Internal Software. Built by us. Operated by us.
Your company needs a tool. We build it agentic in weeks instead of months — and operate it afterwards. Hosting, bug fixes, AI support for your users. All included.
You know the problem
Off-the-shelf tools don't fit
Too expensive, too complex, too inflexible. For 80 employees you don't need SAP — but spreadsheets aren't enough anymore.
Building it yourself goes wrong
The CEO built something with Cursor. Works for now. But who handles support? Who fixes bugs? Who writes docs? Who hosts it?
Agencies are too expensive
€50-150k project budget. 6 months timeline. Then a maintenance contract on top. For an internal tool used by 30 people.
Even off-the-shelf software needs an admin
Even with Personio or SAP you need someone internally who knows the tool. Who handles support, adjusts settings, answers user questions. Everyone forgets these costs.
Build. Operate. Grow.
Three phases, one provider. We build your tool, operate it, and develop it further when you're ready.
Build
We build your tool from scratch. AI agents develop, human experts review. Done in weeks instead of months.
- Agentic Development
- Automatic documentation
- Staging environment for testing
- Regular updates
- Go-live & deployment
Operate
Your tool is running. We take care of operations. Your users get support — without you having to dedicate someone to it.
- Hosting (our infra or Docker Compose for your servers)
- Bug fixes
- Security updates & monitoring
- AI support chat for your users
- Automatic documentation
Grow
You collect change requests and new requirements. When enough has accumulated, go back to the Build phase — and we keep building.
- New features & extensions
- Technical modernization
- Set up additional tools
- Activate anytime
Costs everyone forgets
Even with off-the-shelf software you need someone who knows the tool. With us, that's the AI chat.
The "tool admin"
Every company has this person: the one who knows the tool and helps everyone else. With Personio, with SAP, with every tool. Calculate their time investment.
Onboarding new employees
New colleague? Someone has to explain how the tool works. With us, the new hire just asks the AI chat.
When something breaks
Support ticket at Personio: 3 days waiting time. With us: AI chat answers immediately. Bug? Fixed in the next cycle.
When the admin leaves
Sick, on vacation, quits — and suddenly nobody knows how the tool works. Our AI chat is always there. No knowledge drain, no personnel risk.
What it really costs — honestly calculated
| Off-the-shelf (e.g. Personio) | Agency project | Digitale Kumpel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| License / Build | €3,000-10,000/year | €50-150k one-time | €2,500-5,000/mo (Build phase only) |
| Internal admin | €5,000-15,000/year (partial) | €5,000-15,000/year (partial) | €0 — AI chat takes over |
| Ongoing operations | In license price | €2,000/mo extra | €500/mo (Operate) |
| Customization | Barely possible | New project = new invoice | Activate Grow phase |
| Support wait time | Days | Depends | AI chat: instant. Bugs: next cycle |
| Fits your needs? | You adapt to the tool | Yes, but expensive | 100% custom-built |
| Cancellation | Annual contract | Contract term | Anytime |
Examples — what we build
Travel expense tool
For 80 employees. Market solution: thousands per year and way too complex. Our solution: tailored, built in weeks, then in Operate mode.
Modernize legacy app
Internal business application that's showing its age. Outdated technology, nobody dares to touch it. We modernize step by step and take over ongoing operations.
E-Commerce Full-Service
Online shop, ERP integration, paid ads, automation — all from one source for a traditional manufacturer. Build/Grow cycles as needed.
Read case study →How it works
Initial call
15 minutes. You describe what you need. We honestly say if and how we can help.
Build phase
AI agents develop, human experts review. In weeks instead of months your tool is live.
Operate phase
Your tool is running. We host, fix bugs, your users get AI support. You collect new wishes.
Grow phase
Enough wishes collected? We go back to the Build phase and keep building. Whenever you want.
Simple pricing, clear phases
You only pay for what's happening. Build when building, Operate when running.
Build
Active development
- Agentic Development
- Automatic documentation
- Code reviews by human experts
- Staging + go-live
- No setup fee
- Cancel anytime
Operate
Your tool runs — we take care of it
- Hosting (our infra or your servers)
- Bug fixes
- Security updates & monitoring
- AI support chat for your users
- Automatic documentation
- Switch back to Build phase anytime
FAQ
What does 'agentic' mean?
AI agents write the code. Experienced human developers orchestrate, review and deploy. This is faster and cheaper than traditional development — with equal or better quality.
Do we own the code?
100%. Everything we build belongs to you. You can put your own developer on it anytime.
What's included in the Operate phase — and what's not?
Included: hosting, bug fixes, security updates, AI support chat for your users. Not included: new features or changes. For those, you collect wishes and go back to the Build phase when enough has accumulated.
Can we self-host?
Yes. We deliver a Docker Compose package that runs on any Linux server. Or we host for you.
How does the AI support chat work?
Your users can ask the chat questions like: 'How do I create a new expense report?' The chat knows the tool and answers immediately. No waiting for support tickets, no internal admin needed.
What if we want to cancel?
Anytime at the end of the month. No minimum term. We hand over the code, the docs, everything.
What happens with our data?
Your data stays in Germany. If you self-host: everything on your servers. If we host: on German Hetzner servers in our Kubernetes cluster.
Who's behind this
Manuel Schoebel
Founder & Developer, Digitale Kumpel
Co-Founder & CTO of ShopCo (exit to Klarna). Lead Software Engineer at Klarna. CTO at aleno. Author of "Meteor in Action" (Manning Publications). For 7 years I've been building software with Digitale Kumpel for companies across the DACH region — from corporates to mid-market to startups.
What our clients say
"Digitale Kumpel is a reliable partner that can deliver on our specific requirements."
Jürgen Schüring
CEO, Skandika
"We are very happy with the work of Digitale Kumpel. Sebastian and Manuel are very professional and our whole tech team is looking forward to working with them again."
Isabel Kuckartz
CEO, VERBI Software (MAXQDA)
"With Digitale Kumpel we found a reliable partner to help with the most tricky parts in our frontend development."
Matthias Krieft
CTO, Contentpepper
Ready?
15 minute initial call. No pitch, no pressure. We listen and honestly say if we can help.
hi@digitale-kumpel.ruhr