Detailed analysis of MVP development options, team composition, timelines, and budget requirements
We present three distinct development scenarios for the Spira Network MVP, each with different trade-offs between cost, time, scope, and risk:
Philosophy: Prepare for significant challenges by investing in adequate resources from the start.
Philosophy: Balance resources to maximize value with optimized investment.
✓ Recommended for best balance between investment and outcome
Philosophy: Minimalist development focused on essentials with limited resources.
Technical Impact: Differs primarily in the depth of AI integration (Oracle/Wheel of Wills) and the quality of 3D elements for the user interface:
Business Impact: Influences launch speed, initial quality, and flexibility for changes:
Larger team with dedicated specialists to account for challenges and accelerate development. All key roles covered with full-time experts.
| Phase | Duration | Team Focus | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning & Design | 2.5 months | Full leadership team, design team, technical architects | Comprehensive technical specifications, wireframes, design system, user journeys, 3D asset strategy, AI/Oracle architecture |
| Core Development | 4 months | Full development team with specialists working in parallel | Authentication, profiles, project management, connections, map interface, 3D assets, Oracle/Wheel of Wills, extensive testing |
| Feature Refinement | 2 months | Development team, QA, design team, early marketing | Performance optimization, multilingual support, notifications, advanced 3D integration, refined AI/Oracle |
| Pre-Launch | 1.5 months | QA, DevOps, Marketing, Community | Comprehensive platform testing, security audit, community onboarding, marketing campaign execution |
Extended timeline to account for coordination overhead with larger team and buffer for unforeseen challenges.
Extended research phase, comprehensive specifications, detailed prototyping
Parallel development tracks with multiple specialists, regular integration points
Extensive testing and optimization, advanced feature polish
Thorough launch preparations, security audits, early adopter onboarding
Total Estimated: $750K - $1.1M
| Core Development | $320K - $430K |
| Design Team | $70K - $110K |
| Product & Management | $180K - $230K |
| Go-to-Market | $80K - $130K |
| Infrastructure | $10K - $20K |
| Software & Tools | $15K - $25K |
| Marketing | $30K - $60K |
| Legal & Admin | $15K - $25K |
| Contingency (15%) | ~$120K - $170K |
~9-10 Months
Extended to account for complexity
$750K - $1.1M
Comprehensive development
12-13+ FTE
Dedicated specialists
Complete feature set with polished UX and extended functionality
Full-time AI specialist ensures robust Oracle/Wheel of Wills implementation
Dedicated 3D artist creates high-quality visuals and immersive experiences
Proper infrastructure and quality assurance from the start
Recommended seed funding to support the Pessimist/Accelerated approach:
$800K - $1.2M
This includes the estimated MVP budget plus a 3-6 month post-launch operational runway for:
The Pessimist/Accelerated approach addresses these key risks with appropriate mitigation strategies.
Larger team requires more management overhead
Mitigation: Dedicated project manager and clear team structure
Increased monthly expenses with full-time specialists
Mitigation: Larger contingency buffer and phased team expansion
Temptation to expand scope with available resources
Mitigation: Strict prioritization and release planning
More complex coordination of parallel development tracks
Mitigation: Regular integration points and continuous testing
Adequate staffing for all aspects of development
Dedicated AI and 3D specialists ensure quality implementation
Dedicated QA resources ensure platform stability
Full-time marketing and community resources for launch
Timeline and budget include buffer for unforeseen challenges
A balanced team structure with essential full-time roles and strategic part-time specialists. Includes CEO, part-time 3D Artist, and part-time AI Specialist.
| Phase | Duration | Team Focus | Key Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning & Design | 2 months | CEO, CTO, Product Manager, UX/UI Designer, Visual Designer, 3D Artist (part-time), AI Specialist (part-time) | Technical specifications, wireframes, design system, user journey mapping, initial 3D concepts, AI/Oracle strategy |
| Core Development | 3 months | Full development team (incl. AI), Design team | Authentication, profile system, project management, connections, map interface, initial 3D asset integration, Oracle/Wheel of Wills core dev |
| Feature Refinement | 1 month | Development team (incl. AI), QA, Design team | Multilingual support, notifications, performance optimization, 3D asset refinement, Oracle refinement & testing |
| Pre-Launch | 2 months | Marketing, Community, QA, DevOps | Platform testing, community onboarding, launch preparations |
A balanced timeline with room for quality development and appropriate testing cycles.
Comprehensive planning phase with proper research and specification
Focused implementation of core features with regular integration points
Focused optimization and feature polishing phase
Thorough testing and marketing preparation for successful launch
Total Estimated: $405K - $629K
| Core Development (incl. AI) | $161K - $243K |
| Design (incl. 3D) | $41K - $62K |
| Product & Management (incl. CEO) | $106K - $160K |
| Go-to-Market | $17K - $29K |
| Infrastructure (incl. LLM APIs) | $6K - $12K |
| Software & Tools (incl. 3D/AI) | $5K - $9K |
| Marketing | $15K - $30K |
| Legal & Admin | $5K - $10K |
| Contingency (15%) | $49K - $74K |
| Role | Duration | FTE | Monthly Range | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Lead / CTO | 6 mo | 1.0 | $8K-$12K | $48K-$72K |
| Senior Frontend | 6 mo | 1.0 | $6K-$9K | $36K-$54K |
| Frontend Dev | 4 mo | 1.0 | $4K-$7K | $16K-$28K |
| Backend Dev | 5 mo | 1.0 | $5K-$8K | $25K-$40K |
| AI Specialist | 4 mo | 0.75 | $7K-$11K | $21K-$33K |
| DevOps | 2 mo | 0.5 | $5K-$8K | $5K-$8K |
| QA | 3 mo | 0.5 | $3.5K-$6K | $5.25K-$9K |
| Core Dev Subtotal | $161K-$243K |
| Role | Duration | FTE | Monthly Range | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO / Founder | 6 mo | 1.0 | $8K-$12K | $48K-$72K |
| Product Manager | 6 mo | 1.0 | $7K-$10K | $42K-$60K |
| Project Manager | 6 mo | 0.5 | $5K-$8K | $15K-$24K |
| UX/UI Designer | 5 mo | 1.0 | $5K-$8K | $25K-$40K |
| Visual Designer | 3 mo | 0.5 | $4K-$6K | $6K-$9K |
| 3D Artist | 4 mo | 0.5 | $5K-$8K | $10K-$16K |
| Other roles | Various | PT | Various | $17K-$29K |
~8 Months
Balanced and realistic
$405K - $629K
Full feature MVP with AI/3D
8-9 FTE
Balanced expertise
All core features implemented with high-quality user experience
Dedicated part-time AI specialist ensures effective Oracle/Wheel implementation
Part-time 3D artist delivers quality visual assets and experience
Optimal resource allocation for essential roles while maintaining efficiency
Recommended seed funding to support the Realist approach:
$500K - $650K
This includes the estimated MVP budget plus additional runway for:
Projected user growth and revenue based on market analysis and engagement metrics
Budget: $50K - $100K
Goals: Prototype development, initial design, proof of concept
Team: Minimal technical team, founders contributing significantly
Budget: $500K - $650K
Goals: Complete MVP development and launch with 3D elements & AI Oracle
Team: Core team as outlined in Realist scenario (8-9 FTE)
Budget: $1.5M - $2.5M+
Goals: Market expansion, feature enhancement (full Metaverse, advanced AI), scaling
Team: Expanded development, dedicated growth team, customer success
The Realist approach balances cost, timeline, and quality to minimize risks.
Part-time specialists may face capacity challenges during peak development
Mitigation: Careful phase planning and clear prioritization
Balanced team may need to make some technical trade-offs
Mitigation: Dedicated refinement phase and architecture focus
Part-time specialists managing complex features
Mitigation: Clear scoping of MVP features, phased implementation
8-month timeline requires efficient execution
Mitigation: Regular sprints, clear milestones, agile methodology
Right-sized team for the MVP scope
Full-time CEO, CTO, and Product Manager ensure focus
AI and 3D specialists provide quality implementation while controlling costs
QA resources ensure platform stability
Timeline and budget include appropriate contingency
| Risk Category | Probability | Impact | Primary Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Complexity | Medium | High | Phase implementation, start with AI/3D specialists early |
| Timeline Delays | Medium | Medium | Regular sprints, clear milestones, feature prioritization |
| Budget Overruns | Low | High | 15% contingency, monthly financial reviews |
| Resource Availability | Medium | Medium | Early recruitment for specialists, flexibility in timing |
| Scope Creep | High | Medium | Strict MVP definition, phased feature roadmap |
Lean team structure with highly versatile roles and phased feature implementation. Minimally viable but functional approach.
Team members must cover multiple roles and responsibilities
Initial AI/3D features simplified with roadmap for post-MVP enhancements
Use of freelancers/consultants for specific tasks rather than ongoing roles
CEO handles significant business, product, and community responsibilities
50K+ Users
Post-MVP launch
500K+ Users
With Series A expansion
Enhanced features, advanced AI matching, priority connections
Commission on successful project connections and collaborations
Integration with third-party platforms and services
Metaverse integration, virtual events, and experiences
$50K - $100K
Initial concept development, prototype, and early validation
Minimal team with significant founder contribution
$500K - $650K
Complete MVP development with AI Oracle and 3D elements
Core team of 8-9 FTE (Realist scenario)
$1.5M - $2.5M+
Market expansion, advanced features, full Metaverse integration
Expanded team with specialized roles