LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
LeewayHertz (4.1/5) edges ahead of Cleveroad (4.0/5) overall. LeewayHertz is the better choice for buyers wanting broad AI service coverage under one roof. Cleveroad is the stronger option for startups needing AI features inside a mobile or web product. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | LeewayHertz | Cleveroad |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 | 2011 |
| HQ | San Francisco, United States | Krakow, Poland |
| Team size | 150-300 | 113-200 |
| Rating | 4.1 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Backed by The Hackett Group's consulting and benchmarking network post-acquisition | Production-deployment discipline carried over from a decade of mobile and web delivery |
| Pricing model | Fixed project or dedicated team | Fixed project or dedicated team |
| Min. engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Primary tech stack | Python, PyTorch, OpenAI API | Python, React Native, AWS |
| Industries served | Financial services, Healthcare, Retail & e-commerce, Manufacturing | Retail & e-commerce, Healthcare, Logistics |
LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad: overview
LeewayHertz
LeewayHertz was founded in 2007 and is based in San Francisco. The Hackett Group acquired the company in September 2024, which changes its ownership structure and long-term strategic direction compared to the independently-run firms elsewhere on this list. Public employee counts have moved in different directions depending on the source and date, from roughly 300 in earlier reporting down to about 182 by mid-2026, which is worth factoring in given how much marketing content the company publishes relative to its verified team size.
Cleveroad
Cleveroad was founded in 2011, and public sources disagree on headquarters, with LinkedIn listing Claymont, Delaware and other trackers pointing to Krakow, Poland as the operational base. Employee estimates likewise vary, from roughly 113 up to a LinkedIn-reported 201-500 range. The company's roots are in mobile and web development for startups and enterprise clients, with safe, production-grade AI deployment positioned as a newer strength built on top of that existing delivery discipline.
Services and capabilities: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
| Capability | LeewayHertz | Cleveroad |
|---|---|---|
| Generative AI | ✓ | ✓ |
| Machine learning | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI agents | ✓ | ✗ |
| MLOps | ✗ | ✗ |
| AI consulting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Fixed-price projects | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated team model | ✓ | ✓ |
Tech stack comparison: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
| Framework / platform | LeewayHertz | Cleveroad |
|---|---|---|
| Python | ✓ | ✓ |
| PyTorch | ✓ | N/A |
| TensorFlow | N/A | ✓ |
| LangChain | ✓ | N/A |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | N/A |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
| Criterion | LeewayHertz | Cleveroad |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Engagement models | Fixed project, Dedicated team | Fixed project, Dedicated team |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
| Dimension | LeewayHertz | Cleveroad |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Financial services, Healthcare, Retail & e-commerce | Retail & e-commerce, Healthcare, Logistics |
| Best use cases | Consolidating multiple AI initiatives (agents, generative AI, ML) under one vendor relationship., Working with a firm now backed by a larger consulting parent for enterprise credibility. | Adding AI features to a mobile app already in production., Getting a startup MVP built with AI as one feature among several, not the entire product. |
| Typical project type | Fixed project | Fixed project |
LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad: pros and cons
| LeewayHertz | |
|---|---|
| + | Wide service coverage across generative AI, ML, and AI agents under a single vendor. |
| + | The Hackett Group acquisition adds access to a larger consulting and benchmarking network. |
| + | Nearly two decades of operating history predating the current AI cycle. |
| + | High volume of published technical content makes its approach easy to evaluate before signing. |
| - | Acquired by The Hackett Group in 2024, so long-term positioning may shift under new ownership |
| - | Reported headcount has dropped by roughly half across recent public data, worth confirming directly before assuming current team size |
| Cleveroad | |
|---|---|
| + | Mobile and web development roots translate into disciplined production deployment practices. |
| + | Over a decade of delivery history across startup and enterprise clients. |
| + | Operates across four continents, giving flexible timezone coverage. |
| + | AI positioned as an addition to, not a replacement for, established product delivery skills. |
| - | Headquarters and employee count are reported inconsistently across public sources |
| - | AI-specific case studies are less prominent than the firm's mobile and web development portfolio |
Who should choose LeewayHertz?
A typical fit: consolidating multiple AI initiatives (agents, generative AI, ML) under one vendor relationship.
Backed by The Hackett Group's consulting and benchmarking network post-acquisition. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Financial services, Healthcare, Retail & e-commerce, Manufacturing.
Who should choose Cleveroad?
A typical fit: adding AI features to a mobile app already in production.
Production-deployment discipline carried over from a decade of mobile and web delivery. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Retail & e-commerce, Healthcare, Logistics.
Decision matrix: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | LeewayHertz |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | LeewayHertz |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: LeewayHertz (Not disclosed) vs Cleveroad (Not disclosed) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | LeewayHertz |
| You need staff augmentation or team extension | Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug |
| You need consulting before committing to a build | Both may offer discovery engagements |
Use case fit: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
| Use case | LeewayHertz fit | Cleveroad fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidating multiple AI initiatives (agents, generative AI, ML) under one vendor relationship. | Strong | Limited | LeewayHertz |
| Working with a firm now backed by a larger consulting parent for enterprise credibility. | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Adding AI features to a mobile app already in production. | Limited | Strong | Cleveroad |
| Getting a startup MVP built with AI as one feature among several, not the entire product. | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
| Fixed-price build | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| Staff augmentation | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
Verdict: LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad
LeewayHertz (4.1/5) is the stronger overall choice for most AI Development projects. Backed by The Hackett Group's consulting and benchmarking network post-acquisition.
Cleveroad (4.0/5) is worth a look if you need getting a startup MVP built with AI as one feature among several, not the entire product. If your situation matches that, Cleveroad is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
LeewayHertz vs Cleveroad FAQ
Is LeewayHertz better than Cleveroad?
LeewayHertz (4.1/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. LeewayHertz's strongest advantage: wide service coverage across generative AI, ML, and AI agents under a single vendor. Cleveroad's strongest advantage: mobile and web development roots translate into disciplined production deployment practices.
How do LeewayHertz and Cleveroad differ in pricing?
LeewayHertz uses fixed project or dedicated team pricing. Cleveroad uses fixed project or dedicated team pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: LeewayHertz or Cleveroad?
LeewayHertz is the larger team and typically the better enterprise-scale choice. For very large programmes, verify team size and compliance coverage directly with each company before shortlisting.
What are the main differences between LeewayHertz and Cleveroad?
LeewayHertz's primary differentiator is: backed by The Hackett Group's consulting and benchmarking network post-acquisition. Cleveroad's primary differentiator is: production-deployment discipline carried over from a decade of mobile and web delivery. They also differ in team size (150-300 vs 113-200), minimum engagement (Not disclosed vs Not disclosed), and primary industries served (Financial services, Healthcare vs Retail & e-commerce, Healthcare).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.