Discovery Phase and SaaS Platform Planning for an Independent Financial Advisory Firm

A six-week Discovery Phase that turned a founding team’s vision into an investment-ready product plan. SmartDev worked closely with the client to define product requirements, choose the right technology and infrastructure, and prepare detailed estimates for a SaaS platform. The platform uses algorithms to generate accurate, aggregated financial figures for financial advisors. We also supported the client in securing the investment funding needed for delivery.
Headcount

5 staffs (1 Project Manager, 1 Solution Architect, 1 Business Analyst, 1 UI/UX Designer, 1 DevOps Engineer)

Industries

Financial Services

Products and Services

Discovery Phase, SaaS Platform

Timescales

6 Weeks

Country

United Kingdom

Business Overview

Based in the United Kingdom, this independent financial advisory firm (IFA) is led by a founding team with extensive experience in the financial advisory industry.

The firm saw a gap in the market. Customers have to move between different platforms to get financial advice, and advisors spend a lot of time collecting accurate, aggregated information for their clients. Its mission is to deliver a seamless advisory experience for customers and give advisors reliable data they can act on quickly.

The Challenge

Our client had a clear vision: a SaaS platform that uses algorithms to generate accurate financial figures and gives advisors the data they need to serve clients. They had deep market knowledge but lacked the technical expertise to turn the idea into a product.

To attract capital investment, the founders first needed a Minimum Sell-able Product (MSP). They also needed a clear view of the technology, infrastructure, timeline and cost required to build and maintain it, and a credible plan to present to investors.

Without a technology partner who understood both fintech and product development, the idea risked staying at concept stage.

The Solution

SmartDev joined as a technology and product partner for a six-week Discovery Phase. Our team worked closely with the founders to identify product requirements, recommend the technology and infrastructure for building and maintaining the product, and define the functions of the minimum viable product.

We created product mockups and user flows for both end users seeking financial advice and the advisors who use the platform. We also prepared detailed estimates for system design, infrastructure, timeline and team structure. The project was phased clearly, with the number of sprints and the scope of user stories defined up front.

SmartDev also supported the client in securing investment funding for the implementation. We used the financial data provided to build financial models that calculate ROI ratios. With this plan, the founders could communicate confidently with investors and move forward with the build.

Key Deliverables

Mockups for Users

Designs for the two core audiences: end users seeking financial advice, and the financial advisors who use the platform.

Technical Overview and Investment

Technical approach, infrastructure and deployment advice, plus the tools and services needed to build and run the platform.

Sprint Design and Financial Projection

A work breakdown with time, cost and personnel estimates, plus a financial projection for planning and investor talks.

Client Achievements

A Clear Roadmap

The founders now have defined requirements, a phased plan and accurate estimates, so they know what to build and how.

Investor-Ready Planning

Mockups, technical documentation and financial projections give the team solid material for investor conversations.

Support in Securing Funding

Financial models and ROI calculations helped the client secure the investment funds needed to cover project implementation costs.

Get Started

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