If you're a SaaS startup founder gearing up to get your first paying customers within 12 to 18 months, the composition of your technology stack can be the linchpin to success. Let's compare, for example, the best choice between Ruby, Flutter, and JavaScript, and its implications for development speed, cost, runnability, and efficiency that significantly impact the budget and timeline.

A software application that needs a backend, frontend, and potentially mobile components delivered in 6 months - 1 year. And these are the most popular Tech Stack options:

Developer salaries: based on Glassdoor's annual average.

Ruby Developer: ≈ $110,000; Flutter Developer: ≈ $119,000; JavaScript Developer: ≈ $110,000.

The Composition and Cost of a Ruby team require separate devs. Assuming you need at least 2 backend developers, and 1 frontend + 1 mobile developer (both in other technology, probably), the total cost for 6 months would be $221,500

For a Flutter Team: Probably using 2 developers who can handle both frontend and mobile, with a separate backend setup, the cost would be $181,000

And a dedicated remote JavaScript team composed of 3 full-stack devs (from LatAm): $165,500. Profitability and greater use of full-stack talent that keep downtime low while ensuring progress continues, a more cohesive development experience with the same language in the backend, frontend, and mobile, which reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Know the Impact on Runway based on Time, Team Size, Tech Stack, and Budget:

To make it more accurate, add the Features and Maturity Jumps amount, the Sprint X-ray (How will you distribute the load according to your dev's role & seniority?), and the confirmed updated (Glassdoor, LinkedIn or any) Tech Stack Dev's Salary ranges in your region. In a quick call, we can help you optimize your tech stack. Get a free consultation with our CTO by scheduling here!

Let’s get your app back on track!