We partner with organizations to design, build, and deliver software solutions grounded in sound engineering, from initial problem definition through production deployment and beyond.
Get in touch Our servicesWe don't specialize in an industry. We specialize in software done right. Our clients include:
Whatever industry you're in, if that sounds like you, let's talk.
We design and build web applications and backend systems quickly, without cutting corners, using a refined internal toolkit for standing up new products fast and hardening them for production as they grow.
Our strongest area, spanning classical ML, deep learning, generative modeling, and LLM-powered applications.
As AI agents take on more autonomous responsibility inside products, someone has to make sure they behave safely, predictably, and transparently. We design and implement governance layers (oversight, guardrails, auditability) for teams building agentic AI products.
We offer a range of engagement structures to match how you want to work with us.
Fixed scope, defined deliverables, and a written SOW agreed before work begins. Best for a defined build with a start and an end.
Ongoing development and support on a recurring basis. Best for teams that want a specialist on call without a full-time hire.
We join your team directly, inside your existing process and tools. Best for scaling a team temporarily or covering a specialized gap.
For larger engagements, Data Utopia draws on a vetted network of engineers, designers, and product managers: one point of contact, more hands when the work calls for it.
Our rates depend on who owns what we build.
We'll settle on the right structure and document it in a clear agreement before anything starts.
Each engagement begins with a clear definition of scope, objectives, and success criteria.
A free conversation about what you're building and whether we're the right fit.
A written proposal defining deliverables, timeline, and engagement type before any commitment is made.
Iterative development with regular check-ins, so you always know where things stand.
Working software, documentation, and a clean handoff.
Available on retainer after launch, if and when you need it.
Data Utopia is a software consulting practice based in Wilmington, NC, working with clients anywhere, fully remote with no geography requirement. Founder-led, with over 12 years of industry experience in custom software development, data engineering, and applied machine learning.
Data Utopia is built to stay lean: you work directly with the person building your software, not an account team. For engagements that need more hands, we bring in trusted engineers, designers, and product managers from our network, scaling up without losing the directness that makes working with a specialist worthwhile.
We're not limited to one. Our focus is good software, and the specifics change with every engagement.
It depends on the engagement type: project work is scoped and quoted after discovery; retainers are billed recurring; embedded work is typically hourly or per-sprint. See "How we price" above for how IP ownership factors in. We'll recommend a structure before anything is signed.
Yes, happy to sign one before any detailed discussion, if you'd like it in place.
Yes, this is one of our focus areas, including governance and oversight for autonomous systems.
Fully remote; we work with clients anywhere.
Ownership determines the rate. If you'd like to own everything outright, that's standard consulting pricing. For ideas with strong resale or business potential, we can offer a reduced rate in exchange for retaining some or all of the IP, or structure a hybrid of the two. We'll work out what's right for your project during scoping.
During the discovery call, we'll give you a realistic start date based on the scope of your project.
Currently taking on new engagements. Let's talk about what you're building.
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