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Offshore Software Development in Ukraine

Updated on
December 20, 2023
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In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for startups. With emerging technologies like AI reshaping industries, the role of technology in business has never been more vital. However, integrating these technologies seamlessly into your operations can be a daunting task.

That's where offshore software development in Ukraine comes into play — a game-changer for startups seeking unparalleled expertise and cost-effectiveness. With a thriving tech ecosystem and a pool of highly skilled professionals, Ukraine has become a global hub for offshore software development.

As a startup owner, you may have a multitude of questions swirling in your mind:

  • When should I consider leveraging offshore development?
  • Where can I find a reliable partner for my tech needs?
  • How to offshore a software development team in Ukraine right?

As a Business Development Manager with over 10 years of experience working closely with startups like Cardless and Aspiration, I've had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable impact that offshore software development can have on their growth and success.

Based on the experience and knowledge I gained from collaborating with these innovative companies, I've crafted this article to share invaluable insights with you. I'll address the questions about offshore software development Ukraine, such as what it entails and how it sets itself apart. Additionally, I'll guide you on the best strategies for finding a reliable partner, ensuring you make the right choice for your startup's needs.

So, without further ado, let's explore the potential that offshore software development in Ukraine offers to startups.

offshore software development ukraine

Why startups love offshoring software development to Ukraine?

Let me take you on a captivating journey into the realm of offshore software development in Ukraine, where startups have discovered a treasure trove of opportunities. As an expert in the field, I have seen the valid stats that unfold why startups choose to offshore their software development to this dynamic country.

Imagine a place where more than 278,000 skilled IT professionals roam, bringing their expertise and creativity to the table. Yes, that place is none other than Ukraine — an emerging powerhouse in the tech world.

But what sets Ukraine apart and makes it so alluring to startups?

Well, it’s a mix of three factors:

  • Price
  • Knowledge and skills
  • Innovative culture

The rates for offshore software development in Ukraine are significantly lower compared to Western countries, offering startups the opportunity to maximize their resources while still accessing top-notch talent. It's like having your cake and eating it too! (Source: Accelerance Global Software Outsourcing Report, 2021-2022)

Speaking of knowledge and skills, Ukraine boasts a bustling community of over 50,000 IT graduates each year. These bright minds, armed with cutting-edge knowledge and skills, are ready to help startups turn their visionary ideas into reality. (Source: "Ukraine: IT Market Report 2021" by Aventior)

Great tech education, talents with cutting-edge knowledge and skills – put it all together, and you’ll get a booming innovative environment. Companies like Grammarly, Petcube, MacPaw, Headway, and GitLab — started their journeys in Ukraine.

Amazing developers and tech experts from Ukraine propelled these companies to new heights, showcasing the transformative power of Ukrainian offshore software development.

So, if you're seeking a land of opportunity, where cost efficiency, top talent with cutting-edge skills and knowledge converge, look no further than offshore software development in Ukraine.

Now let’s take a look at 7 non-obvious benefits of hiring an offshore software development team in Ukraine.  

7 Benefits of Hiring Software Developers in Ukraine

From top-tier expertise to cost-effectiveness and a diverse talent pool, it's time to explore the 7 incredible perks of offshoring a software development team in Ukraine.

offshore software development ukraine

#1 Tech-Savvy Experts

Ukraine boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, and its developers are at the forefront of technological advancements. Let me show you some numbers to prove that.

  1. Ukraine in various years was ranked #8 in the Skill Value rating, #4 AI Globally in tech skills proficiency by Courseras’s second edition of the Global Skills Index, #6 Programmers Activity by TopCoder.
  2. Ukrainian universities and educational institutions offer strong technical programs, producing highly skilled graduates in computer science and related fields.
  3. Ukrainian developers actively contribute to the global tech community through open-source projects. GitHub, a popular platform for collaborative software development, showcases the significant number of contributions made by Ukrainian developers.
  4. Ukraine hosts vibrant developer communities and tech events that foster knowledge sharing, networking, and skill development. These communities include organizations like IT Ukraine Association, Lviv IT Cluster, and events like IT Arena and iForum.

The cherry on top is Ukraine is in the IAOP list as one of the world’s top outsourcing providers.

#2 Cost-Effectiveness

When it comes to cost-effective solutions, Ukraine stands out as a favorable choice for offshore software development compared to other European countries. Here is a comparison of the average hourly rates for software development services in Ukraine and some Western European countries:

  • Ukraine: The average hourly rate for software development services in Ukraine ranges from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and the skill level required.
  • United Kingdom: The average hourly rate is ranging from $75 to $150 per hour.
  • Germany: Software development rates in Germany are also comparatively higher, starting from $60 to $100 per hour.

If we take a look at the rates in Canada and USA, we’ll see that the average hourly rate for Ukrainian developers is about one-third of their costs.

  • United States: the average hourly rate for software development services typically ranges from $100 to $200 per hour, reflecting the higher labor costs in the US.
  • Canada: ranges from $75 to $150 per hour.

Uptech hourly rate varies between $45 - $65 depending on project complexities and other factors. More importantly, our team has an exemplary track record when implementing app development strategies for startups and businesses.

This cost-effectiveness enables startups to stretch their budgets further without compromising on talent.

#3 Diverse Expertise

Ok, the first two were more or less familiar. But Ukraine has a lot more to offer than affordable prices and top talents.

An offshore software development team in Ukraine offers you expertise in various domains. Whether you need web development, mobile app development, AI, or fintech expertise, you can find the right talent in Ukraine to meet your project's specific requirements.

Uptech’s experience stretches across multiple industries, including

  1. Fintech
  2. Proptech
  3. Healthcare
  4. Artificial Intelligence
  5. Social media
  6. Retail & Commerce
  7. Delivery

We have been working with startups and enterprises since 2016, and over this time, we have gained a valuable experience in a fast-changing environment and extended our IT services to mobile & web applications development, UI/UX design, QA, and project management.

#4 Reliability and Dedication

During the cooperation with startups like Aspiration, Nomad, Eatable, we understood the importance of building trust with your 3rd part provider. Founders try to gather people who will live and breathe the idea coz these people will become the backbone of the startup culture and boost the growth. We become not just a helping hand but a part of the team spirit.

When you hire a dedicated Ukrainian offshore team, you have confidence in their ability to meet project requirements, adhere to timelines, provide consistent updates, and truly care for your product.

Here’s the feedback from Head of Product at Aspiration – a fintech company with over a decade of experience pioneering bold solutions to help turn the tide on climate change.  

"They provide high-quality work very responsibly—we’ve built a strong relationship and get along well.”

#5 Proactive Problem-Solving

Ukrainian developers are proactive in identifying and solving problems that may arise during the development process. They are skilled at finding innovative solutions, thinking critically, and collaborating effectively within their teams.

I think, Emanuel Possnert, co-founder of Eatable and our client, put it the best.

“They ask questions, provide suggestions, and learn about our business in order to make a proper product.”

Our ability to overcome challenges helps us achieve the desired outcomes.

#6 Fluent English Communication

Ukraine ranks relatively high in English proficiency among non-native English-speaking countries. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, which measures English language skills worldwide, Ukraine moved up to 35th place in the world in terms of English proficiency out of 111 countries.

So you can be sure that language is not a problem when it comes to expressing your requirements, receiving regular updates, and collaborating effectively.

#7 Time Zone Harmony

Imagine waking up to progress updates and having real-time conversations with your offshore team. With Ukraine operating in a time zone that overlaps with Europe and the United States, you gain a significant advantage.

This time zone harmony fuels productivity and keeps projects on track.

5 Major Offshore Development Companies in Ukraine

So, when it comes to choosing the right offshore development company in Ukraine, you may wonder, "Which are the major players in the field?" Below I gather top-5 medium-sized offshore software development companies that you can benefit from.

Uptech

Since 2016, Uptech has been a trusted offshore development company for over 50 businesses from the United States and Europe. But our expertise doesn't stop there.

We also excel at building new companies and launching technology-driven products that solve real problems and gain global recognition. Take, for instance, our AI-driven avatar generator DYVO, which received a prestigious Google award for its innovative development.

Having firsthand experience in building successful products, we know what it takes to turn ideas into reality. And we love nothing more than sharing this knowledge with our clients. We are more than just an offshore development company – we are your partners in success.

At Uptech, our team comprises skilled:

  • Developers
  • Designers
  • Product managers
  • QAs

We focus on creating products that align with your business objectives and meet users’ needs.

We leverage MVC, MVVM, Redux, Kotlin, Reactive Programming approach, and many more to build a unique architecture solution, a user-friendly app, and the best UX.  

offshore software development ukraine

So, when you choose Uptech as your offshore development partner, you're not just getting a service provider. You're getting a team with a wealth of experience, a passion for innovation, and a commitment to your success.

Daxx

Daxx is an offshore software development company in Ukraine that connects businesses with dedicated development teams. They specialize in providing remote teams of skilled software developers and have a strong focus on quality and client satisfaction.

Sloboda

Sloboda is a reputable offshore development company based in Ukraine. They specialize in providing software development services for startups and established businesses. With their team of experienced developers, Sloboda focuses on delivering high-quality solutions tailored to meet their client’s specific needs.

Relevant Software

Relevant Software is an offshore development company based in Ukraine. They provide software development, web and mobile application development, and IT consulting services to clients worldwide.

ELEKS

ELEKS is a software engineering company in Ukraine. They offer a wide range of services, including custom software development, QA testing, and product design. ELEKS has a strong track record of working with both startups and large enterprises.

​​Tips for Hiring Offshore Software Development Team in Ukraine

I know that the process of searching and hiring an offshore team is challenging. I've met and talked to many business owners, so I feel you pain and based on my experience, I decided to put some of my recommendations together to help you make hiring offshore software development team process smooth. Check them out below.

offshore software development ukraine

Evaluate Technical Skills and Expertise

Beyond simply assessing technical skills, dive deeper into the expertise and domain knowledge of potential offshore development teams. Why? Because it's about more than just code – it's about finding a team that truly understands your industry and can bring your unique vision to life.

Seek out successful case studies that demonstrate their ability to deliver exceptional results. This way, you can rest assured that you're partnering with experts who speak your language and can navigate the complexities of your industry.

Pay Attention to Project Management Practices

When evaluating offshore development teams in Ukraine, pay close attention to their approach to project management. How do they handle project planning, task tracking, and reporting?

Look for teams that embrace methodologies like Agile, practice iterative development, communicate transparently, and have frequent collaboration.

Effective project management ensures that your offshore team stays on track and aligns with your goals, even when you're miles apart.

Seek Recommendations and Referrals

Don't hesitate to tap into your network and connect with trusted sources who have prior experience with offshore development teams in Ukraine. By hearing firsthand experiences and insights, you gain valuable information that can guide you toward reliable and reputable providers.

We have so many clients who came to us from referrals, and they stayed satisfied and happy with our collaboration.

The recommendations serve as powerful endorsements, increasing the likelihood of finding a team that aligns with your specific requirements. You'll gain valuable insights into the team's communication, work ethics, and ability to deliver exceptional results.

offshore software development ukraine

Wrapping Up

Offshore software development in Ukraine has emerged as a game-changing solution for startups and businesses seeking to leverage top talent, cost-effective solutions, and a thriving tech ecosystem.

With its diverse skill sets, innovation culture, cost-effectiveness, and enables seamless communication – Ukraine stands out as a premier destination for offshore development.

FAQs

How many software developers are in Ukraine?

There are more than 278,000 skilled IT professionals in Ukraine, bringing their expertise and creativity to the table. Yes, that place is none other than Ukraine — an emerging powerhouse in the tech world.

How much does it cost to offshore software development in Ukraine?

The average hourly rate for software development services in Ukraine ranges from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and the skill level required.

What offshore software development companies are in Ukraine?

Here are top-5 offshore software development companies in Ukraine:

  1. Uptech
  2. Daxx
  3. Sloboda
  4. Relevant Software
  5. ELEKS