27 Business Ideas For Software Developers [2024]
Interested in starting a business as a software developer in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as a software developer could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for software developers?
We put together 27 of some of the best software developer business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other software developer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Build an analytics tool ($170K/month)
As a software developer, leveraging your technical skills to create an analytics tool could be a profitable side business or even a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. Analytics tools are essential for businesses to make data-driven decisions, providing the ability to access, visualize, and analyze critical data. Given the rising importance of big data, companies large and small are increasingly seeking robust analytics solutions.
An analytics tool can cater to diverse business needs—small businesses can utilize it to refine their operational strategies, while larger corporations can harness it to monitor and enhance performance. With existing tools like QlikView generating significant revenue ($750M in 2022), the market potential is evident. By developing a new or improved analytics tool, you could tap into this growing industry and meet the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making solutions.
How much you can make: $20 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $4,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Plausible Analytics, a privacy-friendly web analytics tool, reached $4,557 MRR and 743 paying subscribers by focusing on content marketing and engaging relevant communities, rather than paid advertising, while positioning itself as a lightweight, cookie-free and affordable alternative to Google Analytics.
2. Become a software developer ($51.7K/month)
If you're a software developer looking to supplement your income or start a side business, leveraging your strong technical skills and experience in programming could open numerous entrepreneurial opportunities. With the recent trends moving towards mobile apps and cloud-based solutions, you could create and sell software that meets specific client needs, offering customized solutions that businesses are actively seeking.
Given that the average salary for software developers is $110,140, with top earners making up to $140,000, you have already demonstrated the potential to thrive in this industry. Starting your own software development business could further unlock higher income potential and enable you to explore innovative projects beyond your regular job's constraints.
Entering this expanding market as an entrepreneur not only allows you to capitalize on your expertise but also provides the freedom to innovate and manage projects that align with your passion and vision for future technologies.
How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.
3. Start an IT company ($23.8K/month)
If you’re a software developer with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an IT company could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even become your main gig. With the increasing reliance on technology by businesses, there’s a growing demand for IT services, from software development to network management and cybersecurity. This means ample opportunities to leverage your existing tech skills while meeting real-world marketplace needs.
Moreover, owning an IT company puts you at the forefront of shaping the digital world, allowing you to work on diverse projects and innovate solutions. While it requires effort and staying up-to-date with fast-evolving technologies, this venture opens up possibilities for long-term success and strong client relationships. If you’re ready for a challenging yet rewarding path, diving into the IT services landscape could be your next big move.
How much you can make: $500 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
4. Become a freelance app developer ($80K/month)
Starting a freelance app development business could be an excellent way to supplement your income as a software developer. By leveraging your existing skills in mobile app development for Android and iOS, you could create apps that offer user-friendly experiences and meet various market needs. This avenue opens up the possibility of specializing in a niche you are passionate about, whether it's gaming, productivity, or healthcare apps.
To get started, you could refine your skills through online courses and obtain necessary certifications. Building a portfolio website would be crucial for showcasing your skills, projects, and client testimonials. Further, by creating a personal brand and maintaining a blog, you could attract more clients, expand your network, and potentially turn your side hustle into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
A software agency started by a non-technical founder helps diverse clients with their minimum lovable product, boasting a revenue of over $700,000 this year with a 20% profit margin and a team of 8.
5. Start a dating coaching business ($13.2K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your problem-solving and analytical skills to excel as a dating coach, offering training and guidance to improve clients' success in dating and relationships. With your detail-oriented mindset, you could effectively evaluate clients' dating experiences and provide actionable feedback to optimize their approaches, much like debugging a complex piece of code.
Additionally, your tech-savvy background could give you an edge in creating a strong online presence. By developing a sleek, user-friendly website, you could attract a specific niche such as teenagers, divorced individuals, or older adults, and offer them tailored coaching programs to navigate the early stages of their romantic experiences. Starting a dating coaching service could not only supplement your income but also provide a fulfilling way to help others achieve their personal goals.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 47 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week
Meet Ta'Veca Collins, founder of Romance On The Go, a concierge service that promotes romance and intimacy; since becoming a preferred vendor for The W Hotel Fort Lauderdale, their gross income has increased to around $3,200.00 monthly, and they are currently expanding their team to meet the demands of new partnered hotels.
6. Start a brewery ($88K/month)
Starting a brewery could be an excellent way to supplement your income or pursue a full-blown entrepreneurial endeavor as a software developer. Beer crafting has a certain level of creativity and detailed planning that parallels coding projects. You could use your analytical skills to meticulously plan the business, from recipe creation to market research.
The intensive nature of starting a brewery requires a lot of planning and capital, but your experience in problem-solving and project management can give you an edge in efficiently navigating these challenges. Plus, your technical background could come in handy for automating brewing processes or even developing unique software solutions that streamline production and sales. By combining your software skills with a passion for craft brewing, you could create a distinctive market niche and a profitable business.
How much you can make: $56,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
Progress Brewing, a craft beer company in South El Monte, saw continuous growth of 12-14% every month for 16 months straight and hopes to break $2M revenue in 2019 with a focus on high-value non-hype beer, excellent customer service, and providing an overall enjoyable experience.
7. Start a software integration plugin ($33.3K/month)
Creating a software integration plugin could be an exciting entrepreneurial venture for you as a software developer. This business idea revolves around designing and developing a plugin that seamlessly connects disparate software applications, enabling smooth data flow and automation of tasks. By addressing the growing complexity of tech stacks within businesses, your plugin could become an indispensable tool for companies looking to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
To embark on this journey, you would need to delve into understanding various APIs, design a user-friendly interface, and carry out extensive testing to ensure compatibility. The key challenges would involve customizing the plugin to meet specific client needs, providing timely updates, and delivering robust technical support. However, the payoff could be substantial as businesses are continuously searching for efficient integration solutions, thus positioning your plugin as an essential asset for their daily operations.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Gorilla ROI is a Google Sheets add-on that connects Amazon Seller Central to Google Sheets, now bringing in $12,000/month through organic inbound marketing, and focusing on scalability before any heavy push towards outbound marketing.
8. Start a tech support business ($158K/month)
Starting a tech support business could be a natural extension of your skills as a software developer, allowing you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. In today’s technology-driven world, the demand for technical support is higher than ever, offering a robust market for your services. As a software developer, your deep understanding of technical concepts and problem-solving expertise positions you perfectly to troubleshoot and resolve a variety of software and hardware issues for both individuals and companies.
By leveraging your existing experience in IT and technical support roles, you could offer invaluable assistance and ensure exceptional customer service. This would involve actively listening to clients, thoroughly diagnosing issues, and offering clear, patient support to build a loyal client base. Staying updated with the latest technologies and maintaining a comprehensive knowledge base will also give you a competitive edge, allowing you to address a diverse range of technical problems effectively.
Engaging in this venture could not only boost your income but also expand your professional network and enhance your resume, providing additional avenues for growth and development in the tech industry.
How much you can make: $150 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
WP-OK offers unlimited WordPress support services designed for serious website owners, boasting a team of four WordPress experts who have provided support for over 2800 tickets and 200+ customers since their launch in 2015, attributing their growth to strategies such as podcasts, Google ads, chatbots, and content marketing.
9. Become a domain reseller ($75.7K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical expertise and understanding of the digital landscape to become a successful domain reseller. By acting as a middleman between accredited domain registrars and customers, you could create an additional revenue stream that complements your coding skills.
Entrepreneurial-minded developers could take advantage of their existing network and insights to identify valuable domain names and offer them as a service. Mastering the basics of domain reselling and choosing the right reseller program could allow you to monetize this venture effectively, ultimately supplementing your income or even evolving into a full-time business.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 353 days (?)
Thexyz is a self-funded email hosting service generating over $100k of recurring revenue each month, offering uncomplicated privacy and fantastic customer service, and expanding through international sales.
10. Start a coffee cart
Starting a coffee cart could be an ideal entrepreneurial venture for software developers looking to supplement their income or diversify their revenue streams. With a low startup cost requiring just a professional coffee machine and coffee cups, this business offers a manageable entry point while allowing you to leverage your analytical skills to determine optimal locations and times to maximize profit.
As a software developer, your technical expertise could enable you to develop a simple app or website for your coffee cart, enabling pre-orders and improving customer experience. This side business could offer a refreshing break from coding, providing an opportunity to engage with a diverse customer base while enjoying the autonomy of running a tangible, customer-facing venture.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study follows the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business which started as a hobby and now has 6 units that supply the UK's biggest sporting events, commercial and film shoots, generating around £150k from working only 70 days of the year.
11. Start a gardening information business
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to build a gardening information business, creating a customized and branded platform for gardening enthusiasts. By developing a feature-rich website with engaging video, image, and audio content, you have the opportunity to share valuable gardening insights and tips with a wide audience.
Moreover, you could monetize this content through various streams such as subscription models, advertising, and affiliate links, providing a steady supplementary income. Utilizing your coding and design skills can help you stand out in this niche, offering an appealing and user-friendly experience that attracts and retains users.
12. Start a drop servicing business
As a software developer, your technical know-how and network of professional contacts position you well for starting a drop servicing business. You could leverage your expertise to identify high-demand services within the tech industry, such as web development, mobile app creation, or cybersecurity consultations, and connect clients with skilled freelancers.
By outsourcing the actual service work to vetted professionals, you could focus on client acquisition, project management, and scaling your business without being bogged down by operational details. This model not only allows you to create a profitable side hustle but also aligns naturally with your existing skill set and industry knowledge. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and seeking to diversify your income streams, drop servicing offers a scalable, low-cost opportunity with significant potential for growth.
13. Start a chess instructor
As a software developer, you could leverage your analytical skills and structured thinking to become a successful chess instructor. Your problem-solving abilities and experience with complex algorithms make you well-suited to teach others how to master this timeless game. This entrepreneurial venture allows you to share your passion for chess while supplementing your income.
You could start by offering lessons to individuals or small groups, either in person or online. This flexibility enables you to cater to a broad range of skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, making it easy to reach a wide audience. Whether through private tutorials, group workshops, or app-based sessions, the growing demand for chess instruction—especially among young learners and the elderly—presents ample opportunity for business growth.
Marketing your services through social media, chess forums, and local community boards can help build your reputation and attract students. If you enjoy teaching and have a passion for chess, becoming a chess instructor can be a fulfilling way to diversify your income while positively impacting cognitive development and strategic thinking skills in your students.
14. Become a WiFi operator
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills and entrepreneurial mindset by becoming a WiFi operator. This involves setting up and managing WiFi networks for businesses or residential areas, potentially creating a consistent stream of passive income. With your background, you could develop custom software solutions for network management, ensuring high-speed, reliable internet access, and enhancing user experience.
Moreover, you could offer advanced analytics and security features to your clients, differentiating your services from standard WiFi providers. By capitalizing on your expertise, you could build a scalable business model, expanding to multiple locations and automating network maintenance and performance monitoring. This side business not only supplements your income but also allows you to explore new technical and entrepreneurial avenues.
15. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
As a software developer, diving into an AI-based business solution could be a lucrative path to supplement your income or even launch a full-fledged enterprise. Leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline operations and optimize business processes, you could develop solutions that automate repetitive tasks, enhance customer insights, and predict market trends.
The surge in demand for AI tools presents a ripe opportunity to provide businesses with technology that increases efficiency and reduces costs. Given your technical background, you would be well-placed to create seamless, high-impact solutions that drive data-driven decisions and personalized marketing. This entrepreneurial venture not only appeals to your expertise but also positions you at the forefront of an expanding market.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
16. Start a wine barrel making business
As a software developer, you could leverage your analytical skills and precision to enter the artisanal and profitable world of cooperage, creating and selling wine barrels. This unique business opportunity blends technical craftsmanship with artistic design, allowing you to diversify your skill set and income streams. Given that cooperage is a highly skilled trade, you could begin by working at a cooperage firm to learn the intricate process, from raw material selection to the final crafting of barrels.
This new venture could act as a side business, providing you with a creative outlet and supplemental income while you master the art of barrel-making. The precision and attention to detail required in software development are directly transferable to the craftsmanship in cooperage, positioning you for success in this niche market. By eventually starting your own business, you could combine your technical aptitude with hands-on artistry, making and selling barrels that stand out in quality and design.
17. Start a podcasting business ($74.8K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical expertise and industry knowledge to create a podcasting business focused on software development trends, coding best practices, and tech industry insights. This niche subject matter could attract a dedicated following of fellow developers and tech enthusiasts, providing value through engaging and well-informed content.
Starting your podcasting journey as a side project, you could gradually grow a dedicated audience by publishing regular, high-quality episodes tailored to address the prevalent concerns and interests of your listeners. By making podcasting a priority and continuously refining your content, you could transition from a hobby to a full-fledged business, allowing you to monetize through sponsorships, ads, and premium content.
Additionally, building a mailing list and developing a trusted brand will be crucial in sustaining and scaling your podcasting business. With the right mix of dedication and strategic planning, you could create a successful platform that complements your software development career while generating supplemental income.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $349,983/month
How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 15 days (?)
Empire Flippers is a thought leader in brokering online business deals, having brokered over $50 million worth of deals and grown their pool of potential buyers by hundreds every month through a focus on content marketing and middle-of-funnel content.
18. Start a specialty ice cream business
Starting a specialty ice cream business could be an appealing venture for a software developer looking to diversify their income streams. Your technical expertise can be leveraged to create a seamless online ordering system, a captivating website, or even a mobile app that enhances customer experience. Additionally, the data analytics skills you possess could help in identifying market trends and consumer preferences, allowing you to tailor your offerings to meet demand effectively.
Moreover, your problem-solving abilities and project management experience would be invaluable when dealing with supply chain logistics, inventory management, and scaling the business. Using your software development background, you could also implement automated sales tracking and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to streamline business operations, ultimately freeing up more time for innovation and growth.
19. Start an A/V equipment rental
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start an A/V equipment rental business, offering a lucrative way to supplement your income. Given the high demand for A/V equipment for events and parties, renting out professional-grade gear can be a profitable venture, especially as businesses prefer renting over investing in costly equipment for infrequent use.
You could bundle technical services with your rental packages, such as setup, troubleshooting, and real-time support, utilizing your problem-solving skills to enhance customer satisfaction. While the initial investment may be capital intensive, the growing market and potential for recurring bookings present a promising opportunity for entrepreneurial-minded developers.
To stand out in the competitive landscape, you could employ your coding skills to create a user-friendly website or app for seamless booking and inventory management, thereby enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency. Aggressive marketing, including leveraging social media platforms and networking within tech communities, will be crucial to attain your business objectives and ensure sustained growth.
20. Start a sports filming and videography business
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to start a sports filming and videography business. Your proficiency in software development could allow you to create custom video-editing tools, automate post-production processes, and even develop software for live streaming and real-time analytics. Additionally, you could use your knowledge to offer unique solutions like player performance analysis through video processing and data visualization.
This side business could seamlessly integrate with your existing skillset, offering opportunities for innovation in capturing, editing, and distributing sports footage. You could further differentiate your business by combining cutting-edge technology with high-quality videography, creating a niche market and potentially expanding your entrepreneurial portfolio.
21. Start an antique furniture refinishing business
Starting an antique furniture refinishing business could be an exciting way for a software developer to diversify income streams and tap into a creative outlet. Leveraging your problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail, you could restore antique pieces to their former glory, appealing to a niche market of collectors and enthusiasts. This side business could provide a refreshing contrast to your digital work, allowing for hands-on craftsmanship and tangible results.
Additionally, by utilizing your coding expertise, you could create a robust online presence, perhaps developing a custom website or app to showcase your work and attract customers. Managing this business as a software developer might also give you opportunities for learning valuable project management and entrepreneurial skills. It’s a way to combine your technical proficiencies with a passion for craftsmanship, ultimately creating a unique and potentially lucrative business venture.
22. Start a software finding tool ($633K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical expertise to create a software finding tool, a platform designed to help users locate the best software for their specific business needs. This tool can serve as a comprehensive one-stop solution where businesses input their needs and receive tailored software recommendations. By incorporating detailed reviews, pricing comparisons, and user ratings, you could significantly streamline the often overwhelming software selection process.
Starting this venture not only addresses a universal pain point in today’s tech-driven world but also opens up numerous opportunities for monetization through partnerships and premium memberships. The combination of your technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset could set you up for success in this niche, allowing you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time business venture. If you enjoy problem-solving and simplifying tech decisions for others, developing a software finding tool is an opportunity worth exploring.
How much you can make: $100,000 — $1,166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
Lemlist co-founder Guillaume Moubeche shares how he and his tech genius co-founders built their cold-email automation platform to $600,000 ARR, acquired 8,000+ customers worldwide, and grew at a 30% Month over Month growth rate through their unique approach to personalization, community building, and using their own product.
23. Start an ornamental fish farming business
Starting an ornamental fish farming business could be an excellent side hustle or primary business for a software developer. Ornamental fish are relatively quiet and low-maintenance, making them ideal for raising in indoor spaces without affecting your work environment. You could benefit from the relaxing ambiance they provide, which might even help maintain normal blood pressure during those inevitable intense coding sessions.
On the entrepreneurial side, the demand for ornamental fish is continually growing among interior designers and property owners who seek unique décor solutions. As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create an efficient and automated farming system, while also marketing your business through a well-designed website or app, reaching a broader audience more easily. This venture allows you to use both your tech-savviness and business acumen in a creative and profitable way.
24. Create a monthly lip gloss subscription box
As a software developer, you could leverage your tech skills to create a seamless and engaging user experience for a monthly lip gloss subscription box. Using your expertise in web development and e-commerce platforms, you could build a user-friendly website where customers can easily subscribe, choose their preferences, and receive personalized lip gloss selections each month. This can result in a high-quality, scalable, and automated system that minimizes manual work.
Additionally, your ability to analyze data could enable you to effectively monitor customer preferences, feedback, and trends. By leveraging this data, you could optimize the product offerings, marketing strategies, and customer satisfaction. This approach could not only supplement your income but also provide a creative outlet and a unique entrepreneurial venture that diversifies your professional portfolio.
25. Start a drinkware brand ($6.23M/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a successful drinkware brand by capitalizing on your familiarity with online tools and digital marketing. You could design an e-commerce platform for selling custom-branded cups, koozies, mugs, and other drinking accessories, all from the comfort of your own home without the overhead costs of a physical store.
By integrating data analytics and SEO strategies into your marketing efforts, you could reach a broader audience and potentially start making money within a few weeks. With a growing demand for custom drinkware in workplaces, your tech-savvy approach could give you a competitive edge, allowing you to stand out in this niche market.
How much you can make: $450,000 — $12,000,000/month
BruMate is a successful insulated drinkware brand focused on the adult beverage community, with a flagship product that generated $2.1M in sales in 2017 and is now doing over $1.1M per month in sales, with plans to do $20M this year.
26. Start an online fitness business ($78K/month)
As a software developer, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a robust online fitness platform, pairing your coding expertise with a passion for fitness. Online fitness businesses are thriving due to their convenience, affordability, and accessibility. By creating a seamless user experience through custom software solutions, you could provide fitness enthusiasts with on-demand workout sessions, personalized training plans, and nutrition advice — all from the comfort of your home.
In addition to monetizing your technical abilities, an online fitness business requires minimal overhead; all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started. This venture could supplement your existing income or even become a full-time commitment if it scales successfully. Given the growing demand for online fitness solutions, your technical background places you in an advantageous position to innovate and stand out in this expanding market.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth.
27. Start a backpack line ($400K/month)
Starting a backpack line could be an excellent side business for a software developer looking to diversify their income. With an eye for solving problems and a knack for innovative solutions, you could design versatile, durable, and comfortable backpacks that meet the needs of daily commuters, outdoor adventurers, and more. By focusing on innovations such as advanced straps, ergonomic padding, and weatherproof materials, you can cater to specific market demands that are often overlooked.
You could differentiate your backpack line by offering customized and made-to-order services, tapping into a direct-to-consumer model that emphasizes unique and personalized experiences. This approach not only allows you to connect with your customer base more intimately but also leverages your technical skills to drive an online sales platform. Combining your software development expertise with your entrepreneurial spirit opens up possibilities to create a practical and profitable side business that resonates with a broad audience.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
How Tortuga bootstrapped their way to seven figures in revenue, by solving a problem for travelers with their carry-on sized travel backpacks, after overcoming challenges in design, manufacturing, and advertising.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
