Using consulting to build a successful product

Startups often face the dilemma of whether to offer services while developing their products, a challenge Nango encountered firsthand. Initially believing they understood integration complexities, they discovered the breadth of challenges in delivering scalable solutions. By offering services, Nango gained deep insights and credibility, transforming from outsiders into integral team members for their clients, which provided valuable feedback and expertise in integration landscapes. However, the service-driven approach led to operational inefficiencies, misaligned customer expectations, and a lack of product ownership. Eventually, Nango transitioned back to focusing on their product, leveraging the expertise gained from services to create a robust platform that allowed them to serve customers effectively with fewer resources. This journey highlighted the value of services as a learning tool and trust-building mechanism, but also emphasized the importance of knowing when to pivot back to a product-centric model for sustainable growth.