well-positioned to support early-stage development. While “early stage development” accurately describes startups, it also applies to new projects and products being pursued by established businesses, from mom & pop shops all the way up to Fortune 500 companies. We love working with clients at every stage in their development!
What if I already have a software development team or plan on having my own team in the future?
Mile Marker can operate as a standalone team or can supplement your existing development team. We work within our clients’ tools, making it easy to assimilate into an existing work environment and to complete the handover to a new team. When working with younger companies, we aim to bring you to a point where you are ready to hire your own in-house developers. See What does it mean for a client to “graduate” for more!
Do I Need a CTO?
Few startups launch with a CTO on board, and not all startups need one. We fill the technical space you need us to as your Advisor, Consultant, or Fractional CTO. We meet with your advisors and investors to ensure stakeholder buy in.
How does Mile Marker help with fundraising?
Mile Marker offers a Bridge to Development service where we stay involved between the creation of the Product Development plan and the initiation of work with one of our Monthly Product Teams. We offer general advising, participation in board and potential investor meetings, pitch support, and more to help you capture the resources you need.
Does Mile Marker offer training upon delivery of a product?
Due to the close collaboration we have with our clients, our constant communication and weekly product updates often negate the need for formal training. However, we ensure that our clients have everything they need to succeed. We offer synchronous and asynchronous training options upon delivery of the product.
What does it mean for a client to "graduate"?
We love supporting early-stage products, and we love it even more when those products can spread their wings and leave the nest. Our clients may reach a point where they are ready to bring on their own internal development team and continue developing on their product. When clients feel confident taking on full development ownership, we see this as "graduating" - and we couldn't be prouder.
Pricing
​Why does Mile Marker propose a flat monthly fee instead of a per-project rate?
Mile Marker's development strategy relies heavily on agile methodologies, allowing us to pivot and adjust our current work to best meet the project's current needs. Proposing a price based on a specific product definition defeats the purpose of being agile as it requires a concrete project plan to be estimated accurately. Changes in direction often cause adjustments to the final project price, leading to frequent change orders and subsequently delaying the project timeline. Operating on a monthly budget allows us to do what you need when needed.
How much does it cost to build with Mile Marker?
Pricing varies by product. A standard Strategic Alignment Workshop is priced at $4,750, and pricing for a Monthly Product Team is estimated during this time. Pricing varies by workload and the speed at which the work needs to be completed; we can adjust the plan to meet various budgeting and cash flow requirements. Our monthly rates start at $13,500.