Empat

Empat is a Kyiv-based software development studio founded in 2013. The company has completed over 300 projects across 23 markets, with a particular focus on AI-driven product development, mobile apps, and fintech solutions. Nazar Gulyk, CEO, has co-founded recruiting platforms and is among a leadership team known for shipping consumer apps that reach millions of users—Obimy, one of Empat's flagship projects, hit the top of the US App Store ahead of Tinder and Pinterest. The company maintains offices in Kyiv, London, and San Francisco, and claims six Y Combinator alumni among its clients. All projects started in 2026, the company states, are built with AI integrated.

Services and capabilities

Empat's core offering centers on three engagement models: fixed-scope AI MVP development (6-12 weeks, starting at $30,000), full product development (3-12+ months, from $50,000), and proof-of-concept work (2-4 weeks, from $15,000). The company also offers AI-driven discovery phases (1-2 weeks, from $5,000) to validate technical risk and scope before committing to larger builds.

On the staffing side, Empat offers dedicated developer hire, full-stack engineers, and CTO-as-a-service for startups. The dedicated team model supports front-end, back-end, mobile, and website development. Specific technology expertise includes Python, Java, Laravel, Django, React, Magento, and Shopify development.

AI capabilities run through most service lines. The company integrates Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, DeepSeek, Cursor, and Codex into its workflow. For AI MVPs specifically, Empat shapes UX for generative AI features, GPT-powered workflows, assistants, search, and automation. Vertical expertise spans healthcare (remote monitoring systems, patient workflows), fintech (decision support, financial insights, automation), education (personalized learning, intelligent content), and retail (recommendations, smart search, demand insights).

Notable work

Obimy, a long-distance connection app, has grown to over 10 million downloads on iOS and Android. Empat handled product development and staff augmentation on that project.

VitalAI, launched in 2025, is an AI-driven remote monitoring system for hospitals and care teams. Empat built the core product, integrating wearable data and predictive alerts to reduce patient readmissions and improve engagement.

HealUA, co-built with Global Medical Knowledge Alliance in 2022, facilitates Ukrainian doctors seeking expert advice from colleagues worldwide. The project combined mobile app development and product strategy.

BigSister AI, completed in 2023, tracks and analyzes sales department performance in real time, surfacing predictions and custom reports.

Empat's infrastructure optimization work yielded concrete results: the company's engineering led to a 75% reduction in AWS RDS daily costs and a 40% reduction in overall AWS infrastructure costs for a client, making the system "more stable, efficient, and easier to scale."

One dental care app client saw an 80% increase in app users, a 50% increase in sales, and tripled revisit rates. Another app gained over 1,200 users within months and earned praise for efficiency and user-friendliness. A Shopify store redesign resulted in increased customer engagement, reduced bounce rates, and higher conversions. A website project increased traffic, search rankings, user engagement, and dwell time while reducing bounce rate.

How they work

Empat uses a step-by-step process beginning with validation goals and ending with post-launch iteration. On discovery, the team defines what the MVP must prove, locks scope early with clear acceptance criteria, and designs lean architecture before coding. Development is described as production-grade on the agreed scope, not a prototype. The company gates scope rigorously—new features mid-project require a change-request process to prevent deadline creep. Post-launch, the team helps iterate based on user feedback and validation outcomes.

Communication appears to be a core part of their model. Multiple client reviews mention timely updates, constant availability, collaborative conversations, weekly calls, and virtual meetings alongside email and messaging. Alyona, Head of Delivery at Empat, is quoted: "When delivery works right, clients relax, trust the team, and bring their next ideas to build together." Empat also operates Empat School, Empat Startup Studio, and Empat Charity Projects as ancillary divisions.

Team and credentials

Empat was founded in 2013 by Nazar Gulyk, CEO. The company describes itself as an "AI driven team" but does not disclose total headcount. One client review (from a Product Manager at a marine computing firm) noted that 92% of bugs were caught before deployment, suggesting strong QA practices. Multiple reviews on what appears to be Clutch give the company a 5.0 rating. The website claims a "perfect score on Clutch" and notes "Top 100 fastest growth 2026" (likely a Clutch or similar listing). No ISO, SOC 2, or other third-party certifications are mentioned in the source material. The company lists Shopify store development, fintech, and custom development expertise, suggesting integration experience but no formal partner badge language beyond that.

Press coverage includes mentions in The New York Times, Forbes, The Washington Post, AIN, Vector, and Tages-Anzeiger, though most clips relate to specific product launches (Obimy, HealUA, RevengeFor) rather than the agency itself.