Too many software projects fail.
Your vision deserves to see the light of day
Software exists to make work easier, not harder.
When a project is floundering, all we see is missed opportunity.
If you're like us, you've seen this story play out: a project begins with high aspirations and enthusiasm, and then tragically grinds to a halt when it's time to start building.
- The project doesn't have clear executive sponsorship, so it lacks the resources it needs.
- The Product Manager and the Director of Engineering don't get along, so they can't communicate in a way to get the work done.
- The COO is too busy to define what they want in the latest version, so the definition of requirements is stalled out.
- There are so many bugs in production, the development team can't work on new features.
- The release schedule is a moving target, and it's impossible to plan strategically around getting the software out the door.
These types of symptoms point to a larger diagnosis: an ineffective software development process.
LaunchWare has found a better way.
Years ago, we had enough with seeing audacious visions unrealized. For the past 22 years, we've helped dozens of people just like you cure what's ailing their software development process and get their software shipped.
- Clear, written understanding of product objectives and how it contributes to the company's strategy
- Regular releases every 2 weeks
- Consistent backlog refinement so that engineers have clarity on what they're building
- Automated testing that ensures every build of your software makes its quality better, not worse
- Well-established development milestones and an understanding of how to allocate the team
At LaunchWare, that's the reality we're creating for all of our clients. We're committed to doing the same for you, so that you can stop stressing and start shipping.
Meet LaunchWare's Leaders
Dan Pickett
Founder
Dan believes software has the profound power to better our lives. Yet, as a respected technology leader and seasoned software developer, Dan often noticed a recurring issue: product teams trapped in a web of miscommunication, failing to sharply define the problems they intended to solve. The aftermath? Solutions riddled with technical debt, an inability to adapt to changing user needs, and oversights that let users down.
For Dan, these problems aren’t a simple observation—they’ve launched a personal mission. Every time a founder or tech executive brings a struggling product idea to the table, he sees beyond the code. He observes capable minds constrained by challenges—and the heartache of missed opportunities. As a founder himself, Dan genuinely understands the weight of missed opportunities and the added frustrations non-technical individuals face when navigating these challenges.
However, Dan isn’t just an empathetic ear. He's a solutions architect. Equipped with a Computer Science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, his resume includes a role as a Director of Engineering and 15 rich years of consulting. He’s also a teacher at heart, having helped train over 1000 Software Engineers via Launch Academy. Partnering with Dan means you aren't merely crafting software; you're making dreams become tangible realities.
Outside of professional pursuits, Dan is a devoted husband and father to three children. When not in front of the screen, Dan enjoys weightlifting, hockey, and coaching his kids in baseball and soccer. His two dogs, aptly named Linux and Apple, hint at a tech passion that spills into his personal life. Always curious, he spends his evenings diving into new technological realms and hunting for new ways to uplift those around him.
Bill Rowell
Principal Engineer
In an industry where technology often takes the center stage, Bill understands the importance of the human element in software development. It’s critical. In Bill's view, a healthy dialogue between every party involved in a project is not just beneficial but essential for the timely delivery of valuable software solutions.
Bill's empathy stems from a simple yet profound belief: Every participant in a project is an individual human being. We all have our personal and professional hurdles, and we all make mistakes. By keeping the people, both developers and end-users, at the forefront, he champions the creation of long-term, effective solutions.
With over 20 years as a Software Engineer, Bill brings a wealth of experience to the table. He has thrived in various team sizes and has also managed departments of 30 or more, enabling him to address a spectrum of challenges. He’s an authority on both the technical and business nuances of software development.
A graduate of WPI in Computer Science, Bill blends his professional pursuits with an enriching personal life in Massachusetts. A loving husband and father of two, he's an avid mountain biker and skier, making the most of New England's diverse seasons. His family time is cherished, whether they're on the road or engaging in domestic projects.
One commendation from a previous manager succinctly captures Bill's unique value: “He thinks more strategically about our business, offering a refreshing perspective amid operation-focused managers.” For Bill, the business impact of his role is just as fulfilling as its technical aspects. He’s a well-rounded leader who knows how to balance human considerations with business imperatives.
What We Believe
At LaunchWare, we're driven by a set of foundational beliefs that guide every project we undertake. These are more than just talking points. They're the principles that shape our approach, influence our decisions, and define who we are as a team.
Technology is a Force for Good
We're adamant that technology should enhance the well-being of its users. If a project's intent is deceptive or ethically questionable, it doesn't just merit reconsideration—it simply won't be built by us.
Every Project is Unique
We understand that each client and each technological hurdle is singular in its complexities and opportunities. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we value custom approaches tailored to each project's unique demands.
Evolution Over Stagnation
In our eyes, software development is not a linear process but an evolutionary journey. Adaptability and flexibility aren't mere 'nice-to-haves'. They're essential traits for navigating the unpredictable landscape of software innovation.
Software is an Exercise in Communication
We believe that software projects are, at their core, exercises in effective communication. From the initial idea to the final product, clear and open dialogue is crucial. It enables us to understand not just what needs to be built, but why, for whom, and to what end.
Transparency and Accountability
Openness builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful partnership. We believe in maintaining transparency about our processes, decisions, and progress, holding ourselves accountable for delivering on our commitments.
By staying true to these core beliefs, we aim to foster partnerships that are not just profitable, but also meaningful and enduring. If these beliefs resonate with you, you're likely the kind of partner we're looking to collaborate with.
Make your vision a reality.
Request your launch call
Let’s hop on a call to discuss what challenges your facing, and how we can help. It takes 30 minutes, and we’ll clearly identify next steps to advance your project.
Revive your project
Together, we’ll identify the most important next steps to get your project back on track. Any big or complex endeavor can be broken down into small steps, so we’ll collaboratively map out the all-important first leap.
Reach your goals
When your product solves the right problems and is built to scale, the sky is the limit for where it will take your organization.