The verdict in three sentences
To scale a product in 2026, three models compete: internal, dedicated outsourced team, project-based agency. Internal offers the best control but a 2-4 month ramp-up and a loaded cost of 55,000 to 80,000 EUR/yr per senior. The dedicated team (12,000-25,000 EUR/month) combines fast availability and flexibility; the project agency stays unbeatable for a one-off, bounded need.
Three models, three cost profiles
Each option is judged on cost, start-up speed and exit flexibility.
| Model | Monthly cost | Start-up delay | Flexibility | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal (1 senior) | 4,600-6,700 EUR | 2-4 months | Low | Durable core business |
| Dedicated team (3 ppl) | 12,000-25,000 EUR | 2-3 weeks | High | Continuous roadmap, scale |
| Project agency | variable | 1-3 weeks | Medium | Bounded one-off need |
| Assembled freelances | 9,000-18,000 EUR | 3-5 weeks | Medium | Targeted reinforcement |
Internal costs less per month once in place, but hiring (delay + risk + exit cost) weighs heavily. The dedicated outsourced team activates in 2-3 weeks and resizes up or down with no layoff procedure.
12-month TCO
Monthly cost is not enough: you must factor in hiring, supervision and under-utilization risk over a year.
| Model | Direct cost 12 mo | Hiring/setup | Under-use risk | TCO 12 mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal (2 seniors) | 132,000 EUR | +15,000 EUR | high if roadmap thin | 147,000 EUR+ |
| Dedicated team (3 ppl) | 216,000 EUR | +2,000 EUR | low (adjustable) | 218,000 EUR |
| Project agency (3 lots) | 90,000 EUR | included | none (pay per use) | 90,000 EUR |
| Mixed internal + dedicated | 160,000 EUR | +8,000 EUR | low | 168,000 EUR |
The project agency shows the lowest TCO because you pay only for delivered lots, but it does not suit a continuous roadmap. For a constantly evolving product, the dedicated team or the mixed internal + dedicated offer the best cost/continuity balance.
Mini case study
Julie, CEO of a SaaS scale-up in Nantes, must accelerate her roadmap over 12 months. Hiring two internal seniors costs 147,000 EUR TCO but takes 3 months and ties up her management time. She picks a dedicated 3-person team at 18,000 EUR/month, operational in 3 weeks. Over the year: 218,000 EUR, but doubled velocity from month one and the option to shrink to 2 people in Q3 if needed. The 71,000 EUR premium over internal buys 2.5 months of time-to-market gained and zero failed-hire risk. In a market where each month of lead time wins new customers, the maths favor the dedicated team.
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FAQ
How much does an internal senior dev cost, all in?
In Europe in 2026, a loaded senior runs 55,000-80,000 EUR/yr, i.e. 4,600-6,700 EUR/month, excluding recruitment cost (10,000-20,000 EUR) and a 2-4 month delay.
How much is a dedicated team per month?
A 3-person squad (lead + 2 devs) sits between 12,000 and 25,000 EUR/month depending on seniority and location, activatable in 2-3 weeks.
When is the project agency the best choice?
When the need is one-off and bounded (a module, a rebuild, an MVP). You pay only for the deliverable, lowest TCO, but with no roadmap continuity.
Is the dedicated team more expensive than internal?
Per month, yes (it includes supervision and margin). But over 12 months the gap narrows once hiring, under-use risk and resizing flexibility are factored in.
Can you combine internal and dedicated?
Yes, often optimal: one or two internal seniors hold the domain knowledge, the dedicated team provides adjustable production capacity. Controlled TCO, assured continuity.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your horizon (one-off or 12-month roadmap) and target capacity: we quote a dedicated team, agency lots or a mix, indicative budget from 12,000 EUR/month. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.