Building Multi-User Matching Platform

Technology Stack

Python
Docker
ReactJS
Redux
MongoDB
Tailwind CSS
AWS

The Client

The client owns a web application platform that helps startups and investors meet. Startups showcase their profiles through this web application platform. Investors see the profiles and decide to invest in the startups they love. Although the investment procedures take place offline, the online app is a medium through which startups and investors connect.

The Challenge

The client approached Capital Numbers to create the above web application from scratch. He wanted a matchmaking platform for startups and investors. His objective was to bring together startups, business angels, venture capitalists, corporates, etc., on one page. So, he wanted to create a web app where endless collaborations could occur. And therefore, he contacted Capital Numbers to help him make the web app.

But, the client’s briefs were vague when he came to us. So, Capital Numbers offered the client help in clarifying his ideas.

For example, we asked the client open-ended questions to understand what he wanted from us. We asked him questions tailored to his end goals and budgets so that we get facts on paper and don’t end up underperforming or overperforming. We asked him about his scalability needs and target groups.

We picked up clues from his inputs and formulated a roadmap. In creating the roadmap, we found we had to address challenges around the following areas:

Multi-user dashboards
Dynamic web pages
Advanced searches
Granular filtration
Quick page reloads
SERP ranks
App speed

We jotted down these points and aimed to focus on them. We took job portal development as our reference. For example, job portals have custom codes that help match candidates with employers. Similarly, this app involved the integration of custom codes in matching startups with investors. So, we started our work accordingly.

The Solution

We began our work with the background literature we had in hand. Our team included one backend developer and two frontend developers. Unlike many engagements that rely on predefined contracts, this one didn’t have preset milestones. So, we took an Agile development approach to implement and iterate solutions as we went along.

Our solutions included the following:

Firstly, we set up the backend using Python. Python comes with an extensive set of libraries well-suited for creating rich ecosystems. It comes with embedded forms that capture thousands of user data and inputs. Its object-oriented design adds to app performance, too.

We also used Docker to convert the backend structure into individual containers. Each Docker container is easy to test and deploy. Therefore, we divided the structure into Docker containers to make the app more maintainable.

For the frontend, we used ReactJS. We chose ReactJS because it allows code flexibility and reusability. Its modularity helps developers adjust different UI components. We also used Redux to manage the state in React and ensure the React components behave as expected. In addition, we used Tailwind CSS to display user profiles in a visually engaging way.

For the database, we chose MongoDB. The best part about using MongoDB is that it helps query deep into documents and perform complex data analysis with just a few codes. So, MongoDB was our instant choice for storing, securing, and querying user data.

We wrote several if/then logic to define the user flow and match investors with startups. We tested every logic, UI element, and conditional statement before we deployed the final product on AWS.

We chose AWS because it’s perfect for computing data-heavy apps. It helps process thousands of data without fail - precisely what we needed.

Results

We implemented the solutions and rolled out the product in just 9 months. Because we had in-depth Python programming skills, we could build this complex ecosystem within this time. The final product is a beautiful ecosystem where startups and investors meet. Here’s what resulted because of our work:

Multiple User Dashboards

We successfully created multiple dashboards for the following users:

Startups
Investors
Super Admin

Continuous Increase in User Profiles

The super admin captures hundreds of user profiles flowing in from embedded forms.

Online Community of 2000+ User Profiles

The app now has 2000+ user profiles (startups and investors combined).

1500+ Startups

The app contains 1500+ startups, a giant leap from the 200 we imported into the app initially.

100+ Investors

The app contains 100+ investors, a giant leap from the ten we imported into the app initially.

One-stop Place for Startups and Investors to Connect

Startups and investors regularly connect through this app to discover funding opportunities.

Granular Filters for Searching Startups

When investors sign up, they search for startup founders by applying filters like:

Expertise - BizOps, Legal, Finance, Marketing, Customer Success, etc.
Level - Director, GM, C-suite, VP, CEO, etc.
Current Location - London, Cambridge, New York, Boston, etc.
Desired Location - London, Cambridge, San Francisco, etc.
Board Experience - Yes, No

Granular Filters for Searching Investors

When startups sign up, they search for investors by applying filters like:

Industry - AI, B2B, Blockchain, Deeptech, Environment, Fintech, etc.
HQ Location - US, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Cambridge, Cardiff, etc.
Stage - Preseed, Seed, Series A, Series B, Series C, Private, etc.

Best-matched Searches

Our well-written codes help startups and investors find the best-matched results.

Visually-pleasing User Profiles

Our custom Tailwind CSS codes help showcase every user’s profile nicely.

Dynamic Web Pages

Our backend integrations make every web page load dynamically.

Faster Page Reloads

Our lazy loading techniques reduce bandwidth usage and make the app faster.

High-speed Performance

Our skillful use of web packs also reduces the load time of pages.

Better SERP Ranks

Our integration of meta tags improves the app’s SERP ranks.

24/7 Uptime

Our AWS hosting solution ensures 24/7 availability and uptime.

Successful Completion of Phase 1

In essence, we addressed all the challenges outlined for this project successfully. It deepened the client’s faith in us even more. As a result, he requested Capital Numbers to handle phase 2 of the app’s development work.

Ongoing Development of Phase 2

In Phase 2, Capital Numbers works on differentiating ‘Premium Users’ from ‘Basic Users’ to restrict app usage and permission controls.