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In episode #16 of "Backstage Tech", we're walking through a 10-point framework to tell whether you're talking to a real development partner — or a devshop that will burn your time and cash.

Pulling from 8+ years working shoulder-to-shoulder with software founders, here's what separates a partner who moves your business forward from a vendor who hides behind documentation the moment something goes wrong:

1. Ownership mindset — devshops spend your money, partners make you money. You feel the difference in the first conversation
2. Founder accessibility — if you can't get anyone with real authority on a call before signing, imagine what happens after you pay
3. Team retention — check LinkedIn before you commit. High turnover is a red flag that tells you everything about the culture
4. Proactive suggestions — order takers wait for instructions. Real partners show up with ideas before you even ask
5. Chase dynamic — if you're always hunting them down for updates, that's your answer. A real partner is chasing you

If you own, fund, or lead a software product, this episode gives you a practical checklist to use on your next agency discovery call — before you wire a single dollar.

👉 Want to talk through how to find the right dev partner for your product? Email [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn.