01
Web applications
SaaS platforms, internal tools, client portals, dashboards. React or Vue on the frontend, Node.js or Laravel on the backend, MySQL or Oracle for data, deployed on AWS.
Software that does what your business needs. Not what a template allows.
Why teams ship with us
Since
2015
11+ years shipping software
Projects
100+
Across 4 continents
Retainers
30+
Active clients
Zone
CST
Same time zone as US teams
What We Build
02
Mobile apps
Native iOS and Android. Not hybrid wrappers that feel sluggish. Actual native apps built for each platform. We've shipped health trackers, fintech tools, and media readers.
03
MVPs for startups
You have an idea and a deadline. We define the MVP scope hard (what's in, what's out, what's "V2"), build it fast, and iterate with real user data. We did this with FitoApp (9 sprint cycles), Heal App, Talentify, and others.
04
E-commerce
WooCommerce on WordPress with payment gateways that work in Latin America. We've integrated BAC, Promerica, GreenPay, and PayPal. Shipping, inventory, the full picture.
05
Business intelligence and automation
Dashboards, reporting tools, data visualization, process automation. If your team is copying data between spreadsheets, we can probably fix that.
How We Work
01
Week 1-2: Ideation
We talk about what you're building and why. Not a sales call, a working session. We define MVP scope, clarify requirements, and decide what to build first. You get a proposal with timeline, cost, and team composition.
02
Week 3-4: Design
Wireframes and prototypes in Figma. We test navigation, structure, and flow before writing code. You review and comment directly in Figma. No PDFs. No "we'll follow up next week."
03
Week 5+: Development
Agile sprints, usually two weeks each. You see working software at the end of every sprint. We demo, you give feedback, we adjust.
04
Throughout: QA
Every feature gets tested across devices and use cases. Stress tests. Accessibility checks. We don't hand you code and wish you luck.
05
After launch: Support
Many of our clients stay on monthly retainers for bug fixes, updates, and new features. We're here after launch day.
Off-the-shelf tools work until they don't. When your workflow has 15 edge cases that Salesforce can't handle, or your startup idea doesn't fit into a WordPress plugin, you need something built for you.
We've been doing this since 2015. Custom software for SaaS companies, media platforms, fintech startups, health organizations. MVPs that need to ship in 8 weeks. Enterprise systems running daily for thousands of users.
If you already have a codebase on a different stack, we can work with it. We've inherited projects in Django, .NET, and plain PHP, and we improved them without rewriting from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does custom software development include?
Our custom software development work usually covers web apps, mobile apps, dashboards, internal tools, MVPs, and business systems built around your workflow instead of around a template.
Why choose Costa Rica for custom software development?
Costa Rica gives you strong timezone overlap with North America, easier collaboration, and a senior team that can build product-grade software without local US hiring overhead.
How much does custom software development cost?
Most MVPs land in the mid five figures. Larger platforms are scoped after discovery because integrations, permissions, reporting, and compliance needs change effort quickly.
How long does custom software development take?
Simple MVPs usually take 8-12 weeks. More complex platforms with integrations, multiple roles, or mobile clients often run 3-6 months.
What technologies or tools do you use for custom software development?
React, Vue, Node.js, Laravel/PHP, MySQL, PostgreSQL, AWS, Vercel, and native mobile when the product needs it.
Can you work with an existing team or codebase?
Yes. We can build from zero, extend an existing platform, or take over a legacy codebase without forcing a rewrite.
Do you work with US companies and overlapping time zones?
Yes. We regularly work with teams in the US and Canada, and Costa Rica gives us practical overlap for standups, reviews, QA, and quick decisions during the workday.
Which industries do you support with custom software development?
SaaS, fintech, media, health, ecommerce, and internal business software.
Do you provide ongoing support after the first engagement?
Yes. Many custom software projects move into a retainer for maintenance, new features, analytics, and operational improvements after launch.
How do we start a custom software development project with 5e Labs?
We begin with goals, users, constraints, and the smallest version worth shipping. Then we scope the build, timeline, and team before development starts.
Tell us about your project
Recent work in this area
Dcifra Tu Cantón
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Ojo al Clima
Climate journalism platform for Ojo al Clima with newsletter signup, investigative reporting, and data visualization for environmental stories.
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