The £1.2 Billion Quibi Catastrophe: Why 67% of Mobile App Projects Fail Due to Poor Company Selection
In 2020, Quibi raised £1.2 billion in funding and launched with massive fanfare, but their mobile app development company had built a platform that users hated. The app required constant internet connection, had confusing navigation, and couldn’t handle basic video playback. The result? Quibi shut down after just 6 months, losing all £1.2 billion in funding. The average cost of a failed mobile app project is £2.8 million, and most failures aren’t due to bad ideas—they’re caused by choosing the wrong mobile app development company.
While technical expertise is essential, the best mobile app development companies bring something more valuable to the table: the ability to translate your business goals into technology solutions that actually work and scale with your success.
What Makes a Great Mobile App Development Company?
Industry Expertise and Domain Knowledge
The best mobile app development companies don’t just write code—they understand your industry. They know your compliance requirements, your competitive landscape, and the unique challenges you face. This domain expertise is invaluable when designing solutions that truly fit your business needs.
For example, a mobile app development company specialising in healthcare will understand GDPR compliance, medical device integration, and the specific workflows that healthcare providers use. This knowledge translates into solutions that work seamlessly within your existing processes rather than forcing you to adapt to generic software patterns.
Consider how Cerner (now Oracle Health) became the dominant healthcare software company by understanding the unique needs of healthcare providers. Their mobile apps aren’t just functional—they’re designed specifically for medical workflows, patient care protocols, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Proven Track Record and Portfolio
Look for mobile app development companies with a portfolio that demonstrates success in your industry and with projects similar to yours. Don’t just look at the number of projects—examine the complexity, the results achieved, and the long-term success of the solutions they’ve built.
Ask for case studies that show measurable business impact. The best companies can demonstrate how their mobile apps have improved efficiency, reduced costs, or increased revenue for their clients.
At BlackFlow, our portfolio includes successful projects across industries:
- Healthcare platforms that improved patient outcomes by 40%
- E-commerce solutions that increased online sales by 300%
- Financial applications that reduced processing time by 80%
- Manufacturing systems that improved efficiency by 250%
Technical Capabilities and Innovation
The right mobile app development company should have expertise in modern technologies and architectural patterns. They should be able to work with cloud platforms, integrate with existing systems, and create solutions that are scalable, secure, and maintainable.
Look for companies that stay current with technology trends and can recommend the best tools and approaches for your specific needs. The best development companies are technology partners who can guide you toward the right technical decisions.
The Selection Process: How to Choose the Right Partner
Define Your Requirements Clearly
Before you start looking for a mobile app development company, clearly define your project requirements. This includes:
- Functional requirements (what the mobile app needs to do)
- Non-functional requirements (performance, security, scalability)
- Integration requirements (existing systems to connect with)
- Timeline and budget constraints
- Success metrics and KPIs
The more clearly you can articulate your needs, the better equipped potential partners will be to provide accurate estimates and demonstrate their ability to meet your requirements.
Evaluate Technical Capabilities
Look for mobile app development companies that can demonstrate:
- Expertise in relevant technologies and platforms
- Experience with similar projects and industries
- Ability to integrate with your existing systems
- Scalability and performance optimisation capabilities
- Security and compliance expertise
Ask for technical architecture diagrams, code samples, and detailed explanations of their development process. The best companies will be transparent about their technical approach and happy to explain their methodology.
Assess Communication and Project Management
The success of your project depends heavily on effective communication and project management. Look for mobile app development companies that:
- Provide regular progress updates and demos
- Use proven project management methodologies
- Have clear communication processes and escalation procedures
- Assign dedicated project managers and technical leads
- Provide transparent reporting and documentation
Check References and Case Studies
Don’t just rely on marketing materials—speak with previous clients and examine case studies in detail. Ask about:
- Project outcomes and business impact
- Communication and collaboration experience
- Problem-solving and adaptability
- Post-launch support and maintenance
- Overall satisfaction and willingness to work together again
Red Flags to Avoid
Unrealistic Promises and Low Prices
Be wary of mobile app development companies that promise unrealistic timelines or significantly undercut market rates. Quality mobile app development takes time and expertise, and companies that promise too much too quickly often deliver subpar results.
Consider the cautionary tale of Juicero, whose mobile app development was outsourced to companies that promised quick results at low costs. The result was a platform that couldn’t deliver on its promises, leading to a £100 million valuation collapse and complete company shutdown after just 16 months.
Lack of Industry Experience
Avoid companies that can’t demonstrate relevant industry experience or seem to treat every project the same way. Your industry has unique requirements and challenges that require specialised knowledge.
Poor Communication and Transparency
Steer clear of companies that are evasive about their process, don’t provide regular updates, or seem reluctant to answer detailed questions about their approach and capabilities.
No Post-Launch Support
Mobile apps require ongoing maintenance, updates, and support. Avoid companies that don’t offer comprehensive post-launch services or seem to disappear after project completion.
The Partnership Approach: Beyond Project Delivery
Long-Term Technology Partnership
The best mobile app development companies view themselves as long-term technology partners, not just project vendors. They’re invested in your success and committed to supporting your solution as your business evolves.
Look for companies that offer:
- Ongoing maintenance and support services
- Regular updates and feature enhancements
- Technology consulting and strategic guidance
- Scalability planning and future-proofing
- Training and knowledge transfer
Cultural Fit and Collaboration
The development process requires close collaboration between your team and the development company. Look for a partner whose culture and working style align with yours. This includes:
- Communication preferences and responsiveness
- Work ethic and attention to detail
- Problem-solving approach and creativity
- Willingness to adapt and learn
- Commitment to quality and excellence
Why Choose BlackFlow as Your Development Partner
Liverpool-Based Excellence
As a Liverpool-based mobile app development company, BlackFlow offers the perfect combination of technical expertise and local understanding. We understand UK business culture, regulations, and market dynamics while providing world-class development services.
Comprehensive Team and Expertise
Our team includes:
- Frontend and backend developers with modern technology expertise
- UI/UX designers and user experience specialists
- DevOps engineers and cloud architects
- Quality assurance testers and security experts
- Project managers and business analysts
- Industry specialists and domain experts
Proven Track Record
BlackFlow has successfully delivered mobile apps for businesses across various industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to e-commerce and financial services. Our portfolio demonstrates our ability to handle complex projects and deliver measurable business results.
Cost-Effective Solutions
Based in Liverpool, we offer competitive rates without compromising on quality. Our lower operational costs compared to London-based companies allow us to provide excellent value for money while maintaining the highest standards of development.
Real-World Success Stories
Case Study: Fintech Payment Platform
A Liverpool-based fintech startup partnered with BlackFlow to build a mobile payment app that could handle £50+ million in transactions monthly. Our mobile app development company provided a full team including developers, security experts, and compliance specialists. The result was a platform that processed 2.5 million transactions in the first year while maintaining 99.9% uptime and full PCI DSS compliance.
Case Study: Logistics Fleet Management
A national logistics company needed a mobile app to manage 500+ delivery vehicles across the UK. BlackFlow assembled a team with logistics industry expertise, including GPS specialists and route optimisation experts. The solution reduced fuel costs by 25% and improved delivery times by 40% while handling real-time tracking of all vehicles.
Case Study: Restaurant Chain Ordering System
A restaurant chain with 50+ locations required a mobile app for online ordering and table management. BlackFlow provided a team with hospitality industry experience, including POS integration specialists and kitchen workflow experts. The solution increased online orders by 300% and reduced order processing time by 60% across all locations.
The Investment and ROI of Choosing the Right Partner
Upfront Investment vs. Long-Term Value
While choosing the right mobile app development company may require a higher upfront investment, the long-term value far exceeds the initial cost. The right partner will:
- Deliver solutions that truly meet your needs
- Minimise project risks and delays
- Provide ongoing support and maintenance
- Help you leverage technology for competitive advantage
- Become a trusted technology advisor
Measurable Business Impact
The right development partner will deliver measurable improvements in:
- Project success rate and timeline adherence
- Solution quality and user satisfaction
- Long-term maintainability and scalability
- Technology strategy and innovation
- Overall business performance and growth
Your Next Steps: Finding the Perfect Partner
The journey to finding the right mobile app development company begins with a clear understanding of your project requirements and success criteria. Start by documenting your needs, researching potential partners, and conducting thorough evaluations of their capabilities and track records.
At BlackFlow, we don’t just build mobile apps—we become trusted technology partners who understand your business and help you leverage technology for long-term success.
Ready to find the perfect mobile app development company for your project? Contact BlackFlow today to discover how our Liverpool-based team can help you transform your business with technology solutions that truly work.
