How It Works
Fixed-price. Fixed timeline. Defined scope before anything is built. No open-ended engagements, no hourly billing, no surprises.
The Process
Discovery Call
A 45-minute conversation to understand the problem you're trying to solve, what success looks like, and whether a build engagement is the right fit. No charge, no commitment. If it's not a fit, I'll tell you directly.
Shaping Session — $2,500
A working session — typically half a day — where we define exactly what gets built, what's out of scope, and lock a delivery window. The output is a signed one-page Pitch document that governs the entire engagement. The $2,500 fee is credited in full if you move forward to a build.
Build Cycle — 6 Weeks
A fixed six-week delivery window against the signed Pitch. Time is fixed; scope flexes within the boundaries we agreed on. You'll see working software throughout, not just at the end. Most builds are priced between $50,000 and $75,000.
Support Retainer — Optional
After launch, most clients choose a maintenance retainer to keep the application updated, monitored, and improving. Retainers start at $750/month and scale with your needs. No retainer required — you own the software outright regardless.
Engagement Options
Most clients come in through one of three paths depending on what they're trying to accomplish.
Design & Build
Ensemble builds a custom application your organization owns outright. The right fit when you have a specific internal process to solve and want a tool built exactly to your requirements.
Best for internal tools
Joint Venture
You have an idea for a product that could serve your entire industry. Ensemble provides the build and technical expertise; you provide the domain knowledge. Revenue and equity structured as a partnership.
Best for product ideas
Portfolio App
Access to a multi-tenant application already built for your industry, deployed with your branding. Lower upfront cost than a custom build; faster to deploy. Subscription-based.
Best for budget-constrained teams
Who This Is For
Established companies with 50–500 employees
Running key processes on spreadsheets or email
No internal development capacity
Ready to invest $50,000+ to solve a real operational problem
Expert in their field — not looking to become their own developer
Wants to own the outcome, not rent a generic tool