How 6PM Helped Itcan Succeed
The Background Story of Itcan
Itcan, a Kuwait-based startup, embarked on a mission to assist managers in controlling task assignments and tracking progress. Their innovative project management software aimed to simplify task management, enhance productivity, and provide clear updates, making it easier for teams to stay organized. However, the journey to achieving this vision was hindered by challenges like insufficient tech leadership, strategic misalignment, difficulties in hiring an expert tech team, and poor decision-making.
- simplify tracking expenses
- enhance productivity
- provide clear updates
The Challenge
The founder of Itcan was passionate about productivity and efficient task management but faced significant hurdles due to a non-technical background. Despite having a clear vision, several critical issues stood in the way:
Each attempt to find a solution seemed to push the dream further out of reach, leading to growing frustration.
- Non-Tech Founder: The founder struggled to build a solid tech strategy, assemble an efficient tech team, and secure tech leadership.
- Tech Co-Founder Dilemma: Finding a tech co-founder proved difficult, with potential candidates demanding up to 50% equity.
- Agency Confusion: Seeking help from various local and offshore agencies led to further confusion and wasted resources, consuming about six months.
The Journey of Itcan with 6PM
6PM implemented a structured, phased approach using their proprietary 6PM Model to address Itcan’s challenges. This model focuses on three key stages: Plan, Execute, and Scale.
- Plan
- Scale
- Execute
Plan: Forming the Right Technology Stack & Strategy
6PM began by providing a comprehensive planning phase, crucial for laying a strong foundation for Itcan’s technological needs.
A CTO for Itcan without Sacrificing Equity
6PM provided a fractional CTO, ensuring Itcan received expert guidance without giving up significant equity. The CTO, Tech Advisor, and Product Managers collaborated closely with Itcan to understand the startup’s vision of assisting managers in controlling task assignments and tracking progress.
Providing Itcan a Scalable Tech Stack
Chose React JS for seamless mobile browser performance, avoiding separate mobile app development, saving over an additional $250,000 in development costs.
Designed the web app for flawless mobile use, saving an additional $15,000+ per month in maintenance, ensuring successful and cost-effective implementation.
Developing an In-depth Product Roadmap
Conducted extensive market research using surveys, interviews, and SWOT analysis to inform the product strategy.
Mapped the user journey and identified pain points using Journey Mapping and Solution Matrix. Defined the MVP strategy with MoSCoW prioritization, focusing on essential product features and user needs.
Scrum Planning:
Finalized and tested the design to ensure seamless mobile performance without needing a separate mobile app, then proceeded to development.
Execute: Building & Leading a High-Velocity Remote Team
With a solid plan in place, 6PM moved to the execution phase, focusing on building and leading a high-performing remote team.
Assembling a High-Performance Development Team
Finalized the technology stack and recruited a team of high-performing developers and designers efficient in the MERN stack.
The CTO and Product Managers led the hiring process, ensuring the team’s skills aligned with Itcan’s technological needs.
Establishing a Product Roadmap & Timeline
The CTO and team developed a detailed roadmap aligned with Itcan’s vision, planning the MVP for a three-month launch.
Integrated a payment gateway unsupported by our tech stack, collaborating closely with the payment provider’s team to make it happen.
Managing the Engineering Team
The CTO, supported by Product Managers, led the engineering process using Agile methodology, with high client involvement. Ensured fast and efficient development through regular sprint planning, reviews, and adjustments based on feedback.
Executing Scrum Team Activities
Engaged in design using Adobe XD, SRS writing with Notion, server setup, and ER diagram creation.
Focused on coding, testing, and pushing the product to the live server, maintaining high standards of quality and performance.
prevent unnecessary expenses
introducing advanced integrations
introducing advanced integrations
Scale: Ensuring ROI on Technology Investments
The final phase focused on scaling Itcan’s technology and ensuring a return on investment.
Define & Implement KPIs
Focused more on product performance KPIs than the team KPI, introducing advanced integrations like Status page to show users our uptime guarantee.
Track Technology Budget
Monitored the IT budget meticulously to prevent unnecessary expenses and optimize resource allocation.
Identifying Tech Opportunities
The CTO participated in discussions with the founder and enterprise clients in UAE to identify future potential features. Conducted sprint review meetings to gather feedback and iterate on the product, continuously improving its functionality and user experience.
The Results
As Itcan progressed through the phases of the 6PM Model, the transformation was remarkable. What started as a chaotic and confusing journey, filled with frustrations and setbacks, evolved into a structured, efficient, and ultimately successful venture.
Achieving a Go-Live Date in Just 7 Months
Itcan successfully developed and launched its web app within the desired timeline, achieving a go-live date in just 7 months. By focusing on a web app instead of a mobile app, Itcan saved an additional $250,000 in development costs.
Saved over $60K USD
By going live within 6 months, we saved $60,000 by avoiding the implementation of features that were not needed or frequently used by users.