Build routes compared

Before you build, you choose how to build.

Four routes, each with a different risk, cost and ceiling.

  1. Vibe-coding AI tools

    Ceiling
    Best when
    Fast idea testing; pre-validation; tiny budget
    Main risk
    Breaks under growth; no architecture; difficult handover
    Cost
    Lowest upfront
    Ceiling
    Low; production usually needs a rebuild

  2. Agency

    Ceiling
    Best when
    Defined build; clear technical brief that you can assess
    Main risk
    Dependency; incentive to keep the work going
    Cost
    High, ongoing
    Ceiling
    Medium; capped by the incentive to retain work

  3. Technical co-founder

    Ceiling
    Best when
    Right person found; long-term ownership
    Main risk
    Slow, rare match; permanent equity commitment
    Cost
    Equity and cash; a salary is usually required
    Ceiling
    High, with the right person
  4. How 11HV works

    Fractional leader

    Ceiling
    Best when
    Senior direction and a team; no full-time leadership hire or equity dilution
    Main risk
    Finding a partner who can lead and build
    Cost
    Retained fee, no equity
    Ceiling
    High; handover to an owned and built internal team

Not sure which route fits? A Product Blueprint gives you a costed, sequenced plan before you commit to one.

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