If you’re a startup founder, you already know the challenge:
Too much to do, too few hands, and never enough time.
AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and AI notetakers can’t magically fix everything, but they can help you work faster, think bigger, and stretch your resources.
At Shiftwell, we’ve been using AI across product, marketing, coding, and operations. But along the way, we’ve also learned that AI isn’t flawless. It’s a powerful tool, but one that still requires human judgment.
Here’s how we use it and what you should watch out for.
AI can be a great creative jumpstart when you’re stuck.
You can use it to:
At Shiftwell, I’ve used AI to test naming directions, shape early feature concepts, and brainstorm messaging.
But be careful: AI sometimes suggests generic, repetitive, or unrealistic ideas. Treat it as a brainstorming partner, not as the final answer.
Another win has been using AI to help draft Product Requirements Documents (PRDs).
I usually outline the basics, then ask ChatGPT or Claude to help organize, refine, or fill gaps. A solid PRD accelerates developer time, improves scope estimates, and reduces back-and-forth.
What to watch out for:
AI can sometimes overcomplicate documents or add filler. Review everything carefully to make sure it’s grounded in your product and your customer needs.
AI is great for tightening up website copy, emails, or in-product text.
I’ve used it to:
Caution:
AI can sometimes sound too formal, too vague, or too “AI-like.” Don’t copy-paste without editing and always check that the tone fits your brand and audience.
Post-MVP, we’ve used AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to help write additional Shiftwell features, refactor old code, and debug small issues, without always needing a dev.
This has saved time and let us move faster.
Warning:
AI-generated code isn’t always production-ready. It can include errors, inefficiencies, or miss edge cases. Always review, test, and debug before pushing anything live.
Tools like Otter.ai or Fathom can record meetings, transcribe user interviews, and highlight key points, freeing you to focus on the conversation, not the typing.
This has been incredibly helpful for our team, especially during user research.
Heads-up:
AI notetakers can mishear or mistranscribe. Always scan transcripts and summaries for accuracy, especially if you’re using them to make product decisions.
The list keeps growing, but here are a few more ways founders can experiment with AI:
Again, the theme is: AI as an accelerant, not a replacement.
AI is a game-changer for startups, but it’s not a “set it and forget it” tool.
At Shiftwell, we’ve learned that while AI can help you work faster, it still needs human oversight. AI can hallucinate, give wrong answers, or lead you into unproductive loops if you’re not careful.
The best use: let AI give you a foundation, a starting point, or a speed boost. Then apply your judgment, expertise, and creativity to get it across the finish line.
If you’re a founder looking to move faster and lighten your workload, I highly recommend adding AI to your toolkit. Just remember to review, refine, and guide the process.
If this resonated, check out more articles on Founder Flow or sign up for updates. I’m sharing practical lessons, tools, and shortcuts to help founders get farther, faster.
Let’s keep building smarter.