Arcanys is a leading software development company headquartered in Cebu City, Philippines, with additional operations in Hong Kong. Specializing in custom software development and team augmentation, Arcanys builds highly skilled software development teams for both startups and established businesses.
The company offers a wide range of services, including web and mobile development, dedicated teams, UX/UI design, and virtual assistant support. With over 320 employees and a global client base that spans Australia, Europe, and the U.S., Arcanys has established itself as a recognized leader in the field, earning accolades from Clutch as the top software development company in the Philippines from 2021 to 2023. Flexiple, one of Arcanys’ main competitors, also focuses on hiring web developers and providing remote teams to businesses worldwide.
How Does Arcanys Work?
Arcanys works by offering tailored software development solutions to clients and providing career opportunities for talented individuals seeking to join their team. Here is a detailed breakdown of how Arcanys operates for both clients and candidates.
For Clients
- Initial Engagement: Clients initiate the process by reaching out to Arcanys to discuss their software development needs. This could include building new platforms, enhancing existing systems, or developing specific technical features. The goal is to understand the client’s business and project objectives to offer a solution that aligns with their needs.
- Project Assessment: Arcanys then conducts a thorough assessment of the client’s project. This involves evaluating the client’s requirements, strengths, and potential weaknesses in their current system. Arcanys uses this assessment to determine how their team of experts can complement the client’s existing team and fill any gaps in knowledge or skills.
- Team Composition: Depending on the complexity and maturity of the client's project, Arcanys assembles a tailored team. This team may include senior architects, project managers, and mid-level developers. The composition ensures that the right expertise is available to execute the project successfully while maintaining high quality.
- Development Process: During the development phase, the Arcanys team works closely with the client, ensuring that their project meets all technical and functional requirements. The process includes regular feedback cycles and close collaboration between the Arcanys team and the client. For example, Arcanys developed a .NET platform for a registration company while ensuring strict adherence to PCI compliance standards, ensuring the project is both functional and secure.
- Ongoing Support: Once the project is complete, Arcanys continues to provide ongoing support and maintenance. This ensures that the client’s platform remains functional, up-to-date, and adaptable to future changes. Arcanys provides this support to help clients address any emerging challenges or evolving business needs.
For Candidates
- Application Submission: Candidates begin by submitting their resumes or CVs to Arcanys. Candidates are encouraged to continue the application process even if they encounter initial challenges, as Arcanys values persistence and determination. The submissions are carefully reviewed to assess the candidates’ experience, technical skills, and responses to pre-screening questions. This step helps Arcanys ensure they are selecting candidates who align with their clients’ needs and the company’s technical requirements.
- HR Screening: After the application submission, the HR team screens each application to identify candidates with the most relevant skills and experience. This stage involves matching the candidate’s background with the job requirements to ensure a fit for the open position. The goal is to shortlist the most promising candidates for the next stage.
- HR Interview: Selected candidates are invited for an HR interview. During this interview, the HR team assesses the candidate’s work experience, soft skills, and cultural fit within the organization. This stage ensures that the candidate’s values and personality align with Arcanys’ team dynamics and workplace culture.
- Technical Exam: Depending on the job position, candidates may be required to complete a technical exam to evaluate their technical competencies. The technical exam assesses the candidate’s skills in relevant programming languages, frameworks, or technologies, depending on the role they are applying for.
- Final Interview and Job Offer: Successful candidates who pass the technical exam are invited for a final interview. During this stage, the hiring managers assess their readiness to take on the role, and if the candidate is deemed a good fit, a job offer is extended.
- Onboarding: Once hired, candidates undergo an onboarding process. This includes familiarizing them with the company’s systems, tools, and processes, as well as introducing them to the team and their specific role. The onboarding process is designed to help new hires integrate seamlessly into the Arcanys team and be productive as quickly as possible.
Business Model of Arcanys
Arcanys has created a distinctive business model that combines software development outsourcing with venture capital investments, positioning itself as a valuable partner for startups and established businesses alike.
The company focuses on providing highly skilled software development teams while also offering strategic investment through its tech-for-equity model. This dual approach allows Arcanys to provide both technological expertise and financial support to startups, helping them grow efficiently and reduce costs. The model is particularly effective for seed and Series A stage startups, providing them with the resources they need to succeed without the typical challenges of cash flow or team management.
Software Development Outsourcing
Arcanys offers tailored software development services by assembling full-time dedicated teams of skilled developers, focusing on web and mobile applications, business analysis, and UX/UI design. This outsourcing model allows businesses to access top-tier talent without the need for extensive in-house hiring.
Tech-for-Equity Model
Through Arcanys Ventures, the company adopts a tech-for-equity model, where instead of cash investments, it provides dedicated development teams to startups. This allows startups to save on development costs while still getting the expertise they need to accelerate their product launches.
Startup Partnerships
Arcanys partners with venture capitalists and investment organizations to co-invest in startups. By aligning with these investors, Arcanys provides both funding and operational support, ensuring that startups have the necessary resources to grow and succeed.
Focus on Seed and Series A Startups
Arcanys targets seed and Series A stage startups, helping them navigate challenges such as cash flow constraints and team-building issues. The company's goal is to foster long-term partnerships that contribute to sustainable growth and success for these early-stage businesses.
Review of Arcanys' Key Features
Arcanys has a strong presence in Cebu City, Philippines, specializing in software development and team augmentation. The company offers a wide range of services aimed at helping businesses scale with skilled talent and innovative solutions. Below are the key features that make Arcanys a valuable partner for both clients and freelancers alike:
1. Software Development Expertise
Arcanys offers a comprehensive range of software development services, specializing in languages like C++, Angular, JavaScript, .NET, Node.js, and more. This expertise allows clients to access highly skilled developers who can create custom solutions tailored to their specific business needs. For freelancers, this presents opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects with leading technologies.
2. Web and Mobile Development
Arcanys is proficient in both web and mobile application development, building applications for iOS, Android, and web platforms. This service benefits clients by ensuring seamless digital experiences for their users, while freelancers can work on developing innovative, cutting-edge applications in a variety of industries.
3. Dedicated Teams
For clients looking to scale their development efforts, Arcanys provides full-time dedicated teams. These teams focus on software development, testing, and maintenance, ensuring consistent quality and performance. Freelancers benefit by joining dynamic teams that work on long-term projects, fostering collaboration and career growth.
4. UX/UI Design Services
Arcanys also offers UX/UI design services to ensure user-friendly and easy-to-navigate interfaces for their applications. This is beneficial to clients by improving the usability and customer satisfaction of their digital products. Freelancers with design skills can take advantage of these projects, gaining exposure to high-profile companies and contributing to innovative designs.
5. Client-Centric Business Model
Arcanys follows a partnership model rather than a traditional vendor-buyer approach. This fosters long-term relationships with clients, ensuring a deeper understanding of their needs and promoting more personalized service. For freelancers, this approach can lead to more stable and ongoing opportunities, as well as meaningful collaborations with clients who value quality and trust.
Arcanys Pricing Review
Arcanys offers flexible and scalable solutions for clients while providing competitive compensation packages for its employees. Although the company does not explicitly list fixed fees on its website, the following details provide an overview of their pricing structure for both clients and candidates:
For Clients
- Monthly Costs: The cost for clients can vary significantly depending on the project scope and team size. For example, one client reported spending between $10,000 to $12,000 per month for a smart factory project. Another client started with $10,000 per month and scaled up to nearly $30,000 per month for a payment platform project.
- Total Investments: Total investments can range from $100,000 to $400,000 or more over the course of a project, depending on its complexity and duration.
- Pricing Model: Arcanys offers flexible, cost-effective engagements with no hidden fees. Clients can scale their teams up or down as needed without long-term contracts. Arcanys ensures clients are always using the latest version of their software for optimal functionality and performance.
For Candidates
- No Fees Mentioned: There is no mention of fees for candidates. Arcanys offers competitive salary packages and benefits, including opportunities for continuous learning and career growth.
- Employment Terms: Arcanys primarily hires full-time IT professionals, and compensation packages are determined based on factors like experience and skills.
Arcanys User Experience Review
Arcanys offers a positive user experience for both freelancers and clients. Freelancers appreciate the clear communication and the timely payment system. The platform provides a structured environment for them to showcase their skills and receive consistent work.
Clients find the service professional and reliable. The process of hiring is straightforward, and project management tools help streamline collaboration. Most clients report satisfaction with the quality and dedication of the freelancers.
However, some users mention that the project scope can sometimes be unclear, which can lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, occasional delays in response times have been noted, though these issues appear to be minimal.
Pros and Cons of Arcanys: Positive & Negatives
Arcanys reviews from freelancers and clients highlight both positive and negative aspects of the platform. Freelancers and clients often evaluate Arcanys based on its service quality, communication, and project outcomes. It’s important to explore the pros and cons of working with Arcanys to understand the overall experience better. Below are some of the key advantages and disadvantages that users commonly mention in their reviews.
Pros of Arcanys
- High-quality talent selection.
- Streamlined communication processes.
- Reliable project management tools.
- Competitive compensation for freelancers.
- Strong focus on client satisfaction.
- Flexible work arrangements for freelancers.
- Opportunities for skill development.
Cons of Arcanys
- Limited project variety for freelancers.
- High expectations from clients can cause pressure.
- Communication challenges in remote setups.
- Less transparency in some internal processes.
- Project timelines can sometimes feel tight.
- Potential issues with managing multiple clients at once.
Top Alternatives to Arcanys for Clients
Flexiple, CloudDevs, and Gun.io are top alternatives to Arcanys for hiring elite software developers. These platforms offer distinct advantages based on location, speed, vetting process, and flexibility. Flexiple excels in its rigorous vetting process, presenting clients with highly skilled developers quickly.
CloudDevs specializes in providing nearshore talent from Latin America, offering developers in similar time zones for improved communication and collaboration. Gun.io stands out for its specialized talent pool, providing developers with niche expertise suited for complex or unique software development projects. Each platform is tailored to meet different business needs, helping clients choose the right fit for their hiring requirements.
1. Flexiple
Flexiple is a premier network that connects clients with top freelance developers and designers for both full-time and contract roles. Known for its rigorous vetting process, which evaluates over 50 unique data points, Flexiple ensures that only the best talent is available for clients. The platform specializes in matching developers across various experience levels, from junior to senior to architect. Clients benefit from a week-long trial to assess the developer’s skills and compatibility before making a final decision.
Flexiple is home to elite talent, with alumni from top companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Its clients range from venture-backed companies such as Urban Ladder and Plivo, and the platform offers flexibility in hiring models, ensuring smooth project alignment with the help of a dedicated success manager.
2. CloudDevs
CloudDevs stands out as the largest LATAM (Latin American) developer hiring platform, offering a network of vetted, elite developers from Latin America. The platform promises fast talent assignment, with developers assigned to clients within 24 hours. CloudDevs focuses on providing cost-effective solutions, with savings of 50-60% compared to local hiring. Their developers have an average of 7+ years of senior-level experience, and clients are assured of a risk-free 7-day trial for new hires.
With a large talent pool covering 20+ technologies, CloudDevs emphasizes timezone matching, ensuring that developers work within the same time zones as their clients. Flexible hiring options, including freelance hires, direct recruitment, and team augmentation, make CloudDevs an appealing choice for various project needs.
3. Gun.io
Gun.io, founded in 2012, is designed to help businesses find top-quality software engineers quickly and efficiently. It offers a streamlined hiring process, allowing companies to book interviews instantly and commence work with vetted developers within two weeks. Unlike traditional job postings, Gun.io directly connects businesses with a curated shortlist of developers based on specific skills.
The platform offers both freelance and salaried roles, catering to different hiring needs. Gun.io specializes in front-end, back-end, and full-stack engineering, and provides transparent pricing, with hourly rates available for developers. With a combination of senior engineers and algorithms, Gun.io ensures that clients are matched with only the best talent. Additionally, the platform offers ongoing support throughout the hiring process, ensuring a seamless experience for both the client and the developer.
Alternatives to Arcanys for Tech Talent
If you're exploring alternatives to Arcanys as a tech talent, consider these alternatives:
For freelance talent and gig‑based work:
- upwork.com
- freelancer.com
- fiverr.com
For pre‑vetted developers and teams:
- flexiple.com
- devteam.space
- trio.dev
Is Arcanys the Right Platform for You?
Yes, Arcanys is the right platform for you if you are looking for a reliable partner with a strong track record in custom software development and team augmentation. Their focus on high-quality solutions across various technologies (C++, Angular, JavaScript, .NET, Node.js) and their global client base indicates their expertise. Additionally, the company culture of trust and autonomy might align with your values, and their partnership model could be appealing for long-term collaboration.
Arcanys is not the right platform for you if you are seeking a traditional vendor-buyer relationship, as they focus on long-term partnerships. Also, if you prefer to work with a company solely based in one location, their operations spanning the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Switzerland may be a challenge. Lastly, if your project needs don't align with software or web/mobile development, virtual assistant services, or UX/UI design, Arcanys may not be the best fit.
FAQs On Arcanys Reviews
1. What makes Arcanys' team augmentation model different from traditional outsourcing?
Arcanys emphasizes long-term partnerships, offering dedicated teams that work as an extension of your company rather than simply providing temporary resources.
2. How does Arcanys ensure the quality of its software development teams?
The company carefully selects highly skilled developers and fosters a culture of autonomy, trust, and continuous learning to maintain high-quality standards.
3. What is the significance of the Arcanys Early Learning Foundation?
Founded by CEO Alan Debonneville, the foundation supports early childhood education in the Philippines, reflecting the company's commitment to social responsibility.
4. Can Arcanys help with mobile app development for both iOS and Android?
Yes, Arcanys offers mobile development services for both platforms, ensuring your app is optimized for all major mobile devices.
5. What sets Arcanys apart from other software development companies in the Philippines?
Recognized as the top software development company by Clutch for three consecutive years, Arcanys stands out for its dedication to employee well-being, a collaborative business model, and its expertise in custom software solutions.
