I’ve tried 100+ tools to run my businesses and spent 10 years to find my favorites.
After countless experiments, failed integrations, and expensive mistakes, here’s my current startup stack that actually works.
My Startup Stack: 100+ Tools Later
Software
These are the tools I use daily to run my operations efficiently.
Formation
Doola – Getting your business legally set up doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Doola handles the paperwork so you can focus on building.
CRM
HubSpot – Customer relationships are everything. HubSpot keeps track of every interaction, automates follow-ups, and turns prospects into paying customers.
Note-taking
Granola – Ideas come fast in startup life. Granola captures everything seamlessly, so nothing important slips through the cracks.
Content Creation
Distro – Content is king, but creation is time-consuming. Distro streamlines the entire process from ideation to publication.
Research
ChatGPT – When you need answers fast, ChatGPT delivers. From market research to competitive analysis, it’s become an indispensable thinking partner.
Banking
Mercury – Traditional banks don’t understand startups. Mercury does. Built specifically for founders who need banking that moves at startup speed.
HR
Gusto – People are your most important asset. Gusto handles payroll, benefits, and compliance so you can focus on building your team.
Automation
Lindy – Repetitive tasks kill productivity. Lindy automates the boring stuff so you can focus on what only you can do.
Design
Figma – Great products need great design. Figma makes collaboration seamless and brings ideas to life visually.
Services
These are the professional services that handle what I can’t or shouldn’t do myself.
Marketing Support
GrowthPair – Marketing is complex and constantly evolving. Growth Pair provides the expertise and execution to scale your customer acquisition.
Content Marketing
storyarb – Storytelling drives growth. StoryArb helps craft compelling narratives that resonate with your audience and drive results.
Operations
Oceans Talent – Quality talent shouldn’t break the bank. Oceans Talent provides offshore VA, finance, and ops support that scales with your business.
Bookkeeping
Better Bookkeeping – Financial clarity is crucial for growth. Better Bookkeeping keeps your books clean and your finances transparent.
Legal
Josh Gerben handles trademark law with precision and speed. For startup law, Weinberger & Logan provides the legal foundation every growing company needs.
Coaching
Dave Kashen – Even CEOs need guidance. Having an experienced coach makes the difference between surviving and thriving as a founder.
Conclusion
After testing hundreds of tools and services, this combination delivers results.
Here’s my complete stack:
- Doola – Business formation and legal setup
- HubSpot – CRM and customer relationship management
- Granola – Note-taking and idea capture
- Distro – Content creation and publishing
- ChatGPT – Research and analysis
- Mercury – Banking built for startups
- Gusto – HR, payroll, and benefits
- Lindy – Automation and workflow optimization
- Figma – Design and collaboration
- GrowthPair – Marketing support and strategy
- storyarb – Content marketing and storytelling
- Oceans Talent – Offshore VA, finance, and operations
- BetterBookkeeping – Bookkeeping and financial management
- Josh Gerben – Trademark law
- Weinberger & Logan – Startup legal counsel
- Dave Kashen – CEO coaching and guidance