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Client
Social platform for coaches and athletes
Industry
Sport
Product
Backend API
Admin panel
Date
2022–2025
Skills
Ruby on Rails
PostgreSQL
RSpec
Dokku
A fast-growing startup from the USA that builds digital tools for the sports world – connecting athletes and coaches in one ecosystem. Their main product is a web-based training platform that enables session booking, payment management, and relationship building between users.
Before the platform could take off, it needed a technology partner to clean up the technical foundation and prepare it for scaling. Our task was to take over the backend, stabilize the system, and lay the groundwork for future development.
The application was originally built by an external team but suffered from a lack of stability, a weak payment system, and hard-to-maintain code. The client was looking for a partner who would not only fix existing issues but also take responsibility for the platform's future technical development.
We took over the platform’s backend, implemented a clean architecture, and began developing new features in line with the roadmap. From that point on, we have been the main backend team — delivering over 220 pull requests and continuously improving the product.
We reworked the Stripe-based payment system — it now supports card payments, invoicing, webhooks, reminders, and exception handling. The system is stable and processes hundreds of transactions every month.
Although the frontend is developed by an external team, we design and maintain the API to provide the best possible user experience — for both coaches and athletes.
We implemented unit and integration testing using RSpec — every new feature is automatically tested, helping us maintain high code quality and a fast development pace.
We automated the deployment pipeline — new versions are released to staging and production with minimal manual effort, reducing delivery time and the risk of errors.
We use monitoring tools to track system performance and availability. We also introduced an alert and logging system that enables quick responses to issues and ensures platform stability.
We ensured clear and structured REST API documentation, making collaboration with the frontend team smooth and accelerating feature delivery.
The collaboration led to a complete technical and product transformation. The app, once unstable and difficult to maintain, became a reliable, efficient, and continuously evolving platform tailored to the needs of both coaches and athletes. We introduced a structured backend architecture, rebuilt the payment system from scratch, and enabled the launch of dozens of new features. The platform now handles thousands of active users, regular bookings, and increasing interest from new teams joining each month. Our work has not only ensured stability and scalability, but also laid the foundation for future product expansion — including analytics, multi-team support, and external integrations. We continue to serve as the core backend team, supporting the client’s long-term vision through consistent releases, high code quality, and trusted technical leadership.