CHICAGO
Chicago Mobile App Development Company That Delivers Results
Looking for a mobile app development company in Chicago that’s fast, founder-focused, and deeply local? You're in the right place.
At Eight Bit Studios, we’re more than just developers—we’re momentum-builders. As a long-standing Chicago mobile app development company, we bring over 20 years of technical expertise, startup mentorship, and local community involvement to every project.
Whether you're a first-time founder or a scaling enterprise, our AI-powered, cross-platform development approach helps you launch faster than most agencies can schedule a kickoff call.
Why Chicago Founders & Startups Choose Eight Bit
We specialize in helping non-technical founders launch mobile apps with speed, strategy, and style. From native iOS and Android builds to cross-platform MVPs using Flutter and AI-assisted development, we’ve helped startups go from pitch deck to App Store in weeks, not quarters.
AI-Powered MVPs: Cut through the noise. Get to market fast.
Cross-Platform Development: Flutter, React Native, or native—choose what fits best.
Fractional CTO Support: Strategic guidance on architecture, scalability, and tech stack.
End-to-End UX/UI Design: Interfaces users love to tap on.
Rooted in Chicago. Building from everywhere.
But we don’t stop at building apps—we build community. Founders Fleet is our private workgroup for non-technical founders launching AI-enabled ventures. Inside the Fleet, members connect over real-world challenges, share lessons in real-time, and grow together as they bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re navigating your first pitch or refining your V1 feature set, you don’t have to do it alone.
Meet Don Bora
At Eight Bit Studios, we don’t just build apps—we build momentum. Led by veteran Chicago tech leader Don Bora, we bring two decades of app development, mentorship, and deep community ties to every project we touch. Whether you're a startup founder with a bold new vision or an enterprise looking to scale, our lean, AI-powered approach delivers mobile apps faster than most agencies can schedule their kickoff call.
Don isn’t just a co-founder—he’s a pillar in the Chicago tech scene. For over 20 years, Don has built apps, mentored startups, and helped grow Chicago into the innovation hub it is today.
Mentor at 1871 – Helping Chicago’s next-gen founders navigate tech.
Executive Club of Chicago Member – Connecting ideas with leadership.
Advocate for Tech Education – He’s taught hundreds of beginners to code.
Deep-Dish Devotee – Ask Don where to get the slice in town.
Don brings more than technical chops—he brings heart, hustle, and homegrown perspective to every engagement.
From Chicago Roots to Global Reach
Our portfolio spans industries like logistics, edtech, fintech, wellness, and more. We're proud to be a Chicago mobile app development company with a global track record.
From logistics and fintech to wellness and edtech, Eight Bit has helped companies build category-defining products. Our Chicago-based roots mean we understand Midwest values—transparency, grit, and results.
Our team is small by design. No bloated org charts. No endless meetings. Just hands-on collaboration with senior developers, designers, and product minds who care about shipping great work.
Our Mobile App Development Services in Chicago
Fractional CTO & Design Leadership
Our founders and startups don’t just need code—they need clarity. That’s where our Fractional CTO and Design Leadership come in. Whether you’re figuring out your data model, refining your product roadmap, or deciding between native vs. cross-platform, we help you make smart decisions early. Don Bora personally brings two decades of architecture, mentorship, and strategic guidance to every table—be it a boardroom in The Loop or a startup pitch at 1871.
Cross-Platform App Development
We build beautiful, fast, cross-platform apps using frameworks like Flutter and React Native—ideal for startups who need to launch across iOS and Android without doubling development costs. Chicagoans know how to hustle, and this is how we help you do it.
Native iOS & Android Development
Need the power of a native experience? We code apps in Swift and Kotlin for that buttery-smooth performance your users expect. Whether your customers are downtown execs or South Side entrepreneurs, we build native apps that deliver
AI-Integrated Applications
We use AI not just to enhance your app, but to accelerate how it's built. From automated features to smart user flows, our AI-assisted toolchain helps Chicago founders get to market smarter and faster.
UX/UI Design
Design isn’t just about how it looks—it’s how it feels. We create interfaces that are intuitive, engaging, and conversion-driven. Inspired by the grit and creativity of neighborhoods like Pilsen and West Loop, our design speaks Chicago fluently.
MVP Strategy & Product Ideation
Not sure where to start? We’ll help you validate your app idea before a single line of code is written. Through lean discovery, tech feasibility, and user-first thinking, we help you avoid building the wrong thing.
Ongoing Support & Flexibility
Need ongoing help? Our team offers fractional CTO services, product iterations, and maintenance—whether you're in Wicker Park or working remote from a Red Line stop.
Let’s Build Something Chicago Proud
Whether you’re in River North, Fulton Market, or working out of a Lakeview coffee shop, we’d love to connect. We’re not just another app development agency—we’re your local product team, ready to help you create something real, fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a developer and a development company?
A freelance developer may build your app, but a development company like Eight Bit offers full-stack strategy, design, and long-term partnership.
How fast can I launch my MVP?
With our AI-assisted workflow, we’ve helped founders launch in as little as 6–8 weeks.
What’s the best tech stack for a mobile app?
It depends on your goals. We’ll help you choose between Flutter, React Native, and native development.
Do I need to be technical?
Not at all. Most of our clients are non-technical founders—we bridge the gap between vision and execution.
