Mustafa Shaheen has built a 30-person development company bridging Pakistan’s tech talent with U.S. markets. Starting as a college student seeking to pay tuition through freelance work, Shaheen rejected traditional career paths to build Coder Crew, a company specializing in AI, blockchain, and full-stack development. His journey from solo developer to managing cross-cultural teams offers insights into global tech entrepreneurship, remote work innovation, and leveraging emerging market talent. In this interview, Shaheen discusses building client trust across time zones, integrating AI into enterprise solutions, and creating opportunities for tech talent in Pakistan.
Mustafa Shaheen
What motivated you to choose entrepreneurship over a traditional career path, especially during your college years?
Growing up in a family that valued creating opportunities, I was inspired to think differently about work and success. I was taught to think about building something meaningful that could create value for others. Pakistan is a country filled with talented individuals who often face limited opportunities to showcase their skills on a global scale. This gap became clear to me during my college years, and I realized that I wanted to play a role in bridging it.
A traditional 9-to-5 job or the dream of leaving Pakistan for better opportunities didn’t excite me. I felt there was so much potential right here that just needed the right direction and platform. Entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to explore ideas, collaborate with incredible talent, and make an impact that extends beyond borders. It wasn’t just about building a career—it was about creating something that could open doors for others, empower local talent, and prove that we can achieve global success while staying rooted in our community.
Can you describe the specific turning points that helped transform your freelancing work into a 30-person company?
Building my business from a part-time freelancing gig into a 30-person company didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey that unfolded over ten plus years, with key moments shaping the path. One turning point was realizing that delivering great results wasn’t just about completing a project—it was about building trust and relationships. When clients saw the quality of my work, they naturally referred me to others. This opened doors to bigger opportunities, allowing me to move from small $10,000 projects to jobs worth $100,000 and even million-dollar ventures.
Another important shift was understanding the value of growing alongside my customers. Many of the businesses I worked with were scaling up, and by evolving with them, I became their go-to partner for more advanced solutions. This approach created a steady, sustainable path to success. Instead of chasing new clients constantly, I focused on building long-term partnerships. That mindset not only expanded my team but also allowed us to take on bigger challenges and deliver innovative projects.
How do you maintain team cohesion and client satisfaction while managing a Pakistan-based team serving primarily US clients?
Keeping my team cohesive and my clients happy comes down to a mix of good communication and consistent results. I focus on delivering high-quality work on time while being fully transparent with clients about progress. Clear updates, honest timelines, and regular check-ins ensure everyone stays on the same page. When clients see that we meet their expectations, it builds trust and confidence, which is key to long-term relationships.
Communication is another big part of how we work. I often overlap my working hours with my US clients so they can reach me whenever they need. This makes a huge difference in solving problems quickly and keeping everything running smoothly. On top of that, I make occasional in-person visits to build stronger bonds. Meeting face-to-face, even if it’s not often, adds a personal touch to our relationships and shows clients how much we care about their success.
What specific AI projects has your company developed, and how do you see AI transforming software development?
Our team has been developing AI & ML based features for our client long before the hype of LLMs. Since late 2023, most of our newer requests have been around improving workflows and enhancing our customer’s tasks using AI. If we talk about LLM based products. Our team has developed several LLM-driven projects that showcase our commitment to innovation. One example is a platform that transforms webinars into comprehensive marketing content, streamlining the content creation process for businesses. Another project focuses on enhancing LinkedIn engagement by providing AI-powered tools to boost users’ presence on the platform. Additionally, we’ve collaborated with clients across various industries, including a law firm, to integrate AI solutions that improve their operations. (Names & websites redacted due to privacy of our customers, references can be provided on request)
Many companies are hesitant about outsourcing development work. How do you address these concerns and demonstrate value?
Outsourcing development work can feel challenging, but we address concerns with transparency, strong communication, and a focus on results. Here’s how we build trust and demonstrate value:
- Clear Communication: We provide detailed project roadmaps with timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring clients stay informed.
- Data Security: Strict protocols, including end-to-end encryption and secure storage, protect sensitive information throughout the project.
- Regular Updates: Real-time collaboration tools and consistent check-ins keep the process smooth and responsive to client needs.
- High-Quality Deliverables: Our experienced team uses the latest technologies to create tailored solutions that align with client goals.
- Measurable Results: We focus on delivering outcomes that drive efficiency, enhance user experiences, and boost revenue, proving outsourcing can be reliable and effective.
Could you share a challenging project that tested your leadership abilities and what you learned from it?
One of the most challenging yet rewarding projects I worked on was with a US-based medical hospital, specifically collaborating with doctors from a leading center in Nebraska (redacted). The project started as a mobile app for gathering research data in the field of neurology, particularly focusing on movement disorders and strokes. Over time, the scope expanded into creating a commercial app with advanced bioinformatics capabilities. This evolution tested my leadership abilities, as the shifting vision required constant adaptation and alignment among diverse stakeholders.
The main challenges included the ever-changing scope of the project and the complexities of working in a highly specialized field like Parkinson’s and tremor-related disorders. Leading a team while also guiding brilliant but non-technical clients was critical. I focused on “coaching outward,” helping the doctors understand the app development process while translating their innovative ideas into practical solutions. By learning how to mentor 360 degree, I was able to create a successful relationship that long-term partnership that led to the development of several apps. This experience taught me that leadership is about adaptability, clear communication, and fostering trust both within the team and with the client.
How do you ensure effective communication and project management across different time zones?
Managing projects across different time zones effectively requires clear processes and strong communication. Here’s how I handle it:
- Detailed Planning: Create project plans with well-defined milestones and deadlines to ensure everyone stays aligned.
- Project Management Tools: Use tools like shared calendars and project management software to track progress and avoid confusion.
- Regular Check-Ins: Schedule updates and meetings to keep everyone connected and informed about the work.
- Time Zone Overlap: Adjust working hours to overlap with team members or clients in different regions for real-time discussions.
- Messaging and Dashboards: Use messaging apps and shared dashboards for quick updates and seamless collaboration.
- Proactive Communication: Ensure everyone knows what’s happening and address issues promptly, regardless of location.
What advantages does your company offer that distinguish it from both US-based development teams and other overseas providers?
- AI-Driven Solutions: We don’t just create simple wrappers for tools like ChatGPT. We build fully integrated, AI-powered solutions tailored to your product’s needs.
- Purposeful AI Integration: AI isn’t added for the sake of it. We focus on features that align with your business goals and enhance your product’s value.
- Expertise Across Technologies: Our experience spans web3, blockchain, LLMs, AI, and machine learning, allowing us to tackle a wide range of advanced projects.
- Proven Track Record: We’ve delivered multi-million-dollar projects, showcasing our ability to manage and execute complex, large-scale work.
- Dedicated Development Teams: Every client gets a dedicated team of developers, ensuring full focus and personalized attention.
- Value-Based Billing: We charge based on the value we deliver, not hourly rates, so you only pay for results that drive your success.
By combining cutting-edge technology expertise with a client-first approach, we’ve built a reputation for delivering impactful solutions. Our commitment to quality, transparency, and measurable value sets us apart, making us a trusted partner for businesses looking to innovate and scale.
How has your approach to client relationships evolved since your early freelancing days?
My approach to client relationships has changed a lot since my freelancing days. Back then, it was more of a straightforward developer and client dynamic—getting tasks done and delivering projects on time. Over the years, as I worked with clients and saw their businesses grow, these relationships evolved into something deeper. Out of my first ten clients, three are still with me today. They’ve grown into full-fledged companies with teams of their own, but they still trust us with critical work. It’s not just about delivering projects anymore; it’s about being a mentor, helping guide their vision while using our skills to bring it to life.
One thing that hasn’t changed is how accessible I am to my clients. No matter how much my business has grown, I’ve always stayed just a phone call away. This direct connection builds trust and ensures that they feel supported, whether it’s for a small update or a major project. For me, it’s about maintaining that personal touch, showing that even as we scale, the relationship remains as important as the work itself.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to build global tech companies from emerging markets?
For entrepreneurs looking to build global tech companies from emerging markets, my first piece of advice is to believe in yourself and your vision. Coming from an emerging market can feel challenging, but it also gives you unique strengths and perspectives. Trust your abilities and focus on creating solutions that solve real problems. The journey won’t always be easy, but confidence and persistence will help you navigate the ups and downs.
Another important lesson I’ve learned is that growth happens in stages. Leading a 5-person team is different from leading 25 people. As your team grows, you’ll need to bring in more structure and organization to keep things running smoothly. Don’t rush the process—focus on building skills and systems step by step. Embrace the learning curve, and remember that every stage prepares you for the next one. Success in the global tech world is about staying adaptable and always being open to learning.
