Working prototype development
for investor demos and user testing.
A working prototype is broader than a POC and more focused than an MVP. It covers real user journeys, looks polished, and gives you something to show investors, test with users, or present to a board. Ropergate builds them in 2–3 weeks.
About this service: Ropergate builds working software prototypes for UK founders, investors and product teams. A working prototype covers multiple user journeys, is database-backed where needed, and is polished enough for real investor demos and user testing. Projects are scoped individually with a fixed price. Built in PHP, JavaScript and MySQL. Contact: info@ropergate.com
What is a working software prototype?
A working prototype is a functional, interactive build that covers the core features and user journeys of your product idea. It's not a clickable mockup and not a finished product. It's something in between: real software, real interactions, real data, built to demonstrate and test.
Where a proof of concept validates a single idea, a working prototype shows what the product could look and feel like across multiple workflows. It's the right build for investor pitches, user testing sessions, internal presentations, and serious product exploration.
When do you need a working prototype?
- You're pitching to investors and need something to demo, not just a deck
- You want to run proper user testing sessions with a realistic product
- You're seeking internal buy-in and need to show stakeholders how it would work
- You have validated the core idea and need to explore a broader product scope
- You want to hand off a solid codebase to an in-house team to build on
- You need to understand the real cost of a full build before committing
What a Ropergate prototype includes
Every prototype starts with a scope document approved before development begins. Builds typically include multiple user journeys, database-backed logic where relevant, a polished interface suitable for demos, and clean documented code you own completely. Ropergate uses PHP, JavaScript and MySQL, accelerated by AI tooling.
Working Prototype
What a Ropergate prototype delivers.
Built to demo, test and impress, and hand off cleanly when the time comes.
Scope document first
A plain-language description of every feature, user journey and integration. Approved by you before a single line of code is written.
Multi-journey build
Multiple user flows, not just one. Your prototype covers the core paths a real user would take through your product.
Database-backed where needed
Real data storage and retrieval using MySQL, so your prototype behaves like a real product rather than a static demo.
Interface polished for demos
Clean, professional UI built to make a strong impression in investor meetings, user testing sessions, and stakeholder presentations.
Clean, handoff-ready code
Documented, maintainable code you own completely. Ready to hand to an in-house team or extend with Ropergate into a full MVP.
Next step clarity
Delivery includes a clear recommendation: what the full product would require, what the next phase would cost, and what you should do next.
Working prototype questions answered.
What is the difference between a prototype and an MVP?
A prototype is built to demonstrate and test. An MVP is built to be used by real customers in production. If you're exploring, pitching or validating, build a prototype. If you're ready to launch with real users, build an MVP.
How long does a prototype take to build?
Working prototypes at Ropergate typically take 2–3 weeks. The timeline depends on scope and complexity and it's always confirmed in the scope document before development begins.
How much does a working prototype cost?
Working prototype builds at Ropergate are typically between £3,000 and £8,000 depending on scope. Every project is quoted individually with a fixed price agreed before work starts.
Do I need to be technical to work with Ropergate?
No. Most clients are non-technical. The scope document is written in plain English so you know exactly what will be built before development begins.
Can the prototype code be used in the final product?
Yes. Ropergate builds with clean, maintainable PHP, JavaScript and MySQL. The prototype code can be extended into a full product by Ropergate or handed to an in-house development team.
Should I start with a POC or go straight to a prototype?
Start with a POC if you're not yet sure your core idea is technically viable or commercially interesting. Start with a prototype if you've validated the idea and need something broader to demo or test with real users.
Other builds Ropergate delivers.
A prototype is the most popular starting point. But Ropergate also builds focused POCs and full MVPs.
Ready to build your prototype?
Tell us what you're building and what you need it to do. If the fit is right, we'll come back with a fixed-price scope document.
info@ropergate.com · ropergate.com · United Kingdom