Tools That Keep Our $100k/mo Startup Running

This is a no-fluff list of the tools we're using at the startup I work at (making $100k/mo). At this stage, it’s tempting to subscribe to every premium tool, but we stick to a guiding principle: keep it simple, maximize value, and avoid overcomplication.

Here’s what works for us:

Version Control System - GitHub

We use GitHub for version control because it’s an industry standard with excellent integrations. It helps us manage our repositories and work collaboratively with a familiar interface.

Team Communication - Slack

Slack is our go-to communication tool. It allows us to create channels, communicate asynchronously, and quickly solve blockers. The integrations with other tools, like GitHub and Google Calendar, help us centralize notifications and keep conversations organized.

Code Review Tool - PullNotifier

PullNotifier increases visibility for code reviews, which is crucial for our team. It sends real-time notifications to Slack whenever a pull request is opened, helping us streamline the review process and ensure faster iterations.

Project Management - Jira

Jira keeps our project management on track. It's flexible, allows us to manage sprints, and track the progress of tasks easily. The integration with GitHub makes it easy to sync code progress with project management.

CI/CD - GitHub Actions

GitHub Actions powers our continuous integration and deployment. Since it's built into GitHub, it’s easy to set up, automate tests, and deploy code without switching platforms. It simplifies the process and saves time.

Documentation and Internal Notes - Confluence

Confluence is our go-to for internal documentation. It’s perfect for keeping all our notes, wikis, and processes in one place. Plus, its integration with Jira makes referencing project updates smooth.

Accounting, Payments & Employee Management - Xero

Xero handles our accounting and payroll. It’s simple, effective, and automates much of the tedious financial work. The real-time financial reporting is invaluable for managing cash flow.

Infrastructure Platform - AWS

AWS gives us the scalability and reliability we need for hosting our apps. With services like ECS and RDS, we can easily manage our infrastructure while controlling costs.

Error Reporting, Logging, and Internal Dashboards - NewRelic

NewRelic helps us monitor application performance and log errors in real-time. It provides detailed insights, which allows us to troubleshoot issues quickly and keep our platform stable.

Email Provider - Google

Google Workspace handles our email needs, and its reliability and integration with other tools, like Google Calendar, make it an easy choice for seamless communication.

Meetings - Google Calendar and Slack Huddles

We rely on Google Calendar for scheduling meetings and Slack Huddles for quick, impromptu discussions. These tools keep our meetings short and efficient.

Code Quality - SonarCloud

SonarCloud provides automatic code analysis and ensures that we maintain a high standard for code quality. It helps us detect bugs and security vulnerabilities before they become issues.

Server Uptime Monitoring - Healthchecks.io

Healthchecks.io keeps track of our cron jobs and scheduled tasks. It sends alerts if something goes wrong, ensuring we’re always on top of potential downtime issues.

These tools have been chosen because they offer the best value for our needs, helping us stay lean and focused as we continue to grow.

Do you have anything to add to this list?