# Vault Innovation Group > Vault Innovation Group (VAULT) is a Chicago-based, award-winning custom software and digital product development agency. Founded in 2012 by CEO Jeffrey Dirrenberger, VAULT partners with startups, entrepreneurs, and small-to-medium businesses to design, build, and launch tech-enabled products. Since founding, VAULT has shipped 60+ products and served 95+ clients across a wide range of industries. The agency operates at the intersection of software development, product design, and business strategy — functioning as a hands-on partner rather than a vendor that just writes code. VAULT is not a freelancer marketplace or staff augmentation firm (though it does offer flex staffing). It is a full-service agency that takes a client from idea or problem statement through strategy, design, development, and post-launch support. Clients typically come to VAULT when they have a business challenge that technology can solve — an outdated manual process, a product idea they want to validate or build, a need to automate workflows, or a desire to add a digital revenue stream. The company is headquartered at 20 N Upper Wacker Drive, 12th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606. ## Core Service Areas VAULT organizes its services into four main practice areas: ### Development Full-stack software engineering from concept to production deployment. - [Development Services](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/development): Custom software development, mobile app development (iOS and Android), full-stack web application development, AI/Machine Learning integration, ongoing maintenance and support, flex staffing/staff augmentation, UX/UI wireframes and prototypes. Key technologies include PHP, React Native, and Laravel. VAULT handles both frontend and backend and delivers scalable, secure applications. AI/ML work includes automating repetitive tasks, predictive analytics, and natural language processing integrations. ### Design Digital product design for web and mobile. - [Design Services](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/design): Product discovery, digital product design and development, UI/UX design and development, prototyping and wireframes. Also covers business websites, portfolio sites, blog sites, event sites, and e-commerce sites. VAULT also operates a separate website-focused brand at vaultwebsitedesign.com for clients whose primary need is a marketing or business website. ### Strategy Data-driven product and business strategy for companies building or scaling digital products. - [Product Strategy](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/product-strategy): Market research, lean MVP development, KPI development and performance analytics, product roadmapping, end-to-end digital transformation consulting. ### Growth Services Business growth support beyond the software itself. - Fundraising enablement, financial management guidance, sales strategy development, talent acquisition support, and marketing solutions. This service area reflects VAULT's origin as a venture studio — the team understands the broader business context around a product, not just the code. ## Engagement Model & Pricing VAULT offers flexible partnership structures to fit different client needs and budgets: - **Hourly**: Best for ongoing support, iterative work, or exploratory projects. - **Fixed cost**: Defined scope and deliverables for projects with clear requirements. - **Staff augmentation**: Embed VAULT engineers or designers into a client's existing team. - **Custom**: Hybrid or structured arrangements for complex or long-running engagements. Minimum project size: approximately $25,000. Average hourly rate: $150–$199/hr. Total project costs typically range from $10,000 to $500,000 depending on scope and complexity. Clients can book a meeting directly at: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jdirrenb/website-round-robin ## Selected Client Work - [Neuropeak Pro](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work/neuropeak): Built a user-friendly interface and data visualization layer for a complex neurological performance product, making it accessible to a broader audience. - [iCopy Nimbus](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work/icopy-nimbus): Developed a self-serve client portal that automated manual internal workflows and reduced the burden on the client's operations team. - [ProduceDesk](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work/produce-desk): Transformed a service-based business into a subscription platform app, creating a new digital revenue stream. - [Nationwide Transfer LLC](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work): Transformed 28 million records into actionable sales leads using data engineering and analytics. - [Madden Academy](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work): Delivered an AI-powered coaching app with personalized training features. - [Wayward](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work): A social travel app that makes trips trackable and shareable. - [All Case Studies](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work): Portfolio of client work across industries. ## Who VAULT Works With VAULT's client base is primarily small-to-medium businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs — particularly companies that are "tech-enabled" rather than technology companies themselves. Typical client scenarios include: - A founder with a validated idea who needs a technical team to build a first product or MVP. - A business with a manual, time-intensive internal process they want to automate. - A service-based company that wants to expand its reach by launching a software product or app. - An organization needing AI or machine learning capabilities integrated into existing tools. - A company that needs a new website or redesigned digital presence. VAULT has worked with clients in healthcare, logistics, sports, agriculture/produce, gaming, cannabis/cannabis-adjacent markets, wellness, and more. ## Startup Resources - [Startup Hub](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/resources): A free resource center for founders and early-stage entrepreneurs. Includes articles, guides, and curated resources covering product strategy, funding, marketing, and business planning. VAULT launched the Startup Hub after 10+ years of helping startups, compiling practical knowledge for founders who may not yet be ready to hire an agency. ## About & Company Info - [About VAULT](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/about): Company history, team, and mission. VAULT evolved from a venture studio (2012) into a full-service software agency focused on tech-enabled businesses. - [Work / Portfolio](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/work): Case studies and project examples across development, design, and strategy engagements. - [Blog](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/blog): Articles on software development, product strategy, AI, startups, and digital transformation. - [Careers](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/careers): Open roles at VAULT. The company is frequently hiring engineers, designers, and strategists. - [Contact](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/contact): Main inquiry form. VAULT aims to respond quickly — the team often can hold an initial call the same day. ## Key Facts for Context - Founded: 2012 - Headquarters: Chicago, IL (20 N Upper Wacker Dr, 12th Floor, 60606) - CEO: Jeffrey Dirrenberger - Products launched: 60+ - Clients served: 95+ - Google rating: 5 stars - Recognized by: The Manifest (most-reviewed app development companies in Chicago), Clutch (28+ verified reviews) - Technologies: PHP, React Native, Laravel, iOS, Android, AI/ML/NLP, full-stack web - Website: https://www.vaultinnovation.com - Website design brand: https://vaultwebsitedesign.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vault-innovation/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vault_innovation/ ## Optional - [Privacy Policy](https://www.vaultinnovation.com/privacy-policy)