A task that used to take eight people can now be done with roughly half that. That is how Krasimir Kostadinov, CTO of Scalefocus, describes the shift in technology teams in an interview with Digitalk. The company's own numbers confirm the trend.
Scalefocus in numbers
- One of the largest software companies with Bulgarian founders and owners, on the market for 14 years.
- Revenue of about EUR 44.4 million for 2025, compared with EUR 43.7 million for 2024.
- Headcount down from 654 in 2024 to 598 in 2025.
- A strategic focus on critical industries such as energy, aviation and defense.
In other words: slightly higher revenue with fewer people.
How roles are changing
According to Kostadinov, AI speeds up routine execution and shifts the weight toward the people who make decisions, design solutions and carry responsibility. AI tools and agents are treated as participants in the delivery process, not just as helpers.
What clients are looking for
- Partners who take responsibility for a business outcome rather than just supplying development hours.
- Starting at a smaller scale to see value before expanding the project.
- Demand from European clients is growing too, and the market is more competitive.
What this means for small and mid-sized businesses
If you are commissioning a web project, this trend works in your favor. You can expect:
- A clear scope and measurable goals right from the start.
- A smaller, more experienced team with direct communication.
- A phased approach: the essentials first, then expansion based on results.
This is how we work, too. Penkov Studio is a small studio where projects are led directly by Tsvetelin Penkov, with no middlemen between you and the person working on your website. You can read more on our About page.
Topic source: Digitalk: Krasimir Kostadinov, Scalefocus (in Bulgarian). This article is an independent analysis by Penkov Studio.
