For Non-Technical Founders
The developer who speaks your language and understands your business
You have an app idea. You know it could work. But you're not technical, and you don't know where to start or who to trust.
I help non-technical founders turn ideas into working software—from that first Discovery Sprint all the way to $100K+ MRR and beyond. Most of my clients work with me for years, some for over a decade.
What you get in the first week
- • Clear assessment: Is your idea technically feasible?
- • Honest budget: Exactly what it costs to build (no surprises)
- • Realistic timeline: When you can launch and start getting customers
- • Technology plan: What tools and tech stack make sense for you
- • Risk analysis: What could go wrong and how to avoid it
"Matthew's vision and code turned our site into the revenue engine that fueled 10 years of YoY growth."
— Meredith, BizJetJobs ($103K MRR)
You're in the right place if...
- →You have an app idea but you're not technical and don't know where to start
- →You tried no-code tools (Bubble, Webflow) but hit limitations
- →You're tired of freelancers who disappear or don't understand the business side
- →You need a technical partner who can guide strategy, not just write code
- →You have early customers and revenue but need help scaling the platform
Why founders choose me over agencies
- • Direct access: You work with me, not junior developers
- • Business-first: I understand revenue, not just code
- • Long-term partner: Most clients work with me for years
- • Transparent pricing: No hidden costs or scope creep
- • Proven results: Helped founders grow from $0 to $100K+ MRR
Choose the service that fits your stage
Whether you're at the idea stage or already have early customers, there's a clear path forward. Every engagement starts with honest conversation about what you need and what makes sense for your budget.
For founders with an idea who need validation and a clear build plan.
- • 1 week: Technical feasibility assessment and user research
- • Detailed specification document with wireframes
- • Cost and timeline estimates for MVP development
- • Technology stack recommendations
For founders ready to build their first version and launch to customers.
- • 6-10 weeks: Full MVP design and development
- • Modern tech stack (React, Next.js, PostgreSQL)
- • User authentication, payments, core features
- • Deployment, hosting setup, and documentation
For founders with early revenue who need ongoing development support.
- • Ongoing feature development and bug fixes
- • Performance optimization and scaling support
- • Technical guidance and architecture decisions
- • 2-3 days per week, flexible engagement
Need something different? Let's talk about what makes sense for your situation. → Book a call
How we work together
- 1. Discovery Call (Free)
30-minute conversation to understand your idea, goals, and current situation. No sales pressure, just honest feedback about whether I can help.
- 2. Discovery Sprint or Direct Build
If you're ready to validate your idea, we start with a 1-week Discovery Sprint. If you already have clear specs, we can jump straight to building.
- 3. Weekly Check-ins
Every week you get a progress report in plain English, demos of working features, and a chance to give feedback and adjust priorities.
- 4. Launch & Grow
When you're ready to launch, I handle deployment, monitoring, and support. Most clients continue with ongoing development as they grow.
What founders ask most
- How long until we launch?
Simple MVPs: 6-8 weeks. Complex platforms: 3-4 months. Discovery Sprint gives exact timeline.
- Can I see progress?
Yes. You'll have access to staging environment to test features as they're built.
- What if I need changes?
Weekly check-ins mean we catch issues early. Small changes included, major scope changes discussed upfront.
Emergency project rescue?
If your previous developer left mid-project, I offer a specialized 48-hour audit to assess what can be salvaged and create a recovery plan.
Learn about project rescue →Real founders, real results
I've worked with non-technical founders for over 20 years, helping them turn ideas into successful SaaS businesses. Here are two detailed examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't know anything about code. Can you still help me?
Absolutely. Most of my clients are non-technical founders. I speak your language and translate technical concepts into business decisions. You don't need to know code to build successful software.
How much does it cost to build a SaaS app?
A simple MVP typically costs $15,000-$35,000 and takes 6-10 weeks. Complex platforms can range from $40,000-$80,000. The Discovery Sprint ($2,500) gives you accurate pricing based on your specific requirements.
What if I just have an idea? Is it too early?
It's never too early. The Discovery Sprint is designed for idea-stage founders. We'll validate your concept, create a detailed plan, and help you understand exactly what it takes to build and launch your app.
Will I own the code and intellectual property?
Yes, 100%. All code, designs, and documentation belong to you. You'll have full access to the codebase and can take it to any developer in the future if needed.
What makes you different from hiring an agency or freelancer?
Unlike agencies, you work directly with me—a senior developer with 20+ years of experience. Unlike freelancers, I understand the business side and can guide product strategy, not just write code. Most clients work with me for years.
Can you help if I already started with another developer who left?
Yes. I offer a specialized project rescue service for founders stuck with incomplete code. I'll audit what you have, identify what can be salvaged, and create a recovery plan. See the Emergency Audit service for details.
How involved do I need to be during development?
Expect 2-3 hours per week for feedback sessions and decision-making. I handle all the technical work and keep you updated with weekly progress reports. You stay informed without getting overwhelmed.
What happens after the MVP launches?
Most clients continue with the Growth Partnership for ongoing development, bug fixes, and new features. You can also choose to hire your own developer and I'll help with the transition and training.
Ready to turn your idea into working software?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call. No sales pressure—just honest conversation about your idea and whether I can help.
Book your discovery callMost clients who book a call move forward. But if I'm not the right fit, I'll tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.