Finding a startup or scaleup software partner

We are often asked who we’d recommend as a software partner for new startup companies. Some founders are looking for an outsourced CTO to go the full distance with them; others want a quick prototype put together to help them test an idea.

In Bristol and Bath, we are spoiled for choice with some really great software agencies, each with their own specialism and approach. It’s worth meeting a few to be sure you pick one you feel confident with, and that is the best fit for your needs and approach.

So, to help kick-start your search for the perfect software partner, here’s a quick low-down on the first 12 Bristol and Bath based companies that we thought of:

• AND Digital: UK and Netherlands-based team on a mission to close the world’s digital skills gap. They believe in empowering people with the knowledge they need to unlock the full potential of technology. Bristol office opened in 2022.

• Amdaris: Your trusted partner for high-velocity extended delivery teams. Established in Bristol in 2009 with offices across UAE and Eastern Europe.

• Atomic Smash: A Bristol-based ‘website performance agency’ that builds, evolves and enhances custom WordPress & WooCommerce platforms.

• BJSS: Technology and engineering consultancy across UK, USA, Europe and Australia for business delivering complex, innovative technology, engineering, and industry solutions.

• Ghyston: Bristol-based company that blends established practices with cutting-edge technologies to deliver high-quality bespoke software projects for ambitious companies. 

• Gravitywell: Digital Innovation agency offering full service for startups and scaleups. They bring ideas to life through creativity, technology and expertise.

• Mayden: Creating digital technology that changes what’s possible for clinicians and patients. A Bath-based company that designs, builds and supports insightful and interoperable systems for healthcare services in the UK and abroad.

• New Icon: Partner for IoT, software and innovation located in Bristol. Design-led cross platform software services for ambitious IoT projects. Connecting people, products and information.

• Scott Logic: Works from offices across the UK and Copenhagen to transform clients’ businesses by engineering innovative, bespoke software solutions that drive measurable value, whilst also enhancing the core strengths of technology delivery capability.

• Storm: Bath based agency creating websites, web apps and platforms for fledgling startups, flourishing scale-ups and restless corporate innovators. 

• Rocketmakers: Software development agency in Bath working  as an extension of a clients’ team to take them from concept to launch and beyond. Helps large organisations to innovate like start-ups, and start-ups build enterprise-quality solutions.

• Unfold: Solves complex technological problems with custom software. The Bristol-based team delivers web and mobile software products for organisations that thrive on creative technical strategy, close partnership, and reliable execution.

There are plenty more software design and development agencies with a presence in Bristol or Bath. And others that offer just one part of the process (user design, branding, user research, hosting and so much more) but we can’t list them all. We encourage you to do your own research to make sure you find a partner who offers the right mix of skills and values for your business.