Little Planet LabsFrequently asked questions
Straight answers about how Little Planet Labs works: what we do, how engagements are scoped, and when AI is worth adding to a product.
What does a software consultant actually do?
A software consultant steps into an existing team or project to solve a specific engineering problem: designing architecture, untangling a codebase, planning an API, or advising on technical direction. At Little Planet Labs, engagements start by understanding what you are building and where it is stuck, then move to a written scope with a fixed first milestone.
How much does software consulting cost?
Every engagement starts with a short conversation, then a written scope with a fixed first milestone, so the cost and outcome of the first phase are agreed in writing before work begins. From there, engagements can stay small and focused or grow into long-running collaboration, depending on what the project needs.
Do you work with startups or only large companies?
Neither extreme is required. We take on small engagements that need focused senior expertise for a short time, and larger projects that require ongoing collaboration and deep technical involvement. What the work has in common is a hard engineering problem and a team that needs senior help to solve it.
Can you help add AI features to an existing app?
Yes. We can advise on where language models genuinely reduce effort and where they only demo well, then design and build the feature into your existing system. Experience includes software factories, AI-assisted development workflows, and the human processes that make them work.
How is AI strategy consulting different from hiring a developer?
Hiring a developer adds execution capacity against a plan you already have. AI strategy work decides which problems are worth solving with AI, how it should fit your product and team, and whether it is worth building at all. Engagements often start with strategy and continue into building and shipping.
When is AI not worth adding to a product?
When a simpler, deterministic solution does the job, when the task needs guarantees language models cannot give, or when the economics do not close. There are times language models genuinely reduce effort and times they only demo well — telling you honestly which one your idea is, is part of the job.
Do you work remotely or on-site in Austin?
Little Planet Labs is based in Austin, Texas. Most day-to-day collaboration happens remotely, and on-site work with Austin-area teams is easy to arrange. You do not need to be in Austin, or even in Texas, to work with us.
How long does a typical engagement last?
It ranges. Some engagements are short and focused: a few weeks of specialized expertise. Others are long-running collaborations with deep technical involvement over months or longer. Starting with a fixed first milestone keeps the commitment small before either side scales it up.
Who owns the code you write?
You do. Work produced under contract belongs to the client. Client engagements and internal products are kept separate: we build and publish our own software, and it stays ours, just as your work stays yours.
What technologies do you specialize in?
The core is TypeScript and the architecture around it: complex software systems, API design, and long-running product development. On the AI side, experience covers AI-assisted development, software factories, and language-model product features. We also build and publish our own software, including mobile applications.
What is the first step to working with you?
A short conversation about what you are building and where it has stalled. Email or call, and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right people for it — and if we are not, we will say so.
Do you offer fixed-price projects or hourly billing?
Most engagements begin with a written scope and a fixed first milestone, so the first phase has a defined outcome. How the work is structured after that follows the project: fixed-scope phases, ongoing collaboration, or something in between.
Still have a question?
Ask it directly: hello@littleplanetlabs.com or +1 737-264-2139.