We’re not saying we fired our Head of Finance, HR, or Admin. But we did give them AI-powered assistants that take care of repetitive work, catch mistakes before they happen, and keep everything moving behind the scenes.

This is how we actually use AI agents at Cleevio. No buzzwords, just real stuff that saves time and makes us better at what we do.

AI Head of Finance

Goal: Automate financial workflows, improve accuracy, and give us better control over company spending.

1. Payrolls Agent

We built a Payrolls Agent that makes sure everyone gets paid correctly and on time. It checks if contracts are valid, compares worklogs to recorded hours, keeps track of vacation balances, and categorizes expenses per project.

It doesn’t work in isolation, it talks to:

• Contracts Agent (HR) to confirm someone is eligible for payroll.
• Worklogs Agent (Admin) to validate hours worked.

The benefit: Accurate, on-time payroll with fewer errors and less back-and-forth between teams.

2. Invoices Agent

Our Invoices Agent handles both incoming and outgoing invoices. It issues them, tracks due dates, and sends alerts when something needs our attention. It also matches invoices to bank transactions and preps everything for our accountant.

It syncs with:

• Projects Agent (Admin) to assign costs to the right project.
• Reporting Agent to keep the books clean.

The benefit: Fewer missed invoices or mismatched payments as everything is organized and ready for accounting.

3. Reporting Agent

This one’s all about insights. The Reporting Agent generates dashboards, tracks recurring expenses like SaaS tools, and flags overspending.

It pulls data from:

• Payrolls and Invoices Agents
• And gives Admin a clear view of where budgets stand

The benefit: Fast, accurate financial overviews and proactive alerts when things start going off track.

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AI Head of HR

Goal: Automate people-related processes and make sure no one gets forgotten in a spreadsheet.

1. Contracts Agent

The Contracts Agent helps us stay on top of employee agreements. It alerts us when contracts are about to expire, recommends renewals, and checks if all the conditions are still valid.

It collaborates with:

• Payrolls Agent (Finance) to verify salary eligibility.

The benefit: No missed contract renewals or expired agreements slipping through unnoticed.

2. People Agent

This one supports the full employee journey from onboarding to offboarding. It walks new hires through checklists, runs performance review cycles, and handles exits smoothly.

It also uses data from:

• Worklogs Agent (Admin) to assess workload and contributions.

The benefit: A smoother employee experience with all key processes automated and on time.

AI Head of Admin

Goal: Keep approvals, budgets, and worklogs flowing smoothly without micromanagement.

1. Budgeting Agent

This agent approves expenses, keeps an eye on team budgets, and makes sure we don’t overspend.

It partners with:

• Invoices Agent (Finance) to assign expenses to the correct projects.

The benefit: More control over budgets and less delay in expense approvals.

2. Worklogs Agent

This one checks whether submitted worklogs are complete and correct. It tracks team statistics (like time in meetings), and ensures our tracking rules are followed.

It syncs with:

• Payrolls Agent (Finance) to confirm logged hours
• People Agent (HR) to help with performance reviews

The benefit: Reliable time tracking without micromanagement and better data for performance reviews.

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Why This Matters

This isn’t just about automation. It’s about giving our team more time to focus on high-impact work, strategy, people and relationships. The AI agents don’t replace decision-making; they make it easier and more informed.

We didn’t build a fleet of AI agents overnight. We started small, tested use cases, and connected tools step by step. The result? A system that supports our team without overwhelming it.

If you're curious about how we built them—or want to try something similar in your own company—let’s talk.

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AI isn’t the future, it’s the infrastructure of modern companies. Cleevio embraced that early, embedding AI agents into how it works at every level. That transformation led to the creation of Cleevio AI Automations, a new company built to help others unlock the same potential.

Cleevio AI Agents
To take things even further, Cleevio has spun off a new company: Cleevio AI Agents, led by David Zadražil, former CTO of Cleevio. His mission? Help other companies make the same leap. From isolated AI experiments to real-world, practical usage that actually makes teams faster and smarter.

Using what we build. Selling what we actually use.
The AI agents in Cleevio aren’t an experiment in a sandbox. They’re fully embedded in daily work: financial reports, project risk identification and daily stakeholders reports, projects estimations and boring administrative tasks. Every product team now works alongside AI counterparts. No deception, just integrated tech that augments human decision-making.

“Our belief is simple: AI should empower people, not replace them,” says Zadražil. “We’re not preaching some abstract future, we’ve implemented it ourselves. We don’t sell something we wouldn’t use. It’s about freeing people from routine so they can focus on high-impact work.”

Proof before pitch
In the era of overhyped AI promises, Cleevio’s approach is grounded in transparency and practice. The new company, Cleevio AI Agents, is a reflection of that philosophy-focused on building custom, human-centered AI systems that improve real workflows.

Clients will benefit from faster delivery, better decision-making, and more flexible roadmaps, all thanks to AI agents that handle the heavy lifting in routine tasks. Cleevio’s internal success is proof that the model works.

“It’s not about hype. It’s about mindset.”
At Cleevio, AI isn’t a flashy add-on. It’s a core capability built into the culture, not bolted on top. Teams don’t work around AI; they work with it. And with the launch of Cleevio AI Agents, the company is ready to help others do the same.

Your app is growing. That’s the good news.
The bad news? So are the reviews, tickets, and unexpected bugs no one saw coming.

We needed a fast, affordable way to handle it all, so our team could focus on what truly matters: high-impact work.

29.4 hours later, we had a solution.

We call it UpRate — and now, anyone can use it.

What is UpRate?

UpRate is your AI support teammate.

It handles repetitive tasks that kill your team’s flow — like replying to store reviews and searching for the right info in your knowledge base.

No fluff. Just actual time saved.

How we built it (and what it actually does)

Two people on our team were constantly switching context to reply to app store reviews, dig through sheets for answers, and forward support requests to the right teammate. It wasn’t a full-time job — but it was eating up way too much of their time.

So we gave ourselves a challenge:
Can we automate this in a way that actually helps our team — and ship it fast?

Here’s how we approached it:

• Code: Jumped between Cursor and Claude’s code interpreter
• UI: Used v0.dev to generate more complex components
• Landing page: Sketched in Lovable, polished in Cursor
• Testing: Wrote proper tests — over 80% coverage
• LLM credits used: $32
• Dev time: 29.4 hours total

And yes — it works.
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The tool now:

• Replies to all app store reviews instantly, using your tone and policies
• Pulls from a shared, limitless knowledge base — even across multiple apps
• Understands and translates reviews in foreign languages
• Routes support issues to the right person when needed

We didn't over-engineer it. We built what we needed — fast.
Now that it’s saving us hours each week, we’re opening it up to everyone else too.

Why we’re sharing it now

• Less time on support = more time building.
• Happier users = better ratings.
• No more burnout over repetitive tasks.

Real talk:

We didn’t build UpRate because AI is cool.
We built it because support was dragging down our team’s productivity — and our ability to build.

Now, it’s doing the heavy lifting.
Our users get faster replies.
Our PMs get useful insights.
And our team gets to focus on what actually matters: building great products.

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If your team is still manually handling app support — stop.
Let UpRate take care of it. You’ve got better things to do.

Want to see it in action? Get in touch or book a demo.

As software development complexity is increasing, efficient and reliable testing are critical. Enter Maestro, a user-friendly development testing tool that streamlines testing processes, speeds up release cycles and enhances software quality.

This article explores our journey with Maestro, highlighting challenges, solutions, and benefits as we strive towards enhanced testing and continuous improvement.

Our main goal? To use testing time efficiently, moving repetitive tasks to automation, and freeing up engineering time for activities such as critical and manual testing of a new feature before they are automated or preparing automation for a new feature.

How do we do it?

We use Maestro to automate testing scenarios and flows in our mobile applications - this helps us bring on-demand test results faster, gives us a quick retest option, and saves time.

Even though initial setup and writing tests require time investment, while automation tests run, QA engineers can focus on tasks like manual testing of new features or preparing automation for new features.

Tests are written in YAML files in a semi-codeless manner, using commands like "tapOn" and "scroll". Tests can run on hardware devices or emulators/simulators, making them ideal for end-to-end smoke tests or regression tests during fresh releases.

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Time Savings with Automation

Example Scenario:

A hypothetical mobile app with login, logout, dashboard, 2 main features, and a user profile.

Manual Testing:

• Complete smoke test: 1 hour per device
• Development period: 6 months (18 sprints, 4 releases per sprint)
• 3 devices (current and 2 older OS versions)

Approach 1: Manual Testing (First Month)

• 3 sprints, 4 releases/sprint, 1 hour/release, 3 devices/release
• Total: 36 hours/month on manual smoke testing
• Remaining: 134 hours for other testing activities

Approach 2: Automated Testing (First Month)

• Initial setup: 4 hours, fixing: 3 hours
• 3 sprints, 4 releases/sprint, 45 minutes/release, 3 devices/release
• Automated testing time utilized for other activities
• Total: 7 hours (setup + fixing)
• Remaining: 163 hours for other testing activities
• Time saved: 19 hours (29 hours without buffer)

Simulating Growth (Sixth Month, Coefficient: 1.2 per month)

• Approach 1: Manual Testing
  • Total: 269.2 hours/month on manual smoke testing
  • Negative balance: -89.2 hours (not feasible)
• Approach 2: Automated Testing
  • Initial setup: 28.8 hours, fixing: 21.6 hours, writing: 28.8 hours
  • Total: 194.4 hours (automated testing time utilized for other activities)
  • Remaining: 119.6 hours for other testing activities
  • Time saved: 208.8 hours

Summary:

• First month: 19 hours saved with Maestro
• Sixth month: 208.8 hours saved with Maestro
• Automation maintains 100% test coverage and allows QA engineers to focus on critical tasks, ensuring product quality.

Maestro represents a solution to the often complex issue of mobile application automation testing, offering organizations the tools and capabilities needed to elevate their testing practices to new heights and deliver exceptional software products that exceed customer expectations.

TL;DR

As applications grow more complex, automation helps maintain comprehensive test coverage. Automation frees QA engineers to focus on tasks requiring human insight, ensuring quality doesn't suffer even with tight deadlines.

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As a startup founder, one of the most crucial decisions you will face is whether to build an in-house development team or hire an external agency. Having navigated this terrain myself, I believe that in the early stages, leveraging an agency can be a clever move. Here's why:

Immediate Access to Expertise

When you are just starting out, time is your most valuable resource. Hiring developers is a lengthy process fraught with uncertainties. Team dynamics, vital for productivity, can take months to establish. In contrast, an agency provides an immediate solution. They offer a cohesive team that has worked together effectively on various projects. This immediate access to a well-oiled machine can accelerate your development timelines by 30-40%.

Cost and Time Efficiency

For many startups, especially those without technical co-founders, the initial phase can be overwhelming. You might find yourself spending months trying to hire the right talent, all while burning through your limited funds. From my experience, it is more pragmatic to use an agency during this period.

Agencies bring the necessary expertise and resources without the long lead times associated with building an in-house team. While you focus on what truly matters—developing your product and refining your business model.

Time to Build Your Internal Team

While starting with an agency has clear advantages, it doesn't mean you should rely on them for everything indefinitely.

Having an internal product manager or CTO is essential to ensure that your vision and strategy are consistently implemented. As your startup grows, you should gradually build your in-house team. This allows you to benefit from the agency's expertise while creating a stable internal team, culture and knowledge base.

TL;DR

In conclusion, leveraging an agency in the early stages of your startup can provide the immediate expertise and efficiency you need to get off the ground. As you grow, transitioning to an in-house team while maintaining a strategic partnership with the agency for specific tasks can help you scale effectively. This approach ensures you can adapt to changing needs and continue to innovate and grow.

As a co-founder of Cleevio, I have seen firsthand the benefits of this approach. If you can't code and have limited time and resources, using an agency can save you crucial time and help you make significant strides in your startup journey.

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Choosing between stealth mode and overhyped marketing is crucial for any startup. As a founder, I faced early on whether to build my startup in stealth mode or embrace overhyped marketing. Both strategies offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your product, competition, and overall strategy. So, which one is better for you?

Developing in stealth mode allows you to refine your product without external pressure. During the pandemic, I launched an app that quickly started making $100k a month, completely bootstrapped. We operated in stealth mode, focusing solely on perfecting the app rather than seeking attention. Even after Apple removed the app, we had made significant money, and no one knew about it.

From my experience and observations, many successful projects operate quietly yet effectively. For instance, several companies in the Czech market, with teams of around 15 people, generate over $500k in monthly sales without any external funding. They remain relatively unknown in the broader startup community but are well-known in their niche markets.

This strategy minimizes pressure and allows them to focus on building their products. However, some PR is beneficial for hiring new talent. As a development company, we are always hiring new talents, and local PR helps us connect with potential employees.

TL;DR

Deciding between stealth mode and overhyped marketing depends on your startup's specific needs, goals and market size.

From my experience, operating in stealth mode while maintaining targeted PR efforts, especially for hiring, has been the right path. Sometimes, a hybrid approach offers the best balance, allowing for focused development initially and leveraging marketing benefits when the product is ready for the spotlight.

Still not sure what's best for your startup? Check out our Startup Program or book a call with us now to learn how you can supercharge your startup.

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As a project manager, your workload can quickly become overwhelming. From planning and mitigating risks to organizing resources and budgets, scheduling stakeholder meetings, and coordinating daily operations, the responsibilities can pile up.

Fortunately, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence significantly simplifies the role of a project manager. By integrating AI tools into our workflow, we enhance efficiency, stay on top of project milestones and deadlines, and make more confident decisions and plans.

Let's explore how two simple tools improve our project management processes, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in our day-to-day operations.

TLDV: Streamlining Communication and Documentation

TLDV has become an invaluable asset in our toolkit, enabling us to streamline communication and documentation processes:

• Recording Calls with Clients: TLDV automates the recording of calls with clients providing a comprehensive record of agreements and discussions. This serves as a valuable resource for reference and facilitates swift resolution of disputes or misunderstandings.
• Facilitating Clear Communication: With transcription and summarization of calls, TLDV fosters clear and uniform communication between our team and clients - ensuring that everyone is aligned and reducing the risk of miscommunication or confusion.
• Supporting Knowledge Transfer: TLDV plays a crucial role in knowledge transfer within our team. Archiving discussions and decisions ensures that critical information is preserved and accessible to all team members, promoting collaboration and continuity.

ChatGPT4: Enhancing Workflow Efficiency

ChatGPT4, another powerful AI tool in our arsenal, excels in enhancing workflow efficiency and optimising various project management tasks:

• Assisting in Workflow Optimization: ChatGPT4 integrates seamlessly with project management systems like JIRA, assisting in refining workflows and optimizing task allocation. Its insights help us identify bottlenecks and streamline processes for maximum efficiency.
• Generating Reports and Specifications: From client reports to product specifications, ChatGPT4 automates the generation process, saving significant time and effort. Its ability to synthesize complex data into clear, concise reports enhances our communication with clients and ensures accurate documentation.
• Providing Insights and Validating Tasks: ChatGPT4 offers valuable insights into legislative requirements and mandatory data, essential for tasks like invoice and receipt creation. Additionally, it validates client tasks and specifications, raising pertinent questions for consideration and ensuring alignment with client expectations.

Both TLDV and ChatGPT4 are indispensable assets in our quest for efficiency and excellence in software development project management. The time efficiency they offer, saving up to 50% of time in some cases, is a game-changer. Moreover, they fill gaps in skills or knowledge, ensuring that we deliver the best possible results to our clients.

We strongly believe in the power of innovation, which is why we not only use AI for ourselves but also to the advantage of our clients.

Do you want to be a part of the team? Do not hesitate to contact us via the contact form or directly at natalie.tovarkova@cleevio.com

Having raised over $10M+ in the past and engaged in countless meetings with VCs and angel investors, I have recently transitioned to the bootstrapping route for my latest ventures. Why? Because it makes you think five times before spending every $10,000 and forces you to find new ways to progress with a limited budget.

The Freedom of Bootstrapping

Bootstrapping, the practice of funding a business with personal savings and revenue, provides entrepreneurs with a rare degree of autonomy. Without external investors to answer to, founders retain full control over decision-making processes, strategic direction, and the company's vision.

Moreover, every dollar becomes precious, and founders must carefully consider every expenditure to ensure optimal resource allocation. When you are personally invested in every aspect of the business, from product development to marketing strategies, you become acutely aware of the value of each dollar spent.

Heightened awareness fosters creativity and resourcefulness, driving entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions to challenges with limited financial resources.

Knowing When to Raise Funds

Of course, there comes a point in the startup journey where external funding may become necessary. Whether it is to fuel rapid expansion, penetrate new markets, or invest in research and development, raising capital can provide the resources needed to scale effectively.

However, my advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to bootstrap for as long as possible and raise money only when absolutely necessary or when pursuing ventures requiring substantial upfront investment, such as hardware startups.

By bootstrapping initially, startups can prove their concept, validate their market fit, and demonstrate traction, increasing their attractiveness to potential investors. By retaining ownership and control during the early stages, founders can negotiate from a position of strength when seeking external funding, ensuring they maintain a significant stake in their success.

Ultimately, the key is to strike the right balance between independence and strategic growth, leveraging external funding when necessary while preserving the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives innovation and creativity.

Ready to chart your startup journey? Check out our Startup Program or book a call with us now to learn how you can supercharge your startup.

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Discover the highlights from our recent exclusive panel discussion featuring Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, alongside industry leader Milo Poplar and our Head of North America, Filip Orth.

The event provided valuable insights into global-scale product building and entrepreneurial success. Dive into the key takeaways and memorable moments from this engaging discussion, where experienced pioneers shared their wisdom and expertise on the AI landscape.

We were thrilled to have Roman Stanek and his impressive track record in building successful startups. His journey began with the acquisition of NetBeans by Sun Microsystems in 1999, followed by the acquisition of Systinet by Hewlett Packard in 2006. Along the way, his ventures received support from renowned VC funds like a16z, Intel Capital, and General Catalyst.

Outsourcing

During the event, our discussions delved deeply into the strategies startups can employ to enhance efficiency through outsourcing across various operational domains. We explored how outsourcing can serve as a vital tool in mitigating the challenges inherent in the dynamic startup landscape. Among others, these challenges encompass navigating a tough fundraising environment and contending with fierce competition in virtually every industry.

Agility and adaptability

Central to our discussions was the imperative for startup founders to remain agile and adaptable in the face of evolving circumstances. We underscored the critical importance of being responsive to market shifts and customer demands, emphasizing the need for continual adjustment to ensure the longevity and success of their ventures.

Operational effectively

The ability to pivot effectively is essential, particularly when considering the quest for operational efficiency. In this context, leveraging outsourcing capabilities becomes paramount, whether it is in technological development, sales, marketing, or legal compliance. This strategic approach is especially pertinent in the current landscape, where fundraising endeavors are meeting with increased difficulty, and access to capital is more constrained than it was just two years ago.

We intend to make this event a regular occurrence. We aim to host Founders’ Lounge regularly, each time focusing on a different theme and bringing in a special guest who will share insights from their entrepreneurial journey.

Are you a founder, investor, CTO or decision-maker in the technological startup environment seeking to accelerate your growth and gain a competitive edge in the market? Watch our LinkedIn for future invites!