Foro
Foro’s Digital Transformation Journey
With Upstart 13
As a pioneer in commercial lending, Foro is committed to revolutionizing the industry by delivering personalized solutions and accelerated workflows. The company specializes in working with underserved resource groups (URGs), allowing individuals in these groups to access funds without bias.
The Story
Unlike traditional lending platforms, Foro’s solution prevents subconscious lender bias toward borrowers by leveraging anonymity. Lenders don’t know the sex, age, race, or other demographic variables that may result in an unfair negative outcome.
Foro approached Upstart 13 after releasing their minimum viable product (MVP) in late 2022. They were seeking a partner to refine their product and enhance their technical capabilities.
The Business Challenge
Prior to partnering with Upstart 13, Foro had relied on an offshore outsourcing model to fuel the development of its software platform. While the initial results were promising, the outsourcing model had reached its limits with the version-one release of the Foro platform.
Foro’s existing software faced several critical issues, including suboptimal performance, architectural inefficiencies, and an inconsistent user experience. The platform also exhibited ongoing reliability and performance concerns. Furthermore, Foro’s solution lacked a clear strategic direction and a mature agile development process, both of which are essential for scalable growth and stability.
Our Solution
We realized that solving Foro’s challenges would require a holistic approach. We developed a transition strategy that would not only take over the existing product from the current vendor but also position Foro for sustainable future growth. The strategic partnership focused on the following key areas:
Our multifaceted strategy was an overwhelming success. We took over the technology from Foro’s previous vendor without disruption, re-architected the platform with an emphasis on spatial data and a map-first approach, and drastically improved its performance.
Why Foro Chose Upstart 13
After experiencing the shortcomings of offshore development processes, Foro realized the need for a domestic provider that could evolve with the organization. The company’s leaders identified Upstart 13 as an entity capable of overcoming its past software shortcomings while setting up its platform for long-term future growth.
About Upstart 13
Upstart 13 provides a comprehensive suite of services, including app development, business intelligence and analytics consulting, and technology integrations. Our team focuses on personalized solutions that remedy the unique challenges our clients face.
