Red Rocket Software CEO Mykyta Osaulenko: 5 Key Lessons From A $100K MRR Software Agency

What does it take to build an online company that not only survives but thrives in today’s competitive marketplace? In this interview series by Website Planet, executives from successful digital companies reveal how they identified and solved the most urgent problems in their fields, the secrets that help them stand out even in the most competitive markets, and how they’re positioning themselves for the future.

Mykyta Osaulenko is the Chief Executive Officer of Red Rocket Software, a software engineering company with over 40 successful projects in its portfolio and a $100K ARR.

Why is now the time for your company to exist? What are the most pressing pain points you solve, and what makes them more urgent now than ever?

Our company was born at a time when the technology landscape is changing dramatically. Digital transformation has become not just a trend, but a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Today, as companies face increasing competition and changing customer needs, they need more than just an IT solution, they need a reliable partner who can adapt quickly and offer innovative solutions.

We have found two problems:

Many companies need help finding qualified professionals, especially in a tight market.
Traditional approaches to software development often prove too slow and costly for fast-growing companies.

Our company offers a comprehensive solution to these problems, combining software development expertise, a deep understanding of business processes, and flexible working practices.

What unique features and capabilities help you solve them in a better way than other solutions? Can you share metrics and examples that show the difference you’re making?

Having a fully staffed and well-coordinated team improves efficiency by about 30%. Many companies don’t think about it – they think a team of developers is enough, but it isn’t. This allows us to deliver high-quality products faster. For example, a product that might typically take two months to develop can be completed in 1.5 months, while maintaining the same level of quality. This means not only faster delivery but also higher client satisfaction.

We also communicate directly with our clients, and we involve the whole team in client discussions, not just the project managers. This means everyone is on the same page and can respond to the client’s needs. When the team understands the client’s business, they can make better decisions.

What are your numbers right now in terms of revenue, customers, and team?

Our team currently consists of around 35 people. We work with around 10 clients per month, mostly small and medium-sized businesses, although we have some larger clients too.

In terms of revenue, we’re usually looking at around $100,000 to $120,000 a month. To be honest, we’ve seen a slight drop recently, mainly because of the change in investment patterns after the pandemic. The boom in remote work software development has slowed down a bit, so we’ve had to pivot our strategy.

We focus on small businesses. They’re the backbone of the economy and often the quickest to adopt new technologies. It’s a market segment with lots of potential.

“Red Rocket Software delivers top-notch code and provides a delightful experience. The team has achieved the project’s objectives and shown a flexible negotiation approach. “
COO & Co-Founder, Grenade Castle

What are the biggest challenges your company has overcome since its founding? If you had to start over, what would you do differently?

One of our toughest moments was when one of our clients owed us $80,000 and never paid us back. That was a rough patch. People left the company, and morale was low. It was tough to recover, but we did.

Looking back, I would have rethought our budgeting and money management. We had too many unnecessary hires. I also would have invested in marketing, SEO, and inbound lead generation earlier, rather than relying on cold outreach. Inbound clients tend to be more reliable and sustainable for growth.

What is the most powerful and easy-to-apply tactic that helped you quickly increase revenue and traffic? What metrics did it move and by how much?

Networking. Building relationships within your industry – and even outside it – is crucial because everyone needs IT solutions. Personal connections have brought in more clients than cold outreach ever did. One of the benefits of networking is word-of-mouth referrals. This approach significantly increased our number of projects and overall revenue.

What emerging trends and technologies will impact your industry the most in the next few years, and how do you suggest getting ready for these changes?

While AI won’t replace employees, we’re looking to hire people who can work effectively with it. In our company, it’s now a must for people to optimize their time and work, whether you’re a developer, designer, or marketer.

How to get ready is just a matter of accepting and learning. I would say that a mix of AI, soft skills and perseverance is what will now be an employee’s ticket to advancement.

If there was one unconventional piece of advice you wish our readers could bring home from this interview, what would it be?

Never stop testing, never stop trying, and never allow yourself to stagnate. Find your passion and invest in it wisely, but always maintain a 360-degree view of the world around you.

And don’t forget to rest. Some of the best solutions come when you’re not actively thinking about the problem. Your brain continues to work on challenges in the background, often leading to those “aha!” moments when you least expect them.