India is the world's largest source of AI development talent. Here's how to hire the right team without the common pitfalls.
Step 1: Define Your Requirements
Before reaching out to firms, document:
- Specific AI capabilities needed (NLP, computer vision, etc.)
- Tech stack preferences
- Team size and engagement duration
- Budget range
Step 2: Vetting Process
Technical Evaluation
- Review GitHub repositories and open-source contributions
- Ask for architecture diagrams from past projects
- Conduct a paid pilot project (1-2 weeks) before committing
Business Evaluation
- Check Clutch/GoodFirms reviews
- Ask for 2-3 client references (not just testimonials)
- Verify company registration and financial stability
Step 3: Contract Structure
- IP Assignment — Ensure all work product is assigned to you
- NDA — Signed before any knowledge transfer
- Payment milestones — Tie payments to deliverables, not time
- Exit clause — 30-day notice with code handover
Step 4: Timezone Management
- Establish 3-4 hours of overlap for sync meetings
- Use async tools (Loom, Notion, Linear) for everything else
- Weekly demos every Friday (your time)
Why Iedeo?
We've been the offshore AI team for companies across the US, UK, and Middle East. Transparent pricing, dedicated teams, and IP-safe contracts.