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- Founder Mode - 7 May 2025
Founder Mode - 7 May 2025
We sift through the noise so you get the signal.
StartupX Admin
May 07, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes
Hi there,
This week we break down the new growth formula that pairs product with community, news of Microsoft already using AI to write a third of its code, and spotlights three opportunities closing fast. We also hand you Gamma AI to speed‑run decks and a silent clip that nails product market fit. Dive in and get building.
🔥 Top Finds
The Hidden Growth Playbook Behind Today's Top Startups
When traditional marketing channels are expensive and saturated, it demands a re-shuffling of the GTM playbook. That’s what we’re witnessing right now. The new formula is a product + community framework.
Don't sell shovels, sell treasure maps
Every AI vendor eventually faces a choice. Selling shovels is easy but commoditized. Everyone’s selling speed. Everyone’s pitching cost reduction. Selling treasure maps is a harder sale, but once you’re in, you’re harder to displace.
Microsoft CEO says up to 30% of the company’s code was written by AI
Another day and another big tech CEO confirming that AI is already here and meaningfully changing how we work. Previously it was Google that confirmed more than 30% of their code was written by AI.
🎯 Startup Opportunities
The GEAR Startup CoLab Programme supports pilot projects between built-environment startups and the Kajima group
| Homevalley Global Startup Competition Final week to join this opportunity. Up to RMB 10M + Shanghai trip. Quick and easy application.
| Green Future Innovation Challenge Climate tech competition that seeks innovative technological solutions. Organised by Vertex
|
🛠 Tool of the Week
Gamma AI
If you noticed the tool of week must save us time. Time is the only resource that is truly sacred. Gamma AI converts a quick prompt into a clean, brand‑aligned deck or single page site in seconds. Hit regenerate until it feels right, share the link, and spend your time refining ideas instead of worrying about slides.
Synthflow
How Smartcat Scaled Outreach and Cut Costs
Smartcat’s sales team needed a better way to qualify leads and book demos. By partnering with Synthflow, they deployed Voice AI Agents that increased call engagement, revived cold leads, and reduced booking costs by 70%. The result? More deals closed, and reps focused on what matters most—selling.
💬 Founder Mode Quotes
“The most valuable skill isn't inspiration but the ability to work without it.”
🙂 Fun Mode
The sweet sweet moment you find product market fit (wait for it)
— Garry Tan (@garrytan)
1:21 PM • May 3, 2025
This video is the best wordless explanation of product‑market fit I’ve ever seen.
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- Ray
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