Senior engineering for the three moments founders get stuck.
Whether you're starting from an idea, a stalled build or an AI prototype, you work directly with one senior developer, and you get a fixed quote before any build starts.
MVP Build
Turn an idea, a spreadsheet or a deck into a product real users can log in to — built around the core of your idea, not a bloated feature list.
Build Rescue
A previous developer disappeared, or every fix breaks something else. I recover the code, stabilise it, and finish and ship — and I'll say so plainly if a rewrite would be cheaper.
Prototype Hardening
Built it with an AI tool and it almost works? I make it secure, correct with money and data, and ready for real users.
Why founders choose a senior
independent over the alternatives
| Criteria | The Forge | Typical agency | Low-cost freelancer | DIY with AI tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who you talk to | The senior dev who builds it | Account manager | Varies | Yourself |
| Price known upfront | Fixed quote after a $500 plan | Often after discovery | Hourly, open-ended | Low cash, high time |
| Money-math & ledgers | Core specialism | Depends on team | Rarely | Risky |
| Security built in | Login, approvals, monitoring | Usually | Varies | Often missing |
| You own code & IP | 100%, on final payment | Check the contract | Check the contract | Tied to the platform |
Free call → $500 Build Plan → fixed-price build
“Sikandar took the time to understand the vision behind my project and asked thoughtful questions to make sure the final product aligned with my goals. He provided realistic timelines, stuck to them, and delivered earlier than expected without sacrificing quality. What really stood out was his willingness to go above and beyond — he proactively handled extra tasks and improvements. The end result is a fully functional MVP I'm confident launching. I would absolutely work with him again.”
Not sure which one fits?
Most founders aren't. The free call sorts that out in 30 minutes.
Common. The Build Plan assesses what you have and recommends the cheapest path to a shippable product — rescue, harden, or rebuild the core.
Because it is real work: scope, data and security plan, timeline and a fixed quote in 2–3 days. The fee is credited in full if we build together.
Sometimes — health, events and sales-intelligence products are in the case studies. The deepest experience is in products where money and property data sit at the core.
I choose the right tools for your product and its size — often Python/FastAPI, Next.js/React and PostgreSQL — and explain the choice in plain English.