Discovery Planning
Clarify your vision, audience, business goals, key features, integrations, monetization opportunities, technology stack, budget, and schedule before development begins.
Turn your Chicago software idea into a scalable, market-ready web application with Founders Workshop. Our team combines product strategy, UX design, full-stack development, AI integration, cloud deployment, and long-term support through a proven 5D Process built for startups, SMBs, and growth teams that need practical execution without sacrificing equity.
End-to-end web application strategy, design, development, deployment, AI integration, and support for scalable digital products.
Clarify your vision, audience, business goals, key features, integrations, monetization opportunities, technology stack, budget, and schedule before development begins.
Define requirements, user flows, architecture, and clickable prototypes that turn your app concept into an actionable roadmap for development.
Build robust, scalable web applications through an agile development process led by experienced full-stack, front-end, back-end, and QA specialists.
Launch your product with scalable hosting, release support, 24/7 server monitoring, disaster recovery planning, and cloud infrastructure guidance.
Keep your web application healthy with monitoring, maintenance, performance optimization, user analytics, backups, feature enhancements, and monthly reporting.
Enhance your application with generative AI, conversational AI, workflow automation, custom GPTs, vector databases, model training, and AI consulting.
We begin by understanding your business model, target users, short- and long-term goals, key integrations, risks, and revenue opportunities so Chicago founders and SMB teams can move forward with clarity.
Founders Workshop has delivered 200+ custom software solutions for startups, SMBs, and growing digital businesses.
"We created fashionable, versatile and purposeful "I believe in you" bracelets that are designed to be given away to others to let them know you believe in them."
A strategy-led development partner built for founders, SMBs, and product teams.
The 5D Process reduces risk from idea validation through launch and long-term support.
Seasoned executives and entrepreneurs guide decisions with real startup and SMB operating experience.
Remote collaboration supports Chicago teams with structured communication, product clarity, and efficient delivery.
Nearshore talent helps Chicago companies control costs while maintaining quality and cultural alignment.
Experienced founders guiding strategy, product, delivery, and growth.
CEO / Founder
Vincent Serpico is the CEO and Founder of Founders Workshop, the Arizona-based software innovation firm he established in 2008. With over 30 years of experience as a business leader, founder, and entrepreneur, Vincent has guided the company through major technological shifts — from the rise of the web and mobile to today's AI-driven landscape. Under his leadership, Founders Workshop has delivered more than 200 custom B2B and B2C software solutions for startups and SMBs across Arizona, Latin America, and the Western Hemisphere. Vincent is passionate about helping entrepreneurs transform ideas into market-ready products without sacrificing equity, bringing both strategic vision and deep entrepreneurial expertise to every client engagement.
CPO / Cofounder
Wayne Neale serves as Chief Product Officer and Cofounder of Founders Workshop, bringing a seasoned entrepreneurial perspective to the company's product strategy and development process. With more than 30 years of experience as a business leader, investor, and product visionary, Wayne plays a central role in shaping the firm's field-tested 5D Process — a proven framework that reliably translates business ideas into market-ready MVPs. He works closely with founders and SMBs across Arizona and Latin America to ensure that every software solution aligns with real market needs. Wayne's deep understanding of both the startup journey and enterprise product development makes him a trusted guide for clients at every stage of growth.
COO / Cofounder
Michael Vanderslice is the Chief Operating Officer and Cofounder of Founders Workshop, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations that power the company's delivery of high-quality software solutions. With over 30 years of experience as a business owner, executive, and entrepreneur, Michael ensures that Founders Workshop's team of 25 senior developers, designers, testers, and project managers operates with precision, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. He oversees the company's nearshore staff augmentation model across Latin America and the Western Hemisphere, enabling clients to access top-tier technical talent at a fraction of U.S. costs. Michael's operational expertise and entrepreneurial background make him a cornerstone of the firm's consistent, client-focused delivery.
Custom web application development is the process of planning, designing, building, deploying, and maintaining software tailored to a specific business model, workflow, or customer experience. Unlike off-the-shelf platforms, a custom web app can include unique user roles, dashboards, integrations, automation, payment flows, AI features, reporting tools, and scalable cloud infrastructure designed around your goals.
Talk with our product team about scope, timeline, and next steps.
Four software solutions recognized by major competition.
Longstanding software innovation and product development partner.
Custom B2B and B2C products delivered.
Share your product idea, current challenge, or application goals and our team will help you identify the right next step.
To help us assist you faster, please include the reason for your message so the relevant team can reach out as soon as possible.
To help us assist you faster, please include the reason for your message so the relevant team can reach out as soon as possible.