Latest news with #Founders


Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
AI Made It Easy to Build. Now Everyone Needs Help Fixing It
From broken apps to bad UX, vibe coders are turning to platforms like Fiverr to find the expertise AI still can't replicate. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The Bottom Line: AI can build apps fast, but many break in the real world. Founders are hitting limits with AI-generated products and turning to platforms like Fiverr for expert help. Human specialists fix what AI can't - making products actually work. The AI Build Boom In the last two years, generative AI tools have radically accelerated how quickly products get built. What once took a small team can now be prototyped in a weekend. With a few prompts, founders can spin up SaaS platforms, mobile apps, landing pages, and marketing copy. The building phase has never been faster. But as more AI-built products hit the real world, a new pattern is emerging. Many of them simply do not work. Apps that function on localhost crash when five users log in. Authentication flows behave unpredictably. Frontends freeze under dynamic user conditions. Landing pages look sharp but convert poorly. Even when everything appears to be in place, performance lags, design lacks cohesion, and users bounce. The Hidden Gap: From Generation to Execution This isn't about bugs. It's about something deeper: a growing mismatch between what AI can generate and what real-world users actually need. At the core of the issue is how AI builds. Generative models are designed to produce outputs that resemble the average of what they've seen. They operate on probability, not purpose. They don't understand edge cases, design principles, or user psychology. They do not evaluate trade-offs. They do not say, "This won't scale," or "This feels off." The result is a flood of products that are technically complete, but structurally or experientially hollow. It's a new kind of failure: things that look finished but break the moment they matter. For founders and indie builders, this is becoming the norm. What starts as a rapid, exciting build phase often slows to a crawl the moment something needs to ship. Founders realize they are debugging LLM-generated code they don't fully understand. Their stack is stitched together by plugins and templates that do not perform under pressure. They've reached the wall between generation and execution. The Return of Human Expertise This is where the demand for human expertise is quietly surging. Not for full teams or expensive consultants, but for precisely the kind of targeted help that AI cannot offer. A DevOps engineer to rework a deployment pipeline. A security specialist to audit the login system. A conversion copywriter to rewrite a page that users actually trust. A front-end developer to untangle React state management issues introduced by a model that didn't understand lifecycle hooks. To solve these problems, many builders are turning to platforms built over the past decade to connect skilled professionals with companies in need. Among them, Fiverr has become one of the most widely used. Fiverr and the Last 20 Percent Originally known for creative gigs, the platform has expanded to include deep technical talent, vetted specialists, and task-specific services across software, design, data, and marketing. Whether someone needs a database query optimized or a landing page redesigned, platforms like Fiverr are becoming a critical resource for solving the last 20 percent of the build cycle. These aren't massive hires. They're fast, surgical interventions. A three-hour audit to fix a memory leak. A two-day rewrite of AI-generated copy that sounds robotic. A redesign to bring visual clarity to a brand made from template components. In a market where every extra sprint can cost momentum, being able to drop into a network of experts and pull in the right one is now an advantage. Human talent has always been part of the story, but what's changing is the precision with which it's needed. It's no longer just about hiring help. It's about filling very specific gaps, exactly when and where they appear. That means platforms with diverse skill sets across verticals are no longer nice to have, they are infrastructure. Builders return to them again and again, not just to launch, but to stabilize, optimize, and iterate. AI may be the engine, but it's these platforms that provide the traction. The Human Edge There may come a time when AI can handle the full product lifecycle. But for now, the final 20 percent still belongs to people. And those people are already available. Builders just need to know where to look.


Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
AI Alone Won't Save You: Solve A Real Problem First
Digital generated image of abstract AI data chat icons flying over digital surface with codes We're living in the age of copy-paste intelligence. You can spin up an AI-powered landing page in 15 minutes, plug in a few GPT calls, and it'll even write its own press release. The tools are impressive. But most of what gets built doesn't stick. The real issue isn't a lack of AI, it's a lack of purpose. Many products skip the part where they answer: Why does this need to exist? Too many products today are beautifully packaged but hollow. A glossy AI wrapper with no meaningful problem underneath. Founders get caught up in the novelty and forget to ask the most important question: What are we really solving? Great products start at the breaking points. Where something is frustrating, slow, tedious, or emotionally draining. That's where the value is. AI should quietly support that, not be the entire pitch. Start With Problem, Not the Solution A lot of AI products today start with the technology. The model comes first. Then comes the scramble for a use case. That's backwards. The best ideas start with a real-world problem. Something that's annoying, inefficient, or consistently painful. That's where AI can make a real difference. Take something as specific (and surprisingly frustrating) as naming a company. It sounds simple, until you try. Founders spend hours searching for something that feels right - a name that fits the story, the tone, the ambition. But they often settle for whatever's available. Keyword-based search tools don't help much in finding great domain names. You enter a word, get back a bunch of literal matches. Some might be close. Most aren't. But that's not how people think. They search in feelings. In phrases. 'Something calming but confident.' 'A name that sounds smart but not cold.' That's not a search problem. It's a language problem. We built semantic search at not to showcase AI, but to bridge the gap between how people describe what they want and how results are typically delivered. One founder, for example, was building a modern parenting brand. She didn't search for 'baby' or 'mom.' She searched for something that felt timeless and trustworthy, something that could evolve with the brand. The name she picked wasn't obvious. But it clicked. Because it captured the feeling, not just the words. That's what AI should do. Not call attention to itself, but quietly help people get to a better answer. The Real Difference Is in the Decisions Everyone has access to the same tools. The same models, APIs, tutorials. That's not where the edge is. What really separates strong products from forgettable ones is the thinking behind them. The decisions about what to build, and what to leave out. It takes restraint to focus on solving one specific thing well. It takes clarity to ignore the hype and focus on something that's actually useful. The best builders aren't showing off the technology. They're paying attention to the person on the other side. The Best AI Products Don't Talk About AI Think about the tools you rely on every day. Notion. Figma. Superhuman. They all use AI but none of them lead with it. They just work better. Quietly. That's what progress looks like. You don't remember the tech. You remember how much smoother things felt. One of the clearest examples of this approach is Dharmesh Shah, co-founder of HubSpot. He's quietly building a suite of AI-powered tools that actually help you get work done. Agents that research companies, summarize complex inputs, and yes, even help find domain names. Not as a gimmick. But because those are tasks people genuinely want to spend less time on. It's not about being flashy. It's about being helpful. Better Questions to Ask If AI can make that feel lighter, faster, or simpler, you're onto something. If you're starting with 'what can we build with GPT-4,' you're probably building a demo, not a product. Final Thought: Solve Like a Human, Then Scale Like a Machine The companies that will stand out in this next wave won't be the ones shouting about AI. They'll be the ones quietly removing friction. Making things easier. Helping people move faster with less frustration. That's the work that lasts. Start with pain. Then let the AI fade into the background.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canned cocktail hitting you hard? As ready-to-drink cans grow in popularity, some are getting stronger
If you've ever put back a can of Cutwater, and only then realized how much booze is in it, TikTok would like to remind you that you're not alone. Consumers have been sharing their stories — and surprise — about how strong the canned cocktails are on social media. "One can, I'm drunk," one Canadian user posted on TikTok. "Suddenly we have this one option at the liquor stores that just gets you wasted." Another user said the effects of one can felt like taking multiple shots. While they come in a standard, 355-millilitre can, some flavours of the drinks pack a far bigger punch than a standard beer, with an alcohol percentage of 12.5 per cent listed on the packaging. But Cutwater is far from the only brand making high alcohol-by-volume (or ABV) products — Dillon's and Founder's are among the brands also selling canned cocktails at 12.5 per cent, while Mike's Hard, White Claw, Twisted Tea and more all make higher alcohol versions of their original products. Ready-to-drink beverages (or RTDs) — pre-made cocktails, hard seltzers or anything else that comes ready to consume that isn't wine or beer — have seen a boom in recent years. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) says that ready-to-drink beverages are one of the fastest growing categories in recent years, with sales increasing by 9.5 per cent to $745.1 million total in 2024 alone. And Canada-wide, the ciders, coolers and ready-to-drink category together amassed about $2.29 billion in sales in 2023-24, according to Statistics Canada — more than double what it was in 2018-2019. Alongside that popularity, the market for higher alcohol percentage has also grown, according to industry experts. But with all the new varieties of RTDs available, consumers might not be accustomed to — or even aware — of the amount of booze they're getting. Demand for higher ABV Andrew Ferguson, owner of Kensington Wine Market in Calgary, says the demand for stronger drinks has led to the rise of boozier pre-made cocktails. "People want things that are maybe twice as strong as your average RTD, and so that's why they're bottling them at 10 per cent or 11 per cent," Ferguson said. "Now, whether [all] people are noticing that or not is a whole other matter." Ferguson says he expects folks are used to most cans having five per cent alcohol. "The average consumer is probably just assuming [all cans are] gonna be about the same, and so there won't be that much difference," Ferguson said. And even if they do see the number on the front, they might not fully know what that per cent means for them, says Marten Lodewijks, president for the North American wing of alcohol industry research group IWSR. "Everyone knows seven is bigger than five, and 10 is bigger than seven. So mathematically that lands," Lodewijks said. "But how strong is seven per cent? How strong is 10 per cent? How strong is five per cent? That's not something that is typically well understood by consumers." Marketing of cans is shifting — so read them carefully When it comes to higher alcohol percentage drinks, Lodewijks says there's a bang-for-your-buck factor — cans at a standard five per cent are often priced the same as those that are seven, 10 or even 13 per cent. "So if I am feeling a bit financially constrained, then you're going to opt for that better value-for-money proposition. And we're definitely seeing a lot of skew in that direction," Lodewijks said. While high alcohol drinks have always existed, the marketing of them has shifted as the product category has grown, according to Lodewijks. "Traditionally the high ABV products, they kind of often would make you look like an alcoholic. There'd be very large cans that had fairly aggressive names, and it was quite clear what the purpose of them was," Lodewijks said. But within the past few years, he says that's changed — while there's some outliers, high ABV products might look like any other can on the shelf, Lodewijks says. WATCH | Navigating Canada's new alcohol guidance: Markus Giesler, a marketing professor at York University's Schulich School of Business, agrees. The marketing and packaging of many high ABV drinks use words like "water," he says, or imagery we'd associate with soft drinks — "drinks that we might associate with quenching our thirst but not necessarily getting drunk." Beyond that, many brands now have a higher percentage version of their original drink — like White Claw, which makes a seven per cent version of their hard seltzers, while the original drink was only five per cent. Giesler says that difference might be hard to miss, especially if shoppers are in a rush, or picking up a few cans quickly on their way to a party. Because brands are changing their marketing so much in an effort to make their ready-to-drink product stand out, marketing professor Marvin Ryder says consumers can't rely on the idea that a single can is a way to measure how much you're drinking. The best antidote to an embarrassing night, he says, is to read the ABV labels on cans before you crack them. "Don't get sucked in by pretty colours or pretty brand names," Ryder said. "Read, be an educated consumer — understand what you're getting in each of these different products, and then have fun." Sign in to access your portfolio


CBC
18-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Canned cocktail hitting you hard? As ready-to-drink cans grow in popularity, some are getting stronger
If you've ever put back a can of Cutwater, and only then realized how much booze is in it, TikTok would like to remind you that you're not alone. Consumers have been sharing their stories — and surprise — about how strong the canned cocktails are on social media. "One can, I'm drunk," one Canadian user posted on TikTok. "Suddenly we have this one option at the liquor stores that just gets you wasted." Another user said the effects of one can felt like taking multiple shots. While they come in a standard, 355-millilitre can, some flavours of the drinks pack a far bigger punch than a standard beer, with an alcohol percentage of 12.5 per cent listed on the packaging. But Cutwater is far from the only brand making high alcohol-by-volume (or ABV) products — Dillon's and Founder's are among the brands also selling canned cocktails at 12.5 per cent, while Mike's Hard, White Claw, Twisted Tea and more all make higher alcohol versions of their original products. Ready-to-drink beverages (or RTDs) — pre-made cocktails, hard seltzers or anything else that comes ready to consume that isn't wine or beer — have seen a boom in recent years. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) says that ready-to-drink beverages are one of the fastest growing categories in recent years, with sales increasing by 9.5 per cent to $745.1 million total in 2024 alone. And Canada-wide, the ciders, coolers and ready-to-drink category together amassed about $2.29 billion in sales in 2023-24, according to Statistics Canada — more than double what it was in 2018-2019. Alongside that popularity, the market for higher alcohol percentage has also grown, according to industry experts. But with all the new varieties of RTDs available, consumers might not be accustomed to — or even aware — of the amount of booze they're getting. Demand for higher ABV Andrew Ferguson, owner of Kensington Wine Market in Calgary, says the demand for stronger drinks has led to the rise of boozier pre-made cocktails. "People want things that are maybe twice as strong as your average RTD, and so that's why they're bottling them at 10 per cent or 11 per cent," Ferguson said. "Now, whether [all] people are noticing that or not is a whole other matter." Ferguson says he expects folks are used to most cans having five per cent alcohol. "The average consumer is probably just assuming [all cans are] gonna be about the same, and so there won't be that much difference," Ferguson said. And even if they do see the number on the front, they might not fully know what that per cent means for them, says Marten Lodewijks, president for the North American wing of alcohol industry research group IWSR. "Everyone knows seven is bigger than five, and 10 is bigger than seven. So mathematically that lands," Lodewijks said. "But how strong is seven per cent? How strong is 10 per cent? How strong is five per cent? That's not something that is typically well understood by consumers." Marketing of cans is shifting — so read them carefully When it comes to higher alcohol percentage drinks, Lodewijks says there's a bang-for-your-buck factor — cans at a standard five per cent are often priced the same as those that are seven, 10 or even 13 per cent. "So if I am feeling a bit financially constrained, then you're going to opt for that better value-for-money proposition. And we're definitely seeing a lot of skew in that direction," Lodewijks said. While high alcohol drinks have always existed, the marketing of them has shifted as the product category has grown, according to Lodewijks. "Traditionally the high ABV products, they kind of often would make you look like an alcoholic. There'd be very large cans that had fairly aggressive names, and it was quite clear what the purpose of them was," Lodewijks said. But within the past few years, he says that's changed — while there's some outliers, high ABV products might look like any other can on the shelf, Lodewijks says. WATCH | Navigating Canada's new alcohol guidance: Navigating Canada's new alcohol guidance | The Breakdown 2 years ago New Canadian health guidance drastically reduces the amount of alcohol consumption that's considered safe. Oncologist Dr. Fawaad Iqbal and substance abuse researcher Tim Naimi help explain the research and why they believe it can save lives. Markus Giesler, a marketing professor at York University's Schulich School of Business, agrees. The marketing and packaging of many high ABV drinks use words like "water," he says, or imagery we'd associate with soft drinks — "drinks that we might associate with quenching our thirst but not necessarily getting drunk." Beyond that, many brands now have a higher percentage version of their original drink — like White Claw, which makes a seven per cent version of their hard seltzers, while the original drink was only five per cent. Giesler says that difference might be hard to miss, especially if shoppers are in a rush, or picking up a few cans quickly on their way to a party. Because brands are changing their marketing so much in an effort to make their ready-to-drink product stand out, marketing professor Marvin Ryder says consumers can't rely on the idea that a single can is a way to measure how much you're drinking. The best antidote to an embarrassing night, he says, is to read the ABV labels on cans before you crack them. "Don't get sucked in by pretty colours or pretty brand names," Ryder said. "Read, be an educated consumer — understand what you're getting in each of these different products, and then have fun."


Entrepreneur
17-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why Most Startups Fail to Get National Press — and What To Do Instead
Tech startups often struggle to gain national news coverage. Here's how startups can achieve that elusive national media attention. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When you're launching a tech startup, it's natural to want attention — the kind of media coverage that builds credibility, attracts investors and validates your vision. But for most early-stage founders, that kind of visibility remains out of reach. The reality is this: for every breakout startup that gets wide recognition, thousands of others struggle to gain even a mention. Not because they lack innovation, but because they haven't built the right foundation to get noticed. So why do so many startups fail to earn meaningful media attention? And more importantly, what can they do about it? Why startups get overlooked by the media Many founders make the same early mistake: chasing high-level media exposure before they've clarified what makes their story relevant, credible or different. Here are a few of the most common missteps: No clear differentiation. In a saturated market, having a "great product" isn't enough. Founders need to be able to clearly and confidently explain what sets their startup apart. In a saturated market, having a "great product" isn't enough. Founders need to be able to clearly and confidently explain what sets their startup apart. No media-ready narrative. Journalists aren't looking to promote your product — they're looking to tell a story. If you haven't crafted a human-centered, problem-solution-driven narrative, your pitch likely won't stick. Journalists aren't looking to promote your product — they're looking to tell a story. If you haven't crafted a human-centered, problem-solution-driven narrative, your pitch likely won't stick. Poor timing. National news cycles are driven by relevance and urgency. If your story isn't tied to something current, insightful or timely, it's easy to be overlooked. And finally, many startups skip the essentials: building relationships, starting with niche publications and establishing credibility over time. Big coverage rarely comes without smaller wins first. Related: 90% of Startups Fail—Here's How I Made Sure I Was in the 10% What to do instead: a smarter PR strategy for startups While national press may be a long-term goal, early-stage startups are more likely to gain traction through a strategic, incremental approach. Here's how to start building visibility now — and set yourself up for bigger wins later. Start with niche and local press Instead of focusing only on broad national attention, identify local media outlets, vertical publications or industry newsletters relevant to your space. These are more accessible and often open to spotlighting new, compelling businesses. Try this: Make a list of five local or niche outlets. Note which reporters cover tech or business and start tracking what kinds of stories they write. Craft your origin story with intention What inspired your startup? What problem are you solving, and why does it matter now? A well-framed origin story — one rooted in real-world challenges — makes your brand feel relatable and relevant. Tip: Avoid overly technical explanations. Focus on the "why" behind your business, and make sure a journalist could retell your story in one paragraph. Build real relationships with journalists Before you pitch anyone, follow relevant journalists on platforms like LinkedIn or X. Engage with their posts. Share their work. Start showing up on their radar. Media outreach is more effective when it's built on familiarity, not a cold pitch. Develop a clear thought leadership angle Thought leadership builds trust and authority. Don't wait for media attention to position yourself as a credible voice — start writing. Focus on lessons learned, market insights or founder perspectives. Try this: Draft a short article titled "What I Learned Launching in a Crowded Market" or "How We Validated Our Startup Without Outside Funding." Share it on your blog or LinkedIn, or pitch it to a relevant trade publication. Repurpose and amplify every media win Even small mentions count. A podcast interview, a quote in a trade newsletter or a well-performing LinkedIn post can all be leveraged for credibility. Add these wins to your website, share them on social and use them to strengthen future pitches. Visibility compounds — and perceived momentum matters. Related: 5 Reasons Startups Fail (and Why Each One Is Preventable) The long game: start small, grow smart Every founder wants recognition, but media success isn't about luck, hype or chasing headlines. It's about strategy, relevance, and consistency. Start with what you can control: your message, your story, your presence. Focus on building meaningful relationships and sharing useful insights. Then use every small win to build momentum — step by step. Big stories often start small. But with a focused, intentional PR strategy, they don't have to stay that way. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.