The Solo Founder’s Secret Weapon

Many believe a big team is needed to build a successful business. But Alex Finn showed this isn’t true. He launched CreatorBuddy, a $300K ARR startup, in just six months—alone.

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His secret? Smart use of AI coding tools and a “scratch your own itch” mindset. The shift to lean, AI-driven building is changing how startups launch and grow.

AI agents, small prototypes, and your determination can change how you work. These tips apply whether you’re a solo builder or part of a large team.

1. How AI Agents Save Time—Without Big Overhead

AI agents go beyond chatbots. They automate tasks, gather data, and manage routine work. This lets you focus on strategy. For instance, I use a research agent from Relevance.ai. When I enter a name, it searches LinkedIn, Google, and YouTube. Then, it provides a clear summary of that person’s background. No more juggling browser tabs or missing key details to prep for meetings.

Many platforms provide pre-made "recipes" for custom AI workflows:

N8N for visual automation.
Clay or CrewAI for data enrichment and improved operations.
YouTube has many tutorials on building agents in under an hour.

These tools let you launch solutions fast, even if you lack technical skills.

2. Dealing with AI Pushback in the Real World

Teams sometimes resist AI. They worry about job loss or view it as a mystery. When we introduced an AI voice solution we have built, we encountered these concerns. Our clients call center leaders feared the technology could replace their jobs.

The solution was simple: focus on low-risk areas. For example, let AI handle overflow calls after hours. This way, no one is replaced. Callers benefit from shorter wait times. A live demo, not just a PowerPoint, helped change minds. People felt at ease seeing how AI improved outcomes instead of replacing workers.

3. Channeling Alex Finn’s Solo-Build Spirit

Alex created CreatorBuddy on his own to scratch his X content-writing challenge. This reminds me of my early days at Acompli. Our small team felt united by a common challenge: a poor email experience on mobile. Tackling our own problem led to a product that resonated with many busy users.

In larger teams, you can still embrace that founder spirit. AI coding tools such as Windsurf, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot help both developers and non-developers code quickly. This speed flattens traditional hierarchies. If you see a gap in your product or workflow, you can easily prototype and share a solution. Anyone can be a builder.

Watch the entire interview with Alex:

I'm looking for a few more folks to guest on future eppisodes. Drop me a reply and would love to have you on the show!

4. Tools Worth Trying Right Now

Lovable.dev: A no-code and low-code platform. It helps you build prototypes and speeds up app creation. Use simple drag-and-drop features to get started easily.
Replit: Code in your browser with AI help for quick deployment. Great for beginners testing ideas.
Windsurf: The AI coding environment Alex used for CreatorBuddy.
Cursor or GitHub Copilot: AI tools that code - they can greatly reduce dev time.

A solo founder who uses AI can compete with larger teams. This is a mindset shift: smaller teams are now empowered. You can use tools to automate research, manage leads, handle basic calls, and create good code. The key is deciding where to start.

AI excels at tasks people find tedious, freeing you to focus on strategy. No matter if you work at your kitchen table or run a global team, the message is simple: use AI to grow your reach without hiring more staff.

Not ready to try any of these AI tools but want to keep learning. Check out Techpresso a daily newsletter with fresh AI news and tips. I typically don't like daily but this one always has at least one thing I wasn't aware of that I find interesting and a section at the top that give a summary at a glance!

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See you next week!

-kevin

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Kevin Henrikson

@KevinHenrikson

In 2014 I did something most millionaires would never do:
After a $200M exit, I delivered groceries for minimum wage.
I showed up at doors of VC's who'd been to my house for dinner.
What I discovered changed how I view business forever:

6:30 AM • Apr 1, 2025

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Kevin

@kevindegods

The adult industry paid 5x more than Silicon Valley in 1999.
But no one wanted those jobs.
The same thing's happening in Web3 right now:
CRAZY high salaries. INSANE growth potential.
Yet, top talent keeps running away...Here's why: