Frequently Asked Questions

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What does Ridge Theory build?

Custom software, web applications, mobile apps, AI agents and automation, and websites for businesses and government agencies. That includes internal dashboards, client portals, system integrations, AI chat and voice agents, and workflow automation. We build around how your team already works instead of selling a fixed product. See our past projects.

How much does a project cost?

It depends on scope, so we give a fixed quote after a free discovery call rather than a number up front. The main cost drivers are:

• The number of user roles and screens
• Integrations with your existing systems (CRM, ERP, TMS or accounting)
• Platforms: web only, or web plus iOS and Android
• Data migration from spreadsheets or an old system
• Compliance needs, such as accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA)

You always know the cost of the next phase before it starts.

How long does a project take?

A business website usually takes 2 to 3 weeks from kickoff to launch. For custom software we start with a proof of concept, usually 2 to 4 weeks, then build in short cycles with a working demo at the end of each one. Most full applications take 2 to 6 months depending on scope. You get a phased plan with dates once discovery is done.

What does the process look like?

1. Discovery call (free): we learn your workflow, systems and goals.
2. Scope and proposal: features, phases, timeline and a fixed price for the first phase.
3. Proof of concept or first phase: working software you can test.
4. Build in short cycles, with a demo each cycle so you can steer priorities.
5. Launch, handoff and ongoing support.

What engagement models do you offer?

• Fixed price per phase for a defined build.
• Dedicated team or staff augmentation: engineers working inside your roadmap, billed monthly.
• Monthly retainer for ongoing smaller work and support.

You can move between models as the work changes.

Who owns the code?

You do. All code, designs and assets are assigned to you in the agreement and delivered into your own repositories and accounts.

What happens after launch?

We stay on to support what we build. Ongoing support is offered as a monthly retainer and covers updates, security patches, backups, monitoring and small changes. If something breaks, you have a named contact who knows your system.

How do you keep our data secure?

We sign an NDA before any sensitive information is shared. Access to your systems is limited to the people working on your project. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and we can deploy into your own cloud account so your data stays in your infrastructure. If your industry has compliance rules, we work within them.

Do you sell an off-the-shelf product?

No. If a ready-made tool fit your process, you would likely already be using it. We reuse proven components from past builds, which makes a custom build faster and lower risk than starting from zero, and you own the result.

Have you worked in our industry?

We have built for logistics and trucking, healthcare, finance, government and defense contractors, legal, retail and more. Examples include the Kuebix transportation management system, the DriverFly driver recruiting platform, the Hospital Inspections app and the Cervello Global defense contractor portals.

Can you take over a project another developer left unfinished?

Yes. We took over the Presence scheduling app after it had unresolved issues for over a year, and the Taist mobile app. We start with a technical review so you know the real state of the code before you commit. See Development Rescue.

Who is on your team?

Ridge Theory is led from Los Angeles by a US-based team that is your point of contact on every project. Engineering is delivered by our own developers in the United States and overseas, together with our sister company Code Upscale. Every software build includes project management and QA, not only developers.

Can you work on government contracts?

Yes. Ridge Theory LLC is a woman-owned small business certified as WOSB, EDWOSB, WBE, SBA 8(a), DBE and SDB. We work as a prime contractor or as a subcontractor to larger primes. See Government.