Why Startups Choose Custom Software Over Off-the-Shelf Tools in 2025
Learn why startups in 2025 prefer custom software over off-the-shelf tools for growth and flexibility.
Read MoreEurope's software industry is booming, with innovative firms across the continent delivering tailor-made applications for every sector. From AI-driven startups in the UK to established Eastern European engineering centers, these companies specialize in custom web, mobile, and enterprise software solutions. Below is a research-backed list of 15 leading custom software development firms connected to Europe, covering their locations, areas of expertise, and flagship projects.
Each profile includes key details and notable projects. We have also included a comparison table, expert selection tips, and direct customer quotes to help you evaluate these top providers.
Empyreal Infotech (est. 2015) is a custom software and web/mobile app developer based in Wembley, London, with development centers in India and New Jersey, USA. The company specializes in end-to-end web, mobile, and e-commerce solutions for clients in healthcare, finance, entertainment, and more. In its portfolio are projects like "Luca: Collective Intelligence", an online sports streaming and engagement platform and "Financial Mutual Events", a financial analytics and visualization web app. These examples highlight Empyreal's focus on data-driven, consumer-facing apps.
Luca is to play online sports [platform] with different sports…Featured project on Empyreal’s site
Empyreal's agile teams emphasize rapid iteration and UX design, aiming to boost user engagement and monetization. The company also offers SEO and digital marketing services, positioning itself as a full-stack digital agency. Its clients praise the team’s responsiveness and commitment to deadlines, making it a strong custom development partner in Europe and beyond.
Unified Infotech (founded in 2010) is a global digital transformation firm with headquarters in New York and offices in London and Kolkata. It offers bespoke software engineering, e-commerce platforms, and SaaS development. Unified has deep experience across industries (fintech, education, healthcare, retail, etc.), often integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and AR/VR.
For example, Unified designed and implemented a custom content management system for a major educational publisher. It also revamped logistics startup eShipper’s online platform, "acting as true partners in the redesign," significantly improving lead generation and user experience. Unified's CEO emphasizes quality: “Being recognized on the Clutch 1000 list is a testament to our unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in B2B custom software development services.” This underscores Unified's reputation for reliable, long-term partnerships.
"Unified Infotech acted as true partners in the redesign of eShipper’s digital presence... resulting in a solution that significantly enhanced our online presence." eShipper (case study)
Headquarters: New York, USA (offices in UK, India)
Expertise: Custom web/mobile apps, enterprise software, e-commerce, AI solutions
Flagship Projects: eShipper (logistics platform redesign), custom CMS for education clients
Codal (est. 2008) is an enterprise-focused design and development consultancy headquartered in Chicago, IL, with a UK design studio in Lincoln and offices in India and Canada. Codal specializes in user-centric web and mobile applications, e-commerce portals, and cloud platforms. Their approach combines data-driven UX/UI design with scalable backend engineering.
Notable Codal projects include building custom microservices for medical device giant Baxter (to aggregate and analyze vast IoT sensor data) and modernizing Hertz’s vehicle maintenance management system with a real-time tracking app. For Charles Schwab, Codal revamped a compliance tool serving 1.8 million clients, improving usability and reliability. These examples illustrate Codal’s strength in enterprise software and agile project delivery.
Headquarters: Chicago, USA (design studio in Lincoln, UK; dev centres in India, Canada)
Expertise: Enterprise web/mobile apps, UX/UI design, cloud architecture, big data solutions
Flagship Projects: Baxter (IoT microservices), Charles Schwab (financial compliance tool), Hertz (maintenance management)
Goji Labs is a boutique software design and development agency based in Los Angeles (Downtown LA). It focuses on UX/UI driven mobile and web applications for startups and established brands. Goji’s team is known for rapid prototyping and iterative design, often working with emerging consumer products and services.
For example, Goji built PredictionStrike, "the world’s first athlete stock exchange," on which "per-user sessions increased +3637%" after launch. They also revamped the World Wildlife Fund’s merchandise site, achieving a 30% boost in purchase conversion. Other successes include an AI-powered smart dumbbell (Kabata) that sold out its crowdfunding presale, and a data platform for TransGlobe (TGS) with 405% more page views post-launch. These results highlight Goji’s expertise in data-driven product development and e-commerce optimization.
Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA (Boutique studios)
Expertise: Mobile apps, web apps, e-commerce platforms, hardware integration (IoT), UX/UI design
Flagship Projects: PredictionStrike (athlete stock exchange), WWF merchandise site (30% sales uplift)
One Beyond (founded 1994) is a multi-award-winning bespoke software and transformation consultancy based in Farnborough, Hampshire. With engineering hubs in London, Manchester, Madrid, Budapest, and elsewhere, it serves large enterprises and public sector clients. One Beyond’s strengths are in Microsoft .NET/Power Platform, cloud migration, AI/automation, and Agile delivery.
Recent projects include building a secure messaging app for Yeo, a distributed delivery team for Costa’s coffee machines (Costa Express), and modernizing Fine+Rare’s luxury wine marketplace backend. Clients commend One Beyond’s flexible, collaborative approach. As Haymarket Media’s IT partner put it: “Anyone looking for bespoke software development that wants a collaborative, flexible and agile approach to working, I couldn’t recommend One Beyond enough.”
Headquarters: Farnborough, UK (engineering centers in London, Manchester, Madrid, Budapest, etc.)
Expertise: NET/Azure development, cloud migration, AI and data analytics, systems integration, managed delivery teams
Flagship Projects: Yeo Messaging (secure business chat), Fine+Rare (marketplace software modernization)
Gravity9 (est. 2018) is an AI and autonomous technology consultancy headquartered in Birmingham, UK. It focuses on blending software engineering with emerging agentic AI and data science. Gravity9 helps clients in insurance, finance, and real estate integrate intelligent agents and cloud native systems. According to its Crunchbase profile, gravity9 “empowers organizations by integrating human expertise with autonomous technology” to improve efficiency and decision making.
A key project was the digital transformation of an American rental property maintenance system. The Gravity9 team overhauled the client’s legacy booking and workflow apps, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling. CEO quotes emphasize staying ahead of the AI curve: “By bridging this gap [between humans and autonomous tech], we help organizations streamline operations and drive transformational growth.”
Key Details:
Headquarters: Birmingham, UK (also offices in Ireland, Poland, etc.)
Expertise: Autonomous software/AI agents, cloud platforms, data analytics, digital transformation, custom AI/ML solutions
Flagship Projects: Modernizing rental property maintenance systems (digital first overhaul)
Software Mind (est. 1999) is a Polish IT services company with around 800 employees. It has development centres in Kraków and Gliwice, and also offices in the UK and the USA. The firm delivers custom software, mobile apps, IoT solutions, and QA services. It serves clients in banking, finance, healthcare, energy, and e-commerce.
For example, Software Mind built large-scale e-commerce platforms for retail clients and engineered IoT monitoring tools for energy firms. Its expertise includes Microsoft .NET, Java, and Azure cloud. The company is an ISO certified partner and has been recognized as a top Polish software exporter.
Headquarters: Poland (Kraków, Gliwice, Warsaw; offices in the UK, USA)
Expertise: E-commerce platforms, mobile apps, IoT devices, enterprise integrations, QA/testing (verticals: finance, healthcare, utilities)
Flagship Projects: Complex retail e-commerce systems; cloud-based IoT projects (finance/data analytics)
Sigma Software (founded in 2002) is an Eastern European software house headquartered in Lviv, Ukraine, with R&D centres in Ukraine and Poland. It employs around 2,000 engineers and focuses on AR/VR, big data, mobile development, and testing. Sigma’s clients span finance, automotive, oil & gas, and gaming.
Notable initiatives include developing an AI/AR system for car manufacturer Hyundai-Kia, and building mobile trading apps for financial firms. Sigma also provides full lifecycle services from UX design to DevOps. Their tech stack includes JavaScript frameworks, mobile cross-platform tools, and cloud platforms. Company literature highlights expertise in VR training simulations, blockchain platforms, and mobile fintech solutions.
Headquarters: Lviv, Ukraine (also offices in Poland, USA)
Expertise: AR/VR applications, Big Data analytics, mobile/web development, QA outsourcing, blockchain platforms
Flagship Projects: AI/AR safety training for automotive; mobile banking apps for trading platforms
9. Netguru – Poland
Netguru is a product software studio based in Poznań, Poland (also in London, Berlin, and New York). With over 800 employees, it specializes in product strategy, UX/UI design, and full-stack web/mobile development, often using Ruby on Rails, Python, React, and mobile frameworks. Netguru’s clients include IKEA, Volkswagen, Skyscanner, and financial companies.
They build everything from MVP prototypes to enterprise-grade platforms. For instance, Netguru developed a SaaS platform for a Swiss fintech startup and an interactive e-commerce app for IKEA. The company emphasizes agile delivery and high code quality. Reviews note Netguru’s ability to scale agile teams and incorporate cutting-edge tech (AI/ML modules, IoT features) into products.
Headquarters: Poland (Poznań, Kraków; offices in Germany, UK, USA)
Expertise: Web & mobile product development, cloud native apps, AI/ML integration, product design (sectors: retail, fintech, health)
Flagship Projects: E-commerce/web platforms for IKEA; VW group service portals; fintech SaaS solutions
N-iX is a European IT outsourcing firm founded in 2002 and headquartered in Lviv, Ukraine. It has around 1,500 specialists and development centers in Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Sweden, and the USA. N-iX provides custom enterprise systems, cloud and data engineering, AI/ML, and IoT solutions.
The company has built platforms for clients in telecom, media, and cryptocurrency. For example, N-iX helped aviation inflight Wi-Fi provider Gogo developed backend analytics, and worked with crypto exchange Currency.com on a blockchain-based KYC system. N-iX also supports ERP/CRM and healthcare software projects. According to industry sources, N-iX’s breadth (from DevOps to AI) makes it a versatile partner for mid-to-large enterprises.
Headquarters: Lviv, Ukraine (offices in Poland, Bulgaria, Sweden, USA)
Expertise: Enterprise software development, cloud & DevOps, Big Data/AI, IoT & embedded systems, blockchain platforms
Flagship Projects: Gogo (aviation Wi-Fi analytics); Currency.com (crypto exchange infrastructure); media streaming services.
SoftServe (est. 1993) is a Ukrainian-founded global IT services and software company headquartered in Lviv (Ukrainian office) and Austin, Texas. It employs over 11,000 professionals worldwide. SoftServe offers full-stack development and consulting in AI/ML, Big Data, IoT, cloud/DevOps, and cybersecurity.
Clients include Fortune 500 firms across healthcare, retail, financial services, and high tech. For example, SoftServe built a machine learning patient engagement platform for a healthcare network and scalable e-commerce systems for retail chains. The firm frequently appears in Gartner research (e.g., named a 2024 Magic Quadrant Challenger for Custom Software Development). Its Ukrainian roots and global footprint make it a leading Eastern European provider.
Headquarters: Lviv, Ukraine & Austin, Texas, USA
Expertise: Machine learning/AI solutions, Big Data analytics, IoT/edge computing, Cloud/DevOps, Digital strategy
Flagship Projects: AI-driven patient health platforms; global retail e-commerce systems; digital transformation for major enterprises.
MentorMate is a digital product and engineering firm founded in 2001, with headquarters in Minneapolis and major engineering centres in Bulgaria, Sweden, and Paraguay. The company has over 10,000 employees worldwide and focuses on mobile/web app development, IoT platforms, and enterprise integrations.
MentorMate serves industries like healthcare, finance, agriculture, and telecom. For instance, they have built mobile field service apps for utilities, telematics platforms for transportation, and responsive web portals for financial institutions. The firm emphasizes site collaboration and nearshore teams. According to its site, MentorMate “delivers digital transformation at scale” by combining UX design, data analytics, and Agile delivery.
Headquarters: Minneapolis, USA (delivery centers in Bulgaria, Sweden, Paraguay)
Expertise: Mobile & web app development, IoT & embedded software, cloud architecture, UX/UI design (verticals: healthcare, finance, manufacturing)
Flagship Projects: Mobile healthcare platforms; custom enterprise SaaS for agrotech; carrier-grade telecom apps.
Ciklum (est. 2002) is a London-based software development and IT outsourcing company. It has around 4,500 employees and delivery centers across Ukraine, Poland, Spain, and the UAE. Ciklum calls itself an “experience engineering” firm, offering custom software, AI/agentic AI solutions, data analytics, RPA, and IoT development.
It has worked with clients like banks, telecoms, and tech companies. For example, Ciklum helped Deutsche Bank build automated compliance systems and enabled airlines to roll out mobile booking apps. Company sources emphasize cutting-edge tech: Ciklum is “specializing in cutting-edge AI, agentic AI, generative AI, quality engineering, data analytics, RPA, and product development.” Its global scale and innovation focus make it a top-tier engineering partner.
Headquarters: London, UK (founded in Denmark, centers in Ukraine, Poland, Israel, etc.)
Expertise: Custom software & platform development, next-gen AI/agentic AI, RPA, IoT solutions, digital experience engineering
Flagship Projects: Generative AI platforms; RPA workflows for finance; mobile/web product engineering.
Infopulse (est. 1991) is a subsidiary of Finland’s Tietovery, headquartered in Łódź, Poland, with engineering centers throughout Ukraine and Eastern Europe. The company provides software R&D, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, and managed IT services. With over 2,000 experts, Infopulse serves clients in finance, telecom, energy, retail, and healthcare.
Its client roster includes major global brands such as Allianz, Bosch, Credit Agricole, Microsoft, Santander, Vodafone, and many others. For example, Infopulse has developed SAP and BI solutions for banks, cybersecurity platforms for telecoms, and IoT networks for manufacturing. The firm is recognized in IAOP’s Global Outsourcing 100 list and holds ISO 9001/27001 certifications.
Headquarters: Łódź, Poland (offices in Ukraine, Bulgaria, Germany, Netherlands, etc.)
Expertise: Enterprise software engineering, cloud/DevOps, SAP & .NET platforms, cybersecurity, QA/testing
Flagship Clients: Allianz Bank, Credit Agricole, Microsoft, Santander, Bosch, Unilever, etc.
DataArt (founded in 1997) is a New York City-based software engineering firm with over 5,000 staff and a strong European presence. It focuses on data-driven platforms, AI solutions, and custom application development. DataArt’s industry experience spans finance, media & entertainment, healthcare, and travel.
The company operates over 30 development centers, including offices in Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Switzerland, and the UK. It has built sophisticated software for clients like NBC Universal (streaming analytics), Orange (telecom IoT), and IKEA (retail systems). DataArt often delivers cloud native architectures and advanced analytics pipelines. Its global footprint and deep engineering expertise make it a go-to partner for large-scale custom solutions.
Headquarters: New York, USA (over 30 offices worldwide including Europe: Bulgaria, Poland, UK, Germany, etc.)
Expertise: Data/AI platforms, enterprise software, fintech systems, cloud migration and modernization
Flagship Projects: Data platforms for media (NBC Universal), telecom analytics for Orange, retail e-commerce systems (IKEA)
The table below summarizes the locations, core expertise, and notable projects/clients for each featured firm.
Company |
Headquarters/Offices |
Core Expertise |
Notable Projects / Clients |
Empyreal Infotech |
London, UK (Wembley; dev centers in India, USA) |
Web/mobile apps, eCommerce platforms |
Luca: Collective Intelligence (sports app), Financial Mutual Events (finance portal) |
Unified Infotech |
New York, USA (also UK & India) |
Custom web/mobile & desktop software, digital transformation |
eShipper logistics platform, custom CMS for education |
Codal |
Chicago, USA (studio in Lincoln, UK; India, Canada) |
UX/UI driven web/mobile dev, cloud & data |
Baxter (IoT microservices), Charles Schwab (compliance tool), Hertz (maintenance app) |
Goji Labs |
Los Angeles, USA |
UX/UI design, mobile/web apps, e-commerce |
PredictionStrike (athlete stock exchange), WWF online store (+30% sales) |
One Beyond |
Farnborough, UK (centers in London, Manchester, Budapest, Madrid) |
.NET/Azure development, AI/automation, Agile delivery |
Yeo Messaging (secure messaging app), Fine+Rare (wine marketplace) |
gravity9 |
Birmingham, UK (also Ireland, Poland) |
Autonomous AI/agentic AI, cloud solutions |
Rental property maintenance system modernization |
Software Mind |
Kraków/Gliwice, Poland (offices in UK, USA) |
E-commerce dev, IoT & embedded, QA/testing |
Complex retail e-commerce systems; IoT analytics (finance) |
Sigma Software |
Lviv, Ukraine (also in Poland, USA) |
AR/VR, Big Data & AI, mobile/web development |
AR/VR car simulation; finance mobile trading apps |
Netguru |
Poznań/Warsaw, Poland (also Berlin, London, NYC) |
SaaS product dev, web/mobile apps, AI/ML |
IKEA, Volkswagen, UBS projects; fintech SaaS platforms |
N-iX |
Lviv, Ukraine (plus Poland, Bulgaria, Sweden, USA) |
Cloud/DevOps, Big Data/AI, IoT, blockchain |
Gogo (aviation analytics); Currency.com (crypto) |
SoftServe |
Lviv, Ukraine & Austin, Texas, USA |
AI/ML, Big Data, IoT, cloud/DevOps |
Digital health platforms; retail e-commerce (Fortune clients) |
MentorMate |
Minneapolis, USA & Sofia, Bulgaria (also Sweden) |
Mobile/app dev, IoT, UX design, Agile teams |
Mobile health apps; AgTech enterprise systems; telecom apps |
Ciklum |
London, UK (centers in Ukraine, Poland, etc.) |
Custom software, AI/agentic AI, data analytics, RPA |
AI driven platforms; RPA solutions for fintech |
Infopulse |
Łódź, Poland (offices across Eastern Europe) |
Enterprise software R&D, cloud/DevOps, SAP & .NET platforms, cybersecurity |
Allianz, Bosch, Microsoft, Santander, Vodafone |
DataArt |
New York, USA (over 30 offices worldwide including Europe: Bulgaria, Poland, UK, Germany, etc.) |
Data/AI platforms, enterprise apps, fintech |
NBC Universal (media data); Orange (IoT analytics); IKEA (retail software) |
Unified Infotech acted as true partners in the redesign of eShipper’s digital presence... resulting in a solution that significantly enhanced our online presence. – eShipper (Client Case Study)
Anyone looking for bespoke software development that wants a collaborative, flexible and agile approach to working, I couldn’t recommend One Beyond enough. – Laura S., IT Partner at Haymarket Media
These client testimonials highlight how these firms work closely with customers and deliver impactful results. They emphasize collaboration, expertise, and measurable business impact as key qualities you should look for.
Selecting a custom software provider requires more than comparing prices. Experts recommend evaluating the vendor’s engineering skills and domain expertise. Look for partners with "strong software engineering backgrounds" and relevant industry experience. They should use modern practices (Agile, DevOps, automated testing) so that "code remains forever malleable."
Customer support and communication are also critical. As one industry guide notes, Customer service matters… [choose a vendor that] is responsive, understands your industry, and can help you troubleshoot if issues pop up. A responsive team prevents problems from derailing your project.
Research Reputation: Check case studies, client reviews (on Clutch, G2/Capterra), and industry recognitions to gauge quality.
Assess Technology Fit: Ensure the company works with your preferred tech stack (programming languages, frameworks, cloud platforms). See if they have in-house experts in those areas.
Consider Cultural Fit: Good synergy and transparent communication (time zones, language, workflows) can make a big difference in project success.
Prototype and Scope: A reliable partner will help refine your requirements and may suggest a proof of concept. Beware of firms that give quick, lowball quotes without understanding your needs.
By focusing on these criteria, technical excellence, proven process, and strong collaboration, you will find a European software firm that can truly tailor a solution to your goals.
Custom software developers collaborating on code and design (illustrative image).
The table and profiles above highlight leading European-based custom software companies. Use this information as a starting point for your selection, and remember to ask each potential partner for detailed case studies and references. With the right partner, you can harness Europe’s rich tech talent to build innovative software tailored to your business needs.
Just drop us line on info@empyrealinfotech.com or just say HI in chat box, We would love to hear from you.