Define the result.
Build into reality.
Acyclic works forward-deployed: senior engineers close to the client, AI agents doing much of the build, and acceptance criteria established before delivery.
The engagement shape follows the problem. Accountability stays with us.
The specification is the agreement.
We begin by identifying the workflow, failure modes, deployment boundary, and people who will accept the result. That turns an ambiguous request into observable behavior. Then we build, inspect, and deploy against those criteria.
Frame the system
Map the users, data, decisions, and constraints. Identify what a wrong result would cost and where review belongs.
Set acceptance
Agree on the behavior, checks, and deployment conditions that will mark the work complete.
Build in context
Use agents for implementation while senior engineers direct architecture, validate output, and work with the operating team.
Deploy and verify
Put the system in the agreed environment, exercise the acceptance criteria, and resolve the gaps that remain.
Three ways to work.
Fixed-outcome engagement
A defined system or workflow, explicit acceptance criteria, and a delivery commitment around that result.
Embedded team
Senior engineers work directly with your operators and technical owners over a broader build.
Advisory
Architecture, evaluation, or delivery guidance where your team owns implementation.
“We take accountability for what we ship.”
GRAHAM GOUDEAU / FOUNDERStart with the acceptance criteria.
Tell us the system, the constraint, and the deadline. We will tell you if we can take responsibility for the result.