How much does it cost to build an MVP?

An MVP typically costs $5,000-$25,000 with AI-powered development at LokiLabs. Traditional agencies charge $20,000-$80,000 for the same scope. The key is focusing on core features that validate your business hypothesis, not building everything at once.

How long does MVP development take?

With AI-powered development, an MVP typically takes 4-8 weeks from kickoff to App Store launch. This includes design, development, testing, and store submission. Traditional agencies take 3-6 months for the same scope.

What features should an MVP include?

An MVP should include only the features needed to test your core business hypothesis. Typically this means: user authentication, 1-2 core features that differentiate your app, basic analytics, and a clean UI. Everything else can be added after you validate product-market fit.

Should startups build native or cross-platform apps?

Startups should almost always choose cross-platform (React Native) for their MVP. It costs 40-60% less than building separate iOS and Android apps, launches on both platforms simultaneously, and uses a single codebase that's easier to iterate on. You can always go native later if needed.

Startup App Development

App Development for Startups & MVPs

You have a great idea. I'll help you turn it into a real app—fast. AI-powered development means your MVP launches in weeks, not months, at a fraction of what agencies charge. Stop planning and start building.

Let's Build Your MVP

Why Startups Choose LokiLabs

I've helped founders go from idea to App Store. Here's what makes working with me different.

MVP in 4-8 Weeks

Get to market fast. AI-powered development means your MVP launches in weeks, not months. Start validating with real users sooner.

Startup-Friendly Pricing

MVPs starting at $5K. No six-figure budgets needed. I work with bootstrapped founders and funded startups alike.

Focus on What Matters

I help you identify the core features that validate your business hypothesis. Build the right thing first, not everything at once.

Built to Scale

Your MVP isn't throwaway code. I build with clean architecture so you can iterate and scale as you grow, without a costly rewrite.

Don't Fall Into the "Build Everything" Trap

Most startups fail by building too much before validating their idea. Your first version doesn't need 50 features. It needs the right 3-5 features that prove people want what you're building.

I'll help you ruthlessly prioritize. We'll identify your core hypothesis and build the minimum needed to test it. Then we iterate based on real user data—not guesses.

What Most Startups Do

- Spend 6+ months building V1
- Include every feature they can think of
- Run out of budget before launch
- Find out users wanted something different

What We'll Do Instead

- Launch MVP in 4-8 weeks
- Focus on 3-5 core features only
- Get real user feedback fast
- Iterate based on actual data

From Idea to App Store in 6 Steps

A lean process designed for startups that need to move fast and stay focused.

Step 01

Idea Validation

We define your core value proposition and identify the minimum feature set needed to test it. I'll push back on scope creep—your MVP should be minimal.

Step 02

Rapid Prototyping

Quick wireframes and UI mockups so you can visualize the app before development. We align on the user experience early.

Step 03

Sprint Development

2-week sprints with weekly demos. You see real progress every week and can pivot based on what you learn.

Step 04

Beta Testing

We release to a small group of beta testers via TestFlight (iOS) and internal testing (Android). Real user feedback before public launch.

Step 05

App Store Launch

I handle the full submission process, store optimization, and compliance. Your app goes live on both platforms.

Step 06

Iterate & Grow

Post-launch analytics tell us what's working. We iterate quickly based on real user data—not assumptions.

Startup-Friendly Pricing

Transparent pricing with no surprises. Your MVP doesn't need a six-figure budget.

MVP Tier	Features	Timeline	Price Range
Validation MVP	Auth + 1-2 core features + basic UI	4-6 weeks	$5K - $12K
Launch MVP	Auth + 3-5 features + polished UI + payments	6-10 weeks	$12K - $25K
Full Product V1	Complete feature set + admin dashboard + analytics	10-16 weeks	$25K - $50K

* All tiers include both iOS and Android. Prices reflect AI-powered development rates. Traditional agencies charge 2-3x more for the same scope.

Everything You Need to Launch

I don't just write code. I help you think through your product, prioritize features, and make smart technical decisions that set your startup up for success.

✓Product strategy and feature prioritization
✓UI/UX design and rapid prototyping
✓React Native development (iOS + Android)
✓Backend API and database setup
✓User authentication and onboarding
✓Payment integration (if applicable)
✓Analytics and crash reporting setup
✓App Store and Play Store submission
✓Post-launch support and iteration

Perfect For

Solo Founders

Turning your idea into reality with limited budget

Pre-Seed Startups

Building an MVP to validate before fundraising

Seed-Stage Companies

Shipping V1 to paying customers fast

Corporate Innovation

Testing new app concepts without slow internal processes

How Fast Can We Launch?

Week 1-2Planning, wireframes, project setup

Week 3-6Core feature development with weekly demos

Week 7Beta testing with real users

Week 8App Store & Play Store launch

Ready to Launch Your Startup App?

Book a free 15-minute call. I'll help you define your MVP scope and give you a realistic timeline and budget—no commitment required.

Book Free Consultation