Guide · January 12, 2026 · 9 min read
Nine questions when choosing a software partner (and red flags)
Proposals, references, IP, security, and communication — a practical checklist to spot the right lab.
References: live product, not slides
Ask for live URLs, store pages, or a short product tour instead of «we did something similar.» For Kryonit Labs, Bullionread, Nisaba AI, and Bakiyem are that proof.
If client names are confidential, still get concrete detail on stack, team size, and delivery timeline.
Proposal and contract transparency
Out-of-scope items, revision rights, and payment schedule should be written. «Agile» must not excuse vague hourly billing — sprint goals and acceptance criteria should be defined.
See code, design files, and documentation transfer in contract. Privacy and data processing (KVKK / GDPR) matter when you handle personal or financial data.
Communication and cultural fit
Ask for weekly demos or visible output at least every two weeks. If language is a barrier, ensure PM and tech lead communicate fluently. Kryonit Labs runs TR and EN projects; UI and content can target whatever languages your product needs.
Red flags: demos that keep slipping, vague «soon» dates, evasive technical answers, and scope talks dismissed with «trust us.»
A nine-question short list
1) Live product references? 2) Who is PM and tech lead? 3) Demo cadence? 4) IP and code transfer? 5) Security and backups? 6) What's out of scope? 7) Post-handover support? 8) Have you seen our industry? 9) What's the first 90-day plan?
Bring this list to calls; answers should land in the written proposal. A strong partner answers willingly.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the fastest due diligence for a software partner?
- Use a nine-question checklist: live references, PM/tech lead, demo cadence, IP transfer, security, scope exclusions, post-launch support, industry experience, and a 90-day plan.
- What are red flags when hiring a dev agency?
- Slipping demos, vague timelines, evasive technical answers, and scope dismissed with «trust us.» A strong lab answers in writing before you sign.
- Does Kryonit Labs work with international investors?
- Yes. We run TR and EN projects for founders and investors in Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East — with transparent discovery and proposals.
Kryonit Labs follows these criteria in our own process. Compare options by sending your brief via Start a Project — we'll walk you through a transparent discovery and proposal.
Let's talk about your project
Want to apply these steps to your own product? Submit the discovery form — we aim to respond within 24 hours.
- software partner
- agency selection
- outsourcing
- due diligence