Transparent pricing
Every engagement includes a clear scope, fixed price, and no surprise invoices. We publish case studies with client permission to show how we work.
Engagement Models
How we've structured past engagements
For reference, here's how CodeWheel has structured architecture, platform, and security work in the past. Every project gets a fixed quote and documented scope in writing.
Pricing
Transparent sprints or retainers — always production-ready.
Every engagement covers AI build + security testing. Start with a launch sprint to ship the platform layer, then graduate into an operator retainer once you need continuous launches.
Need custom scope?
Architecture audits outline fixed bids before work begins.
Choose your engagement model
Launch Sprint
8-12 week roadmap + production hardening
Ship a complete AI platform layer in one sprint — architecture, build, testing, and security evidence bundled together.
Investment
Tailored investment
Confirmed after roadmap intake
Scope is finalized after a roadmap intake + architecture audit.
Recent sprints: RAG platforms, Drupal Next.js modernization, MCP security hardening.
Semantic search, RAG, or agent workflows
Next.js/Astro UI with Tailwind + shadcn
Stripe billing, Clerk identity, or bespoke auth
Observability (PostHog, Sentry, LangSmith)
Pen tests + prompt-injection suites
Infrastructure automation + preview deploys
Post-launch optimization sprint
Dedicated success lead / PM layer
Example scopes
- Full AI platform layer (10-12 weeks)
- Drupal 7 to Drupal 11 modernization + AI chat (8 weeks)
- Rails modernization + RAG security (12 weeks)
Operator Retainer
Embedded fractional AI architect (month-to-month)
Best for teams who need an ongoing senior operator to lead AI product, security testing, and modernization in parallel.
Investment
Flexible retainer
Scoped to your needs
Retainers renew quarterly so you can flex bandwidth as scope evolves.
Perfect for seed — Series B startups raising diligence-ready rounds.
Embedded architecture + delivery leadership
Continuous AI platform enhancements
Monthly penetration tests + prompt-injection labs
Growth/GTM instrumentation + dashboards
CISO/CTO stakeholder updates
Executive workshops + architecture reviews
24/5 incident response coverage
Dedicated design + QA pods
Example scopes
- Multi-quarter RAG + identity + billing roadmap
- Continuous AI security testing & compliance rituals
- Hybrid Drupal Next.js rollout with monitoring
Payment terms
Projects are typically structured with a deposit to schedule and balance on delivery. Retainers are billed monthly. CodeWheel never surprise-invoices or extends scope without approval.
What's included
Direct access to the architect, weekly Notion updates, collaborative docs, and walkthrough videos when needed. Reports arrive in Markdown + PDF so you can drop them into Notion or investor updates.
Perfect fit if you're...
- Teams building AI-first products that need senior architecture and security.
- Founders and engineering leads who value direct access over agency layers.
- Companies preparing for due diligence, vendor security reviews, or compliance readiness.
Probably not a match if you...
- Programs that require formal compliance attestations (SOC 2 audits, ISO certification bodies).
- Organizations that need 24/7 SOC or dedicated on-call coverage.
- Buyers looking for a large agency with dedicated account managers.
Questions?
Have questions about our tools, content, or past work? Drop us a line.
Need more proof?
Verify our background on LinkedIn , read the blog , or check the AI Security Checklist . No manufactured reviews-just real work.