OAKS LAB

OAK'S LAB, founded in 2016 by Czech-American brothers Jake and Theo Dluhy-Smith, operates from Prague with 85+ engineers, designers, and product managers. The company started in an apartment office and has grown into a 65+ product launch track record, working primarily with US-based startups and scaleups across fintech, foodtech, proptech, and other sectors. They hire only the top 0.4% of applicants and maintain a 4.9/5 average rating on Clutch across 31 reviews, with 89% client retention post-initial contract. In 2024, their startup clients raised over $200M through products OAK'S LAB built.

Services and capabilities

The company structures its work around three core pillars: product discovery and design, custom software development, and AI/agentic systems.

For product discovery, OAK'S LAB handles market and competitor analysis, user research, product requirements definition, feature mapping, and high-fidelity Figma designs. They work to validate product-market fit and align stakeholders across the client organization.

On the software development side, they specialize in full-stack JavaScript with TypeScript, building web apps using React.js and Next.js, mobile apps with React Native, and backends on Node.js. They emphasize using proven technologies supported by large developer communities to keep maintenance sustainable as teams scale.

For AI systems, they develop LLM-based solutions with expertise in RAG (retrieval-augmented generation) and AI orchestration. Their process includes problem space definition, data readiness assessment, use case development, orchestration framework design, prototyping, and scaling. They code AI systems primarily in Python.

Across all work, they emphasize velocity through UI component libraries and AI-powered coding tools, dual-track agile methodology, and outcome-driven development. They maintain a Project Oversight Layer including the COO and heads of design, engineering, and product management that monitors KPIs and conducts regular alignment meetings with client stakeholders.

Notable work

OAK'S LAB's client roster spans funded startups and acquired companies. Capital Markets Gateway (Series C, fintech) built the first US platform to connect sell-side and buy-side traders representing over $40 trillion in assets. PlexTrac (Series B, cybersecurity) is an AI-powered penetration test reporting platform used by Fortune 500 companies. Virtual Dining Concepts (Series A, foodtech) automates revenue reconciliation for ghost kitchens. Plotify (Series A, fintech) enables global investors to buy managed US and UK properties. Reavo (fintech, seed) provides credit card recommendations by location to maximize transaction value. LifeBrand (acquired, HR tech) removes harmful social media content for Fortune 500 companies and professional athletes. Crave (acquired, foodtech) powered multi-brand ghost kitchen operations. Other clients include Karus (auto finance), Sett (investment banking productivity), Vette (on-demand hiring), Storyvine (enterprise video creation), West Tenth (e-commerce marketplace), and Dot Residential (proptech).

How they work

OAK'S LAB offers two primary engagement models: Autonomous Team (a cross-functional product development team handling design, engineering, and product management end-to-end) and Staff Augmentation (specific roles integrated into existing client teams). Both are customized to client needs. They set up a virtual office with collaboration tools, use clear schedules and living documentation, and share routine progress reports with key stakeholders. Client testimonials highlight their ability to scale with companies—Capital Markets Gateway's co-founder noted they managed both initial team augmentation and later scaled hiring as the company grew. They work closely with CTOs and CPOs to understand business goals and ensure product development is lean and outcome-focused.

Team and credentials

Jake Dluhy-Smith (CEO and co-founder) has led 20+ greenfield product builds and previously served as COO of a global digital agency and Prague Director for the Founder Institute. Theo Dluhy-Smith (Executive Director and co-founder) has a background in finance, legal, and operations. The 85+ person team includes product managers, UI/UX designers, tech leads, engineers, and QA specialists. OAK'S LAB has received Clutch Champion and Global Winner awards, top developer and product design company awards for the Czech Republic (2023, 2025), and top AI company recognition. They were featured as thought leaders at TechCrunch Disrupt, Startup Grind Global, South Summit, and Czech Innovation Week. 80% of their client base is US-based.