Best Machine Learning Development Companies in Europe

Neoteric vs DEPT: full comparison for 2026

Last updated: July 2026

Quick verdict

Neoteric (4.3/5) edges ahead of DEPT (4.0/5) overall. Neoteric is the better choice for mid-market companies wanting to move a generative AI proof-of-concept into a production-grade product. DEPT is the stronger option for large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale. The right choice depends on your project size, budget, and required tech stack.

Neoteric vs DEPT: head-to-head summary

Criterion Neoteric DEPT
Founded 2005 2015
HQ Gdansk, Poland Amsterdam, Netherlands
Team size 51–200 1000+
Rating 4.3 / 5 4.0 / 5
Best for Mid-market companies wanting to move a generative AI proof-of-concept into a production-grade product Large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale
Pricing model Fixed project, dedicated team Retainer, dedicated team
Min. engagement $20K $75K
Primary tech stack Python, OpenAI API, LangChain Python, GCP, AWS
Industries served SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare, Enterprise Retail, Media, Enterprise, E-commerce

Neoteric vs DEPT: overview

Neoteric

Neoteric was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Gdansk, Poland, with an additional office in New York. The midsize company specializes in generative AI, AI consulting, and custom software development, helping clients move from AI proof-of-concept to production deployment.

DEPT

DEPT, founded in Amsterdam in 2015, has grown into a global digital agency with over 4,000 digital specialists across more than 30 offices on five continents, backed by the Carlyle Group. DEPT's AI-enabled marketing technology platform, Ada, and its Engineering practice deliver machine learning-driven personalization, growth, and data engineering work for major brands including Google, TikTok, and eBay. As a large, private-equity-backed marketing and engineering agency, ML and AI here sits within a much broader full-service offering rather than being the firm's sole focus.

Services and capabilities: Neoteric vs DEPT

Capability Neoteric DEPT
ML model development
Computer vision
NLP
Generative AI / LLM integration
MLOps
AI strategy consulting
Staff augmentation

Tech stack comparison: Neoteric vs DEPT

Framework / platform Neoteric DEPT
Python
TensorFlow N/A
PyTorch N/A N/A
AWS
Azure N/A
Kubernetes N/A N/A

Pricing comparison: Neoteric vs DEPT

Criterion Neoteric DEPT
Minimum engagement $20K $75K
Engagement models Fixed project, Dedicated team Retainer, Dedicated team
Rate transparency Minimum disclosed Minimum disclosed
Price tier Accessible Accessible

Target audience comparison: Neoteric vs DEPT

Dimension Neoteric DEPT
Best company size Startup to mid-market Startup to mid-market
Best industries SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare Retail, Media, Enterprise
Best use cases Taking a generative AI proof-of-concept to production, LLM integration into an existing SaaS product ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale, Enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform
Typical project type Fixed project Retainer

Neoteric vs DEPT: pros and cons

Neoteric
+ Two decades of operating history since founding in 2005 as a Polish software consultancy
+ Dedicated generative AI practice, not a bolted-on service line
+ New York office provides closer coverage for US-based clients
+ Track record spanning both custom software delivery and AI-specific projects
- Broader custom-software heritage means ML and AI is one of several practice areas
- Mid-size team may have longer ramp time for highly specialized ML research work
DEPT
+ Global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list
+ Proprietary AI-enabled marketing technology platform, Ada, with proven enterprise brand clients
+ Carlyle Group backing provides financial stability for very large, long-term programmes
+ Named clients include Google, TikTok, KFC, and eBay, indicating enterprise-grade delivery capacity
- ML and AI sits within a much broader marketing and full-service digital agency offering, not a dedicated ML practice
- High minimum engagement size, inaccessible for startups or small businesses
- Enterprise agency structure means less specialized, boutique-style ML research depth

Who should choose Neoteric?

Neoteric is the right choice for mid-market companies wanting to move a generative AI proof-of-concept into a production-grade product.

Two-decade-old Polish software house with a dedicated generative AI practice and a US-facing New York office. Minimum engagement starts at $20K. Works best with clients in SaaS, Fintech, Healthcare, Enterprise.

Who should choose DEPT?

DEPT is the right choice for large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale.

Proprietary AI marketing platform, Ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list. Minimum engagement starts at $75K. Works best with clients in Retail, Media, Enterprise, E-commerce.

Decision matrix: Neoteric vs DEPT

Your situation Recommended choice
You need full-ownership delivery on a defined project scope Neoteric
You need a large dedicated team for an ongoing programme Neoteric
Your budget is at the lower end Neoteric
You need specialist depth in a specific vertical Neoteric
You need staff augmentation or team extension Neither; consider alternatives that offer staff aug
You need consulting before committing to a build Neoteric

Use case fit: Neoteric vs DEPT

Use case Neoteric fit DEPT fit Winner
Taking a generative AI proof-of-concept to production Strong Limited Neoteric
LLM integration into an existing SaaS product Strong Limited Neoteric
ML-driven marketing personalization at global brand scale Limited Strong DEPT
Enterprise data engineering supporting a large media or retail platform Limited Strong DEPT
Fixed-price build Limited Limited Both equally
Staff augmentation Limited Limited Both equally

Verdict: Neoteric vs DEPT

Neoteric (4.3/5) is the stronger overall choice for most Machine Learning Development projects. Two-decade-old Polish software house with a dedicated generative AI practice and a US-facing New York office. It is best for mid-market companies wanting to move a generative AI proof-of-concept into a production-grade product.

DEPT (4.0/5) is the better choice when large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale. If your situation matches those criteria, DEPT is a competitive option.

Related comparisons

Neoteric vs DEPT FAQ

Is Neoteric better than DEPT?

Neoteric (4.3/5) scores higher overall, but "better" depends on your use case. Neoteric is better for mid-market companies wanting to move a generative AI proof-of-concept into a production-grade product. DEPT is better for large enterprise brands needing ML-driven marketing personalization at global scale.

How do Neoteric and DEPT differ in pricing?

Neoteric uses fixed project, dedicated team pricing with a minimum engagement of $20K. DEPT uses retainer, dedicated team pricing with a minimum engagement of $75K. Neither firm publishes a full rate card; a discovery call is required for project-specific quotes.

Which is better for enterprise: Neoteric or DEPT?

Neoteric 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 Neoteric and DEPT?

Neoteric's primary differentiator is: two-decade-old polish software house with a dedicated generative ai practice and a us-facing new york office. DEPT's primary differentiator is: proprietary ai marketing platform, ada, and global scale of over 4,000 specialists across 30-plus offices, unmatched by any other firm on this list. They also differ in team size (51–200 vs 1000+), minimum engagement ($20K vs $75K), and primary industries served (SaaS, Fintech vs Retail, Media).

Last reviewed: July 2026. Verify all details directly with each company before making a decision.