Streamlining Mobile App Releases with Runway

A new startup, Runway, has been founded by a team of experienced mobile app engineers and designers previously associated with companies such as Rent the Runway, ClassPass, and Kickstarter. They aim to resolve prevalent challenges encountered during the mobile app release process.

Runway enables teams to connect their existing development tools, providing a centralized view of an app’s release progress. It automates numerous manual tasks and enhances communication among all stakeholders.

The Challenges of App Release Coordination

“Mobile app releases often feel like a complex undertaking,” explains Gabriel Savit, co-founder of Runway. He previously worked with his co-founders – Isabel Barrera, David Filion, and Matt Varghese – as the initial mobile app team at Rent the Runway.

He further notes that the fragmented nature of tools used in the process leads to significant time expenditure and inefficiencies.

Interdisciplinary teams, encompassing engineers, product managers, marketing specialists, designers, and QA personnel, typically rely on spreadsheets, shared documents, and platforms like Slack to maintain updates on app progress.

However, the core development work, essential for preparing the release, is often managed through separate tools like GitHub, JIRA, Trello, Bitrise, and CircleCI.

How Runway Integrates Existing Workflows

Runway functions as an integration layer, connecting all the tools used by the team. A straightforward OAuth authentication process allows connection to existing tools.

Teams then configure settings to help Runway understand their specific workflow, including branching strategies, release branch creation, and release tagging procedures.

Essentially, teams ‘train’ Runway to align with their existing operational methods, eliminating the need to alter established processes.

Upon setup, Runway gathers information from integrated tools, interprets it, and initiates actions. Team members can access a web interface to monitor the release cycle’s status and identify remaining tasks.

“We provide the essential connection between all the components and tools, establishing a single source of truth for everyone involved,” Savit states. “This fosters collaboration and ensures alignment.”

Automation and Error Prevention

Runway proactively identifies potential issues, such as missing JIRA tags, and automatically completes them. It also helps prevent errors, like selecting the wrong build for submission.

Furthermore, Runway automates Slack communication by directing notifications and updates to the appropriate team members based on their responsibilities. This minimizes noise and ensures focused communication.

Future Development and Integrations

Currently, Runway focuses on the entire mobile app release cycle, from initial kickoff to submission and subsequent app store releases. Future plans include expanding integrations to encompass bug reporting and beta testing platforms.

Long-term, the company aims to extend its workflow to support app launches on other platforms, including desktop environments.

Pilot Program and Pricing

Runway is currently undergoing pilot testing with several early adopters, including ClassPass, Kickstarter, and Capsule. These customers have collectively utilized the system for over 40 app release cycles.

Pricing begins at $400 per app per month, offering unlimited release managers and apps, access to all integrations, and support for both iOS and Android platforms. Customized pricing is available for clients requiring enhanced support and consulting services.

The startup is prioritizing customer onboarding and addressing specific integration requirements before a public launch. Currently, Runway integrates with the App Store, Google Play, GitHub, JIRA, Slack, Circle, fastlane, GitLab, Bitrise, Linear, Jenkins, and others, with additional integrations planned based on customer needs.

The four-person Runway team is primarily based in New York and is participating in Y Combinator’s Winter 2021 virtual program. The company is currently focused on development and has not yet initiated a seed funding round.