Leantime has launched an open-source strategic project management solution for non-project managers. Powered by AI, the solution provides a project management solution that is not task-centric. Instead, it focuses on goal-orientated work experiences within a framework that aligns with lean methodology, agile software development, and design thinking.
As a result, the solution was developed to support and empower a neurodiverse workforce that works better without too much-defined structure. The aim is to provide a solution where projects start with a vision and enable users to realise it.
Gloria Folaron, Co-Founder and CEO of Leantime, commented, “Up to 90% of all strategic business initiatives fail and often because they were poorly implemented and executed on. And even if a strategy is well planned, only 7% of employees will be able to say they understand the business strategy and what is needed of them to help the company achieve it. That’s where we enter the picture, bridging the gap between strategic management software and project management tools.”
While development started in 2019, the company was founded in 2022 by Gloria and Marcel Folaron. This is the formal launch of a solution that has been in beta for some time. Originally targeted at startups and creative agencies, the solution had over 1.5M pulls on the Docker hub and +50,000 downloads. It has already been used for over 28,000 projects, with 15,246 live instances. The launch signals that Leantime are now moving to a commercial model, and it will be interesting to see how quickly it monetises the open-source solution.
Leantime is now looking for additional funding, having initially developed with a $225 AWS Impact accelerator grant and smaller amounts from NC Idea Micro and IdeaFest.
A new type of project management
Gloria Folaron was inspired to create Leantime; as someone with the neurodevelopmental disorder ADHD she often found it difficult to focus on tasks. The estimates of people with ADHD vary, with researchers at Oregon Health & Science University estimating the true percentage as approximately 3.5% of the population. Previous estimates range from between 2% and 7% globally. This is still a substantial number. Folaron thinks that a project management solution that caters to a wider population would be a positive thing.
Gloria explains the thinking behind Leantime and how it caters for neurodiverse people in this blog. Why is this important, though? Many organisations will have neurodiverse people within their workforce, and some will struggle with a task-centric system. Leanwork aims to provide a solution to provide an inclusive work culture. Whether that is providing a tool that helps those with ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodiverse conditions. In providing a solution that works for a wider population set, Leantime aims to drive less around productivity and more towards achieving goals.
Marcel Folaron, Co-Founder and CTO of Leantime, commented, “Being part of a team means no one should be struggling and yet, even in 2023, businesses fail to prioritize tools that work for everyone. We make it easier for businesses to be inclusive by making work management accessible to the whole team.”
Rather than tasks to complete, Leantime offers three views, a traditional to-do list, a kanban view and a table view. Users can also plan tasks on a calendar and understand the strategic goals that the tasks aim to work towards. Leantime leverages AI to create a story explaining why a task is important and how it fits into the overall goal of a project or organisation. This especially helps neurodiverse people understand the why behind the piece of work. Which is important for those with ADHD, rather than the task itself. It means that all workers are more vested in what they are trying to achieve.
The solution’s components include planning, risks, control, teamwork, costs, communication, problem-solving and goals. The company already has an impressive number of users and customers for a startup, including Equiptal, Netzwerk, and Light/A.
With other neurodiverse conditions in mind, the platform was also designed to cater better for people with dyslexia, which affects 1 in 5 of the population. It follows guidelines from the British Dyslexia Association to make it easier on the eyes and to use graphical visualisations rather than textual information where possible. After all, a picture can say a thousand words. The platform is also broken into “Think” and “Make” modules. Each contains features and tools that combine strategy with execution, though it is unclear from the website these are split.
Pricing
Moving from beats to general availability, Leantime now offers a cloud-based version of the solutions with the latest updates. For example, its recent feature release 2.3.27 included strategy and program management features that are available on the cloud but will be available on open source later.
There are several pricing options available:
- Core $4/user (up to three users free)
- Core + Strategy $11/user
- Core + Strategy + Program $19/user
- Everything + AI $25/user
- Customer pricing is available for above 25 users, including implementation services and support SLAs
Leantime will also be offering additional add-ons for cloud and open-source users. These include Strategy Management and Program + Strategy Management, Whiteboard and AI. It is not clear how these will be priced.
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
Is there space in the market for another project management solution? Where Leantime differentiates is in its approach to the market. While other solutions have the flexibility to deliver some of the features that Leantimes provide, the focus on the SME market and its approach is unique. To succeed, Leantime will need funding. This is a huge market. With MarketandMarkets estimating it will grow from US$4.8 billion in 2023 to US$6.3 billion by 2028. The platform Leantime has designed works for any workforce. Its differentiation is for neurodiverse talent, its focus is on delivering against goals. That could attract a lot of business leaders and organisations.
Certainly, the solution, after 4 years of development, seems relatively mature at first glance, and it will be interesting to see how it develops its marketing for the product. There is a long way to go before the Folarons can claim success. But they appear to have something that can stand out against others.
