AI Startup Stack
Deliver one bounded AI feature with a measured cost.
Work backward from the outcome
Deliver one bounded AI feature with a measured cost
1. Prepare a realistic example
Define one input, one expected output and an unacceptable failure. Create a small labelled evaluation set before connecting a model to production.
2. Define the handoffs
Separate application data, model requests and evaluation results. Keep a record of model version, prompt version and allowed data.
3. Rehearse the exceptions
Test missing input, a wrong answer, a provider timeout and a repeated request. Check that a failed response cannot trigger a real-world action.
4. Budget and keep an exit
Budget separately for model usage, hosting, database, storage, observability and human review. A free development quota is not a production budget.
Keep a model-independent data export and a fallback path that can stop generation without taking down the rest of the product.
Use a costed reference configuration · Calculate your selected plans · Write the brief in Plan
The Stack
Why consider these roles
Separate application data, model requests and evaluation results. Keep a record of model version, prompt version and allowed data.
Test missing input, a wrong answer, a provider timeout and a repeated request. Check that a failed response cannot trigger a real-world action.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the AI Startup stack cost per month?
Quote the selected plans, required features, seats and usage. Include payment fees, hosting, tax and maintenance; a free trial does not establish a free commercial deployment.
What tools are included in the AI Startup stack?
The candidate list includes Claude (AI Backend), Cursor (AI Code Editor), Next.js (Full-Stack Framework), Supabase (Database + Auth), Vercel (Hosting), Stripe (Payments), PostHog (Product Analytics). These are roles to assess, not verified integrations or a current company configuration.
Who should use the AI Startup stack?
People evaluating the ai startup workflow who can validate the selected plans, integrations and operational responsibilities.
When should I NOT use the AI Startup stack?
A required feature, data handling condition, integration or recovery path has not been verified. Keep the trial small or choose an alternative until the blocker is resolved.
Can I swap tools in this stack?
Yes. Keep the required job and acceptance checks, then compare alternatives for that role. Validate the integration and export path before committing.