A generic guide for any IT founder based in the SF Bay Area to find and connect with a subcontractor in Ukraine.

Finding a Subcontractor:

Step 1: Online Research

• Web Search: Conduct a thorough internet search for "IQ DIRECT INC Ukraine" to find any official website or references.
• Online Platforms: Check platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, or Clutch.co for the company profile and any reviews or testimonials.
• IT Forums and Communities: Visit forums or communities related to IT outsourcing and look for any mentions of the company.

Step 2: Verify Legitimacy

• Check Documentation: Ensure that they have legitimate documentation – VAT number, registration documents, etc.
• References: Request and check references from past or existing clients to verify their legitimacy and quality of work.
• Portfolios: Evaluate their project portfolios to ensure their technical expertise aligns with your needs.

Step 3: Evaluate Expertise

• Technical Capabilities: Ensure they have the necessary technical skills and infrastructure to handle your project.
• Communication: Effective communication is key in remote working relationships. Ensure they’re proficient in English and are responsive.
• Project Management: Evaluate their project management capabilities, ensuring they have sound methodologies in place.

Step 4: Legal and Financial Aspects

• Legal Counsel: Consult with a legal professional to navigate through international laws and contracts.
• Payment Terms: Be clear about payment terms and conditions and consider using secure payment channels.
• NDA and Contracts: Ensure non-disclosure agreements and contracts are clear, fair, and abide by international law.

Step 5: Establishing the Partnership

• Trial Period: If possible, start with a small project as a trial to evaluate their working style and output.
• Regular Check-ins: Ensure you have regular meetings scheduled for project updates and communication.
• Cultural Understanding: Understand and respect cultural differences that might impact working styles and communication.

Step 6: Managing Remote Team

• Time Zone Management: Be mindful of the time zone differences and plan meetings and deadlines accordingly.
• Collaboration Tools: Utilize collaboration tools like Slack, Jira, or Asana for seamless communication and project management.
• Feedback Loop: Establish a continuous feedback loop to ensure ongoing improvement in the working relationship.

Step 7: Building Long-term Relationship

• Visit Them: If possible, plan a visit to their office in Ukraine to build a stronger business relationship.
• Recognition: Acknowledge their contributions and celebrate shared successes to foster a positive working environment.
• Ongoing Collaboration: Explore possibilities for ongoing collaboration and consider them as long-term partners rather than just subcontractors.

Additional Tips:

• Leverage local contacts or associations that might help you verify the credentials and reputation of the subcontractor.
• Proceed with caution and consider exploring alternative subcontractors.
• Always ensure that your interactions and transactions comply with both U.S. and Ukrainian laws, especially regarding data protection and financial transactions.

Conclusion

Building a partnership with an international subcontractor requires thorough research, verification, and clear communication. Ensure to understand their capabilities, establish clear legal and financial boundaries, and foster a healthy working relationship for successful collaboration.