Best Project Management Software For Startups | Expert Recommendations

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash
2 years ago

This article showcases our top picks for the Best Project Management Software For Startups. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below).

 

We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.

Teamwork

 

This product was recommended by Billy Ash from Today’s Business

 

We found their all-in-one pricing efficient as they offer a chat so we didn’t need to get slack on top of teamwork. We also thought their product did everything the other platforms offered for a lower cost. With that being said I cannot say it more, the technology will not solve your problems unless you use that technology correctly and consistently.

 


Forecast.app

 

This product was recommended by Zac Houghton from Loftera Limited

 

Forecast is the best project management software for startups. It’s an affordable alternative to complex solutions like Jira, Basecamp or Monday and offers a simple user interface with rich functionality to manage projects and time. Forecast suits all team sizes and has a unique view/system that allows managers to drag-and-drop tasks on top of resourcing information, hence this quick and easy way to get an overview of who is available on any given day.

 


Slack

 

This product was recommended by Stephen Curry from CocoSign

 

Slack is the ultimate project management software for startups to utilize this year to handle their projects. This fantastic software transforms our work by creating a central place for everything and everyone to get things done. It comes with channels that facilitate organized spaces where team members can communicate and share files related to a particular project. Aside from streamlining teamwork, Slack allows teams to be flexible to work how, where, and when optimal for them.

 


Monday

 

This product was recommended by Richard James from Rivica Investigations

 

As a private investigator, I’m on the go a lot and I need a project management software that is easy to navigate, especially on mobile devices. Monday is my go-to project management software, and I use it as my Virtual Assistant. Monday is fantastic for tracking the workloads and its interface and design make it very easy to see everything at a glance.

 


Smartsheet

 

This product was recommended by Jonathan Tian from Mobitrix

 

Smartsheet is a collaboration and management platform that aims at increasing the productivity and efficiency of startups and small businesses. It makes it easier for businesses to plan, capture, manage, and report on work. Startups can instantly share spreadsheets for effective collaboration and data from the sheets to the Internet. This software focuses on speed, efficiency, and accountability, and it works to empower users and assist them in making better-informed decisions that result in outstanding results more quickly.

 


Nifty

 

This product was recommended by Ouriel Lemmel from WinIt

 

It’s ideal for startups because it offers a free plan that helps you start managing your projects immediately. It consolidates chat, tasks, roadmaps, docs, and files into one workspace so you can get your new team up to speed quickly and efficiently. As your business grows and you need more features, there are inexpensive and easy upgrades to help you manage larger projects.

 


Asana

 

This product was recommended by Lindsey Allard from PlaybookUX

 

Every remote SaaS startup – especially a newly launched one – should be comfortable with the project management platform of their choosing. It will immediately remove a lot of confusion from the workplace and provide you with a place to organize everything, from to-do lists, important files, communication, and so much more. Without one dedicated project management platform, things are bound to be separated and this could lead to wasted time and failed opportunities. For us, we use Asana and are quite happy with everything it provides. Especially early on, it helped us keep everything as organized as possible and it has led to a much more productive team. There are tons of project management platforms like Asana, but the big thing is the commitment to making the most out of a platform like this!

 


Trello

 

This product was recommended by Steven Walker from Spylix

 

The best part is that Trello offers free plans for new users and low-cost bespoke plans (based on user count). Trello is so simple that there was no learning curve. The kanban board feature simplifies workflow visualization. You may also track the progress of tasks and drag and drop them. The best plans with the most distinctive features are available for startups on Trello. Unlimited users and boards are important for any startup.

 


nTask

 

This product was recommended by Steven Walker from Spylix

 

nTask is a complete business solution. The native nTask module with all the capabilities your business requires. With the nTask risk management method, you can effectively manage your project tasks. Whether you are a freelancer, a startup, or a large enterprise, nTask can easily fit your needs. nTask Gantt charts are also simple.

 


Kintone

 

This product was recommended by Sally Stevens from FastPeopleSearch

 

Many entrepreneurs are hesitant to employ SaaS solutions at first because the combined costs are too great to bear. Kintone gets around this problem by putting everything under one roof. Kintone can help you with everything from a CRM to a database to a content calendar. Here’s how to do it: · Workflows that are automated · Features that encourage collaboration · All-in-one solution · CRM-related competencies · Database that is centralised

 


Freedcamp

 

This product was recommended by Chiara Gomiero from HandyWineGuide

 

Freedcamp is the ideal solution for those startups that are focusing on mobile apps. This software is a robust mobile app available on iOS and Android. On top of project management features, Freedcamp allows you to create invoices, back up, and as a series of integrations available via Zapier, although you’ll need a separate paid plan. It costs $1.49 per month with a free 14-day trial.

 


Jira

 

This product was recommended by Adam Korbl from iFax

 

Jira is a popular Agile project management solution that aids software development teams in better planning, tracking, and releasing products. It supports all agile technologies such as Scrum and Kanban.Jira focuses on collaboration and clarity to assist software teams in achieving the best results while staying on schedule and under budget. It helps the project manager to see the whole picture and track the details while keeping an eye on the big picture. Users can build unique workflows for various projects, tasks, subtasks, and issues that are tailored to your team’s specific needs. Furthermore, the customizable dashboards allow users to entirely customize how they track projects, provide reports, manage teams, and more. Jira’s use of numerous built-in capabilities makes it a powerful project management tool. You may easily assign flexible and configurable rights to every team member.

 


Don't Miss

Agile development stands at the forefront of the software industry, championing an iterative, high-speed approach reliant on effective team communication and collaboration for success. This piece underscores the indispensable role played by dedicated development teams in agile projects, shedding light on their significance, advantages, challenges, and vital management techniques. Engagement Models in Software Development As businesses embark on software development endeavors, they confront a pivotal decision in choosing the most suitable engagement model for collaborating with skilled teams. Fixed-Price Model Ensures project completion within set timelines and budgets, but may lead to increased costs for desired changes, limiting customization options. Time and Material Approach Offers flexibility by compensating teams based on hours dedicated to the project, allowing for easy adjustments and ideal for projects needing intermittent attention. Dedicated Team Model Balances fixed-price and time & material models, employing specialized teams for adaptable project scopes, ensuring reliability and flexibility in long-term delivery. The Importance of Dedicated Teams in Agile Development Agile development relies on dedicated teams, diverging from traditional project management methods. These teams prioritize frequent collaboration and communication to swiftly adjust requirements and task priorities. Comprised of professionals fully committed to the project, dedicated development teams collaborate to deliver innovative solutions and top-tier results. This section explores their crucial role in agile development and essential strategies for effective team management. Success in agile development depends on the expertise and cooperation of dedicated teams. Efficient communication, coordination, and excellence from every member are crucial for timely results, highlighting the necessity of dedicated software developers. Clear alignment with core business goals and expectations is essential for project success. The Advantages of Employing a Dedicated Team in Agile Development Using a dedicated development team in agile projects has many benefits. Firstly, their commitment ensures excellent results, boosting project success. Secondly, their teamwork increases productivity. Lastly, having a dedicated team improves oversight and control over the project's progress, aiding in accurate outcome estimation. Improved Collaboration and Communication Engaging a dedicated development team in agile projects also yields enhanced collaboration and communication advantages. This dedicated group fosters close cooperation among remote team members, bolstering comprehension of roles and responsibilities and accelerating progress towards business objectives. Establishing dedicated software development teams helps alleviate miscommunication and ensures alignment towards shared goals. Employing a dedicated team also fosters transparency, encouraging open expression of thoughts, seeking advice, and addressing concerns. Quality Assurance and Timely Delivery A dedicated development team in agile development leads to enhanced quality assurance, expedited delivery times, and early issue detection. Collaborative efforts enable swift and effective resolution of such matters, facilitating prompt progress to subsequent tasks. Implementing a dedicated software development team helps minimize delays and ensures alignment with quality expectations. Furthermore, dedicated teams operate with heightened productivity, enabling swift completion of development tasks and adherence to project deadlines. Flexibility and Scalability By enlisting a dedicated development team, projects become more adaptable and scalable. This enables easy adjustment to changes in market conditions or requirements. Businesses can readily modify the team size to match project needs without interrupting ongoing work, ensuring projects remain on schedule and are delivered punctually. Comparing In-House and Outsourced Development Teams In-House Development Team: An in-house dedicated team comprises full-time employees working solely for one company. They have deep knowledge of the company's culture, practices, and technology, smoothly handling projects from start to finish. However, there are challenges with in-house teams: Cost Concerns: Maintaining an in-house team can be expensive, including expenses like recruitment, training, salaries, and benefits, which may strain smaller companies or startups with limited budgets. Expertise Limitations: Internal teams may lack specialized knowledge, technical skills, or industry-specific expertise compared to external teams, particularly in niche industries or specific skill sets. Scalability Issues: In-house teams may struggle to adjust their capacity swiftly to meet changing project demands or priorities. Flexibility Constraints: Internally-based teams may find it challenging to accommodate varying working hours, meet project deadlines, or adapt to different methodologies compared to outsourced teams. Outsourced Development Team: External dedicated development teams, sourced from third-party providers, focus solely on the organization's projects. These professionals offer numerous advantages: Cost Savings: Outsourced teams often provide competitive pricing, reducing expenses on infrastructure, technology, and overhead costs. Access to Expertise: Engaging with a software outsourcing company grants access to specialists from a global talent pool with the required skills and experience. Scalability: Outsourced teams can adjust their workforce to match fluctuations in project scope and priorities, making them valuable for businesses. Flexibility: Remote outsourcing allows for greater flexibility in working hours, project deadlines, and delivery processes. Outsourced development team offers benefits despite challenges like language barriers and time zones. Good communication and teamwork can help overcome these issues. Leaders should consider these advantages when deciding on the best approach for their company's goals. Wrapping Up Having a dedicated team is crucial for success in agile development. Consider the pros and cons of internal versus outsourced teams. While internal teams offer control, they can be more expensive, whereas outsourcing provides expertise at lower costs. If you decide to go with an outsourced dedicated team, VT Labs can provide skilled engineers to meet your agile development requirements.

Dedicated Teams: The Backbone of Agile Development

Agile development stands at the forefront of the software industry, championing an
Accelerating Global Collaboration: The Future of Fast File Transfer Technologies

Accelerating Global Collaboration: The Future of Fast File Transfer Technologies

In an era defined by instantaneous communication and the global exchange of