For startup founders

AI stack for startup founders

Early-stage founders do every job at once. This stack covers the core loop of validating an idea, shipping something people can use, telling the story and getting in front of customers, with a free starting point for almost every step.

The workflow, step by step

6 steps, in the order you use them.

  1. Step 1: Research the market

    Sourced answers help you size a market and map competitors in an afternoon.

    Perplexity

    Free + PaidEditor's pick

    Answer engine with live sources on every claim.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    Gemini
    Free + Paid

    Google's multimodal assistant, wired into Search and Workspace.

  2. Step 2: Build the first version

    An AI app builder gets a clickable product in front of users before you hire.

    Lovable

    Free + Paid

    Describe an app and get a polished, deployable product.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    Bolt.new
    Free + Paid

    Prompt a full-stack web app and run it in the browser.

  3. Step 3: Launch a landing page

    A clear page with a sign-up form tests demand cheaply.

    Framer

    Free + Paid

    Design and publish a real website from a prompt.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    v0 by Vercel
    Free + Paid

    Generates production React and Tailwind interfaces.

  4. Step 4: Make the pitch deck

    A generated first draft lets you focus on the story and the numbers.

    Pitch

    Free + Paid

    Collaborative decks with an AI first draft.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    Gamma
    Free + Paid

    Decks, docs, and sites from a one-line prompt.

  5. Step 5: Find your first customers

    Targeted lists and personalised outreach beat spraying generic emails.

    Free alternative

    Clay
    Free + Paid

    Build lead lists from many data sources with AI research.

  6. Step 6: Capture every customer call

    Good notes turn early conversations into product decisions.

    Granola

    Free + Paid

    AI-enhanced meeting notes without a bot in the call.

    Visit

    Free alternative

    Fathom
    Free + Paid

    A free-to-start AI notetaker for Zoom, Meet and Teams.

Free path vs pro path

An estimate from the lowest monthly price each tool lists. Plans, seats and usage limits vary.

Free path

$0/mo

Every step on a free plan or free alternative where one exists.

Pro path

from $69/mo

Every step on the main tool's entry paid plan.

Prices change often; check each tool's official site before you buy.

AI stack for startup founders: common questions

Can I build a real product with Lovable or Bolt?

You can build a working MVP, and many founders do. As usage grows, plan for a developer to review security, data handling and code quality before you rely on it.

How much should a pre-seed startup spend on AI tools?

Very little at first. Most tools here have free plans; upgrade only the one or two you use daily. Review subscriptions monthly, since they add up quickly.

Is AI outreach likely to get my domain flagged?

It can if you send high volumes of generic email. Keep lists targeted, personalise properly, warm up new domains and follow anti-spam rules in each country you email.

Where can I list my startup once it launches?

See our list of AI directories and launch platforms on the submit-an-AI-tool page, which covers Product Hunt, BetaList, review sites and communities.

More stacks

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