HyperNest Labs vs Traditional Agencies
Traditional software development agencies with project-based billing. Here's how HyperNest's embedded founding engineer model compares to Traditional Agencies's software agencies approach.
Quick Comparison
| Traditional Agencies | HyperNest Labs |
|---|---|
| Rotating contractors | Dedicated founding engineers |
| Account managers buffer conversations | Direct Slack access to engineers |
| Hourly billing, no outcome ownership | Outcome accountability from day one |
| Generic talent matching | Founder-led matching with startup veterans |
| Project handoffs create knowledge gaps | Embedded engineers who transfer knowledge |
| Limited technical leadership | Fractional CTO + senior IC execution |
Why Startups Switch to HyperNest
Founder-led, embedded engineers with direct Slack access and outcome ownership.
What You Get with HyperNest
- Founding engineers who ship like your first 5 hires
- Fractional CTO leadership for roadmap and architecture
- Direct Slack access—no account managers
- Outcome ownership, not just hourly billing
- Help building your internal engineering team
Common Traditional Agencies Challenges
We hear these concerns from founders who've tried software agencies models:
- ✗Rotating contractors who disappear when things get hard
- ✗Account managers buffer every conversation
- ✗Bloated retainers with no outcome accountability
- ✗Spam founders with cold emails and calls
- ✗Ticket queues instead of real collaboration
What We've Built
Rupa Health
$100K→$5M ARRFractional CTO from Seed to Series A, scaling ARR from $100K to $5M.
Read case study →
OddsJam
AcquiredTechnical due diligence that unlocked acquisition by Gambling.com.
Read case study →
Dromo
0→1 to ScaleFounding engineer from 0→1 to enterprise-scale data platform.
Read case study →“HyperNest helped us build Dromo from zero to one and continues to be a critical partner as we scale. Their founding engineer embedded with our team like a full-time hire—shipping features, owning reliability, and never needing to be managed.”
Traditional Agencies vs HyperNest FAQs
What's the main difference between HyperNest and Traditional Agencies?
Traditional Agencies is a software agencies that traditional software development agencies with project-based billing. HyperNest Labs provides embedded fractional CTOs and founding engineers who join your team with full outcome ownership—not rotating contractors or hourly consultants.
Is HyperNest more expensive than Traditional Agencies?
Our pricing is competitive with senior engineering talent, typically ranging from $150-250/hour for founding engineers and fractional CTO engagements. Unlike Traditional Agencies, we don't charge matching fees or platform overhead. You pay for engineering time, not middlemen.
Can I switch from Traditional Agencies to HyperNest?
Absolutely. Many clients come to us after experiencing the limitations of software agencies models. We can start within 1-2 weeks and typically integrate with your existing team and codebase quickly.
Does HyperNest offer the same services as Traditional Agencies?
We focus specifically on venture-backed startups needing fractional CTO leadership, founding engineers, and AI/LLM development. Unlike broad talent marketplaces, we specialize in embedding senior engineers who act as product partners, not just code contributors.
What if I need to scale beyond what HyperNest offers?
We help you build your internal engineering team. Our fractional CTOs run hiring loops and help you recruit full-time engineers. The goal is to build your capability, not create dependency on us.
Other Comparisons
Ready to try a different approach?
See how embedded founding engineers compare to software agencies models. Book a call to discuss your needs.