A tech startup can fully outsource technology if it is not their differentiating factor. A fashion tech startup can outsource their development requirements whereas a new computer vision company cannot as technology is their core differentiator.

That said, companies should have a head of product in-house, who can drive the vision for the product and manage the development team. It’s important that this person have technical experience as this will help her better assess the quality of the work done, the speed at which work is done and she can help resolve challenges as they arise.