Custom Software Development: 4 global agencies to consider
Four global Custom Software Development agencies: Thoughtworks, EPAM, Atomic Object, Netguru. Sources linked; the order is not a ranking.
Agencies shortlisted for building bespoke business software, from complex systems to long-lived products.
| Agency | HQ | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Thoughtworks | Chicago, USA (founded there, per its site) | Complex business systems with long-term architectural consequences. |
| EPAM | Newtown, Pennsylvania, USA (third-party sources) | Large applications requiring several engineering specialisms. |
| Atomic Object | Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; offices in Ann Arbor, Chicago and Raleigh-Durham | Bespoke products needing a closely involved design and engineering partner. |
| Netguru | Poznan, Poland | Digital products where usability and business requirements develop together. |
Shortlisted
Thoughtworks
Best for: Complex business systems with long-term architectural consequences.
Engineering-led consultancy combining software delivery, architecture and engineering practice improvement.
In this category:
- Software delivery combined with architecture and engineering practice improvement
- Systems with long-term architectural consequences
HQChicago, USA (founded there, per its site)
Founded1993
Team10,000+ people; 47 offices in 18 countries
Named clientsNestle Brazil (named on its site)
Partners & badgesMicrosoft, AWS, Google Cloud, Databricks and Snowflake partner; AWS Global Partner of the Year for data and analytics (2025)
Services
Best at
- Software delivery combined with architecture and engineering practice improvement
- Systems with long-term architectural consequences
Also offers
- Data engineering and analytics
- Product and experience design
- AI/works and Agent/works platforms
- Continuous delivery and engineering practice improvement
Source: capability pageFacts from the company’s own website and public sources, checked 16 Oct 2026. Not a ranking.
Shortlisted
EPAM
Best for: Large applications requiring several engineering specialisms.
Broad engineering coverage across platforms, products, quality and supporting technical disciplines.
In this category:
- Large applications needing several engineering specialisms
- Platforms, products and quality under one firm
HQNewtown, Pennsylvania, USA (third-party sources)
Founded1993 (third-party sources)
TeamAbout 62,850 people in 55+ countries (end of 2025, third-party sources)
Named clientsNot stated on pages we could read
Partners & badgesNot stated
Services
Best at
- Large applications needing several engineering specialisms
- Platforms, products and quality under one firm
Also offers
- Data and AI services: modernization, platforms, decision intelligence
- Digital experience and design
- Ongoing operations and support
Source: capability pageFacts from the company’s own website and public sources, checked 16 Oct 2026. Not a ranking.
Shortlisted
Atomic Object
Best for: Bespoke products needing a closely involved design and engineering partner.
Focused design and development consultancy spanning web, mobile, cloud and connected devices.
In this category:
- Design and development of bespoke products
- Web, mobile, cloud and connected devices
HQGrand Rapids, Michigan, USA; offices in Ann Arbor, Chicago and Raleigh-Durham
Founded2001
TeamAbout 125 (third-party)
Named clientsFord, Priority Health, Cleveland Clinic, Qualcomm, Johnson & Johnson, Bosch
Partners & badgesEmployee-owned; says it was ranked #1 Software Development Firm Worldwide by Clutch in 2025 (self-reported)
Services
What stands out
- Employee-owned (since 2007, third-party)
- States 200+ organizations served, including Ford, Cleveland Clinic and Qualcomm
- Publishes project length and budget ranges (3-18+ months, USD 50k to 1M+)
Research before choosing
- Its Clutch #1 ranking is self-reported; verify it on Clutch
- Stated budgets start around USD 50k
- Headcount figures differ by source (about 115 to 170)
Source: capability pageFacts from the company’s own website and public sources, checked 16 Oct 2026. Not a ranking.
Shortlisted
Netguru
Best for: Digital products where usability and business requirements develop together.
Combines development with product management, design, cloud and security.
In this category:
- Product management, UX/UI design and engineering in one team
- Cloud and security services alongside development
HQPoznan, Poland
Founded17+ years in market
Team400+ people
Named clientsDelivery Hero, UBS, Vinted, Zabka, OLX / Otodom
Partners & badgesMicrosoft, AWS and VTEX partner; B Corp; Clutch, Inc. 5000
Services
What stands out
- Publishes cost ranges and engagement models.
- Named case studies with results.
- Documented process with two-week sprints.
Research before choosing
- Company figures differ across its own pages; ask for current numbers.
- Published ranges are baselines, not quotes.
- Confirm which team members will work on your project.
Source: capability pageFacts from the company’s own website and public sources, checked 16 Oct 2026. Not a ranking.
How this shortlist was made: agencies were chosen for relevant public work, depth in the category and coverage across the project lifecycle, based on public evidence, mainly provider sources. Team quality and comparable client references still need checking before selection. See How We Choose.
How to choose
- Ask who will own the architecture and how decisions are recorded.
- Request a reference with a system of similar size and age.
- Agree maintenance and handover terms before kickoff.
- Check how the team handles testing and delivery practices.
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