ELEKS vs Version 1: full comparison for 2026
Quick verdict
ELEKS (4.4/5) edges ahead of Version 1 (3.9/5) overall. ELEKS is the better choice for data-heavy custom software, Ukrainian rates, mature processes. Version 1 is the stronger option for oracle and Microsoft estates, public-sector managed services. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.
ELEKS vs Version 1: head-to-head summary
| Criterion | ELEKS | Version 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 | 1996 |
| HQ | Tallinn, Estonia (engineering in Lviv; London office) | Dublin, Ireland (UK offices including Birmingham) |
| Team size | 2,000+ | 3,000+ |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 | 3.9 / 5 |
| Primary differentiator | Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit | Managed services for Oracle, Microsoft and AWS estates with Indian and Spanish delivery |
| Pricing model | Time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price | Managed service, time and materials, fixed price |
| Min. engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Primary tech stack | .NET, Java, Python | Oracle, Microsoft Azure, AWS |
| Industries served | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare, Media, Retail | Public sector, Financial services, Healthcare, Utilities |
ELEKS vs Version 1: overview
ELEKS
ELEKS began in Lviv in 1991, which makes it one of the oldest software companies in Ukraine. It now lists Tallinn, Estonia as its corporate headquarters and keeps a London office on Beech Street. Around 2,000 specialists work on custom software, data science, and research and development projects, mostly from Ukraine and Poland. Its long history with Western European clients shows in fairly mature delivery processes.
Version 1
Version 1 was founded in Dublin in 1996 and has been majority-owned by Swiss investor Partners Group since July 2022, in a deal reported at around €800m. It had more than 3,200 staff by 2023 and opened a Birmingham hub with 500 planned jobs, plus UK acquisitions such as Automation Logic. Much of its UK work is Oracle, Microsoft and AWS managed services for public-sector bodies. Delivery comes from Ireland, the UK, Spain and India.
Services and capabilities: ELEKS vs Version 1
| Capability | ELEKS | Version 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Custom software development | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile app development | ✗ | ✗ |
| Cloud & DevOps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data & AI | ✓ | ✓ |
| Legacy modernisation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Embedded & IoT | ✗ | ✗ |
| Dedicated team model | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fixed-price projects | ✓ | ✓ |
Tech stack comparison: ELEKS vs Version 1
| Framework / platform | ELEKS | Version 1 |
|---|---|---|
| .NET | ✓ | ✓ |
| Java | ✓ | ✓ |
| Python | ✓ | N/A |
| React | ✓ | N/A |
| AWS | ✓ | ✓ |
| Azure | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kubernetes | N/A | N/A |
| Embedded | N/A | N/A |
Pricing comparison: ELEKS vs Version 1
| Criterion | ELEKS | Version 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum engagement | Not published | Not published |
| Engagement models | Dedicated team, Fixed project, Time and materials | Managed service, Fixed project, Time and materials |
| Rate transparency | Not public | Not public |
| Price tier | Mid-market | Mid-market |
Target audience comparison: ELEKS vs Version 1
| Dimension | ELEKS | Version 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Best company size | Startup to mid-market | Startup to mid-market |
| Best industries | Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare | Public sector, Financial services, Healthcare |
| Best use cases | A logistics firm wants route and demand forecasting built into its operations software., A UK company needs a dedicated team for a multi-year product build at nearshore rates. | A public body needs Oracle E-Business Suite support and migration., A utility wants Azure managed services. |
| Typical project type | Dedicated team | Managed service |
ELEKS vs Version 1: pros and cons
| ELEKS | |
|---|---|
| + | Thirty-plus years in business is a strong signal of stability for a long contract |
| + | A London office gives UK buyers a local contracting and meeting point |
| + | Data science and analytics work is a genuine strength alongside general development |
| + | Rates are in the Ukrainian band, well under UK onshore pricing |
| - | Most engineering is in Ukraine, so buyers should review continuity plans given the war |
| - | The London office is mainly a sales and account presence, not a delivery centre |
| Version 1 | |
|---|---|
| + | Strong in Oracle and Microsoft environments common in UK public bodies |
| + | Indian and Spanish delivery lower costs on managed services |
| + | Private-equity backing has funded UK expansion |
| - | Majority-owned by Partners Group since 2022, so an eventual sale or exit is likely |
| - | Product-style bespoke development is less central than managed services |
Who should choose ELEKS?
A typical fit: a logistics firm wants route and demand forecasting built into its operations software.
Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Financial services, Logistics, Healthcare, Media, Retail.
Who should choose Version 1?
A typical fit: a public body needs Oracle E-Business Suite support and migration.
Managed services for Oracle, Microsoft and AWS estates with Indian and Spanish delivery. Minimum engagement is not publicly disclosed. Works best with clients in Public sector, Financial services, Healthcare, Utilities.
Decision matrix: ELEKS vs Version 1
| Your situation | Recommended choice |
|---|---|
| You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope | ELEKS |
| You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme | ELEKS |
| Your budget is at the lower end | Compare: ELEKS (Not published) vs Version 1 (Not published) |
| You need specialist depth in a specific vertical | ELEKS |
| You want engineers added to your own in-house team | Neither lists team extension; ask about dedicated teams |
| Your product includes hardware, firmware or connected devices | Neither; consider an embedded specialist |
Use case fit: ELEKS vs Version 1
| Use case | ELEKS fit | Version 1 fit | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| A logistics firm wants route and demand forecasting built into its operations software. | Strong | Limited | ELEKS |
| A UK company needs a dedicated team for a multi-year product build at nearshore rates. | Strong | Limited | ELEKS |
| A public body needs Oracle E-Business Suite support and migration. | Limited | Strong | Version 1 |
| A utility wants Azure managed services. | Limited | Strong | Version 1 |
| You need hardware, firmware or IoT work in the same contract | Limited | Limited | Both equally |
| You want a fixed-price first phase before a longer engagement | Strong | Strong | Both equally |
Verdict: ELEKS vs Version 1
ELEKS (4.4/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Software Development Outsourcing projects. Three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit.
Version 1 (3.9/5) is worth a look in a scenario like this: a utility wants Azure managed services. If your situation matches that, Version 1 is a competitive option.
Related comparisons
ELEKS vs Version 1 FAQ
Is ELEKS better than Version 1?
ELEKS (4.4/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. ELEKS's strongest advantage: thirty-plus years in business is a strong signal of stability for a long contract. Version 1's strongest advantage: strong in Oracle and Microsoft environments common in UK public bodies.
How do ELEKS and Version 1 differ in pricing?
ELEKS uses time and materials, dedicated team, fixed price pricing. Version 1 uses managed service, time and materials, fixed price pricing. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.
Which is better for enterprise: ELEKS or Version 1?
Version 1 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 ELEKS and Version 1?
ELEKS's primary differentiator is: three decades of outsourced delivery with an in-house research and development unit. Version 1's primary differentiator is: managed services for Oracle, Microsoft and AWS estates with Indian and Spanish delivery. They also differ in team size (2,000+ vs 3,000+), minimum engagement (Not published vs Not published), and primary industries served (Financial services, Logistics vs Public sector, Financial services).
Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.