Devspace: From Norway to the U.S. market

What if we started with the customer’s needs, rather than looking for assignments for people who are already available? This was Devspace’s starting point when they launched three years ago. Today, the company has gained a foothold in the U.S. market, backed by a European network of technology expertise.

Facts about Devspace

Established: 2023

Member of Nordic Edge since: 2025

Where: Oslo

What: Helps businesses find the right technical expertise in software development.

Website

Start with what the customer needs

Devspace is based in Oslo and helps companies find technical expertise in software development. When a client needs specific skills, Devspace searches for the right expertise within its network of developers and technologists across Europe. They have about 50 people working across eight different countries and a network of over 700 senior developers. They have some clients in Norway but operate primarily in the U.S.

Devspace is backed by many years of experience in the consulting industry. Alex Somby eventually noticed a recurring pattern:

“Offers from vendors are often based on who’s available on the bench, and that doesn’t always result in a good match. We wanted to change this model and prioritize the clients’ needs first. Our starting point isn’t to sell a specific consultant, but to find the expertise the client actually needs.”

Devspace has now been in operation for three years and has experienced strong growth since its inception. But the road to get there hasn’t been entirely smooth. The start-up phase was a bit bumpy, and launching a new business requires adjustments. Devspace took some time to find its place in the market and refine its model along the way. Today, the company has both small and large clients. A key milestone has been gaining a foothold in the U.S. market.

“The U.S. market is highly competitive, so we’re proud to have some of the major companies on our client list,” says Alex.

Among its clients are one of the U.S.’s largest players in veterinary medicine, as well as companies with high standards for technology, privacy, and data security.

Photo: Alex Somby, CEO of Devspace

A luxury problem

As the customer base grows, it becomes important to have enough expertise available to continue delivering quality quickly. That’s why Devspace now faces what Alex describes as a luxury problem:

"We need more people, but at the same time, we want to ensure that we can continue to deliver to our customers with both speed and quality".

To succeed in this, the network of technical expertise is a vital part of Devspace. The company is committed to finding the right expertise for each specific need, but also to having a pool of talented people to choose from when new projects come in.

"Our motto is “Network of Tech Competence,” and I think networking is underestimated by many. It’s about talking to people, being solution-oriented, and looking for opportunities. It’s important to remember that there’s a lot of expertise out there in the world", says Alex.

At the same time, it’s not just about having many developers available. Devspace ensures the quality of the expertise in its network through measures such as technical tests, reference checks, and communication screening. The needs that companies bring to the table have also become broader. Today, Devspace not only helps clients find development expertise but also offers support in AI and data, technical leadership, and the evaluation of technological solutions and companies.

Nordic Edge as a Door-Opener

Devspace has been a member of Nordic Edge since 2025 and has since participated in events such as the Nordic Edge Expo in Oslo and recently joined a delegation trip to PropTech Connect in London.

“Nordic Edge has an international focus, and through the network, we can connect with others working in the same or related industries. We’re always on the lookout for new opportunities,” says Alex.

For Devspace, membership is first and foremost about expanding its network and gaining insight into new environments and markets. The international profile also makes it relevant for a company that operates largely outside of Norway.

“One of the things we find exciting about Devspace is the model they’ve built to give companies flexible access to experienced technologists across Europe, who step right in and become part of the team. This makes them a valuable fit for many of the companies in our network, especially during growth phases when having the right expertise at the right time is critical,” says Torill Steinback Hoel of Nordic Edge.