Chicago Mobile App Development Company
Eight Bit Studios has been building apps in Chicago since 2008. We help non-technical founders turn ideas—and AI-built prototypes—into production-ready software.
Get StartedApp Development in Chicago
Chicago is home to one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the country. From 1871 to mHUB to MATTER, the city has invested heavily in supporting founders and innovation. Eight Bit Studios has been part of this community since 2008.
We're not a faceless offshore team. We're Chicago-based founders who understand what it takes to build a product from scratch. When you work with us, you get direct access to experienced engineers and designers who've shipped apps used by millions.
What We Build
Mobile Apps
iOS and Android apps built with Flutter. Cross-platform development that doesn't compromise on quality.
Web Applications
Ruby on Rails backends that scale. APIs, dashboards, and web apps built for growth.
MVP Development
Get to market fast with a focused MVP. We help founders validate ideas before scaling.
AI Prototype Rescue
Built something with Cursor, Bolt, or Lovable? We help take AI prototypes to production.
Chicago Startups We've Worked With
Over the years, we've partnered with Chicago-area companies across industries:
- Vivid Seats — Mobile app design and development
- GrowIt! — Social gardening platform
- Field Museum — Interactive museum experiences
- Nielsen — API showcase applications
- Allstate — Mobile UI/UX design
We work with founders at all stages—from first-time entrepreneurs to serial startup builders.
Why Chicago Founders Choose Us
Local Team
We're here in Chicago. Meet in person, grab coffee, or hop on a quick call.
Founder Focused
We specialize in non-technical founders. We speak business, not just code.
AI-Era Expertise
We help founders who've hit the wall with AI tools like Cursor, Bolt, and Lovable.
Since 2008
17+ years of experience. We've seen tech trends come and go.
Our Services
- Fractional CTO Services — Part-time technical leadership for startups
- MVP Development — Get your product to market fast
- UI/UX Design — User-centered design that converts
- Product Strategy — Roadmapping and prioritization
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Eight Bit Studios located in Chicago?
Eight Bit Studios is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. We've been part of the Chicago tech community since 2008, working with startups and founders across the city.
What types of apps does Eight Bit Studios build?
We specialize in mobile apps (iOS and Android using Flutter), web applications (Ruby on Rails), and MVPs for startups. We're particularly known for helping founders who've built prototypes with AI tools like Cursor, Bolt, or Lovable take them to production.
Do you work with startups or just enterprise clients?
We focus primarily on startups and non-technical founders. While we've worked with larger companies like Vivid Seats and Nielsen, our sweet spot is helping early-stage founders build their first product or scale their MVP.
How much does app development cost in Chicago?
App development costs vary widely based on complexity. A simple MVP might start around $50,000-$100,000, while more complex applications can range from $150,000-$500,000+. We recommend starting with a discovery phase to scope your specific needs.
What makes Eight Bit Studios different from other Chicago app developers?
We're founders ourselves, so we understand the startup journey. We specialize in helping non-technical founders navigate technology decisions, and we're experts at taking AI-built prototypes to production. Plus, we've been in Chicago since 2008—we're deeply embedded in the local tech community.
Build Your App in Chicago
Tell us what you're building. We'll discuss how we can help—whether you're starting from scratch or rescuing an AI-built prototype.
Get Started