Challenge

Drop2Shop, operating under parent company Coll8, came to us with an ambitious vision but no technical infrastructure. The founders, whom I'd worked with in previous ventures, understood the e-commerce industry deeply but needed to build their technology foundation from zero.

They needed an API infrastructure that could handle complex order routing between suppliers and marketplaces. Everything had to be secure, maintainable, and - critically - handed over to an in-house team we'd help them build. The timeline was fixed: 6 months to build, launch, and complete the handover.

Solution

Building a Secure, Maintainable API

Working closely with the founders, we designed an API architecture built for long-term success. The core infrastructure included a RESTful API for order management, secure authentication systems, automated order routing between suppliers and marketplaces, and an admin dashboard for operational oversight.

We selected technologies with maintainability in mind: Python/Django for the API (widely adopted with strong documentation), PostgreSQL for reliable data management, Redis for performance, and React for the user interface. Every technical decision considered the team who would inherit and extend this system.

Training the Development Team

A key part of our remit was building the team who would own this platform. We helped interview and hire 3 backend developers, ensuring they had both the technical skills and the mindset to take ownership. Working with their IT manager was crucial - this person would bridge the technical and business sides of the operation.

Training was hands-on from day one. New developers joined our development process immediately, reviewing code, asking questions, and gradually taking on features. We created comprehensive documentation covering not just how the API worked, but why we made specific architectural decisions. By the final months, the team was confidently adding features and fixing issues independently.

Structured Development and Handover

We worked in sprints, delivering functional components regularly. This approach gave the new team manageable pieces to understand and own. Early integration with real suppliers and marketplaces revealed important edge cases that we addressed during development rather than after launch.

The handover process was gradual and deliberate. By month 4, the in-house team was contributing significantly. By month 6, they were ready to take full ownership. The comprehensive documentation, established coding standards, and months of hands-on experience ensured a smooth transition.

Results

After 6 months, Drop2Shop launched with a robust API platform and a capable team ready to take it forward. The handover was successful - their developers were debugging issues and adding new features from day one of independent operation.

The secure, scalable infrastructure we built together has proven its worth. The team we trained has not only maintained the platform but extended it significantly beyond the original scope. Most importantly, Drop2Shop achieved what they set out to do: build a technical foundation that could grow with their business ambitions.

Key Takeaways

Building a startup's first technical infrastructure requires thinking beyond the immediate code. It's about creating systems, documentation, and teams that can evolve independently. Our 6-month engagement with Drop2Shop demonstrates that with the right approach, you can build something robust quickly while ensuring the client truly owns their technology future. The combination of solid architecture, comprehensive training, and gradual handover created a foundation for long-term success.