Overview
Launch Code is a startup incubator platform designed to help founders go from idea to launch systematically. The platform guides users through idea validation, roadmap building, and product launch tracking with structured frameworks and milestone tracking.
Built for first-time founders who need structure without bureaucracy — helping them avoid common mistakes while maintaining the agility startups need.
My Role
As founder, product strategist, and technical lead, I built Launch Code end-to-end:
- Product Strategy — Designed the entire user journey and feature set
- Full-Stack Development — Built the complete platform with Next.js and Prisma
- Framework Design — Created validation and launch frameworks
- Database Architecture — Designed schema for tracking progress and metrics
- User Research — Interviewed founders to understand pain points
Architecture
Simple, focused architecture prioritizing speed and reliability:
Backend
Next.js API routes with TypeScript. Prisma for type-safe database operations. PostgreSQL for data persistence.
Data Model
Projects contain phases, milestones, and tasks. Templates for common startup workflows. Progress tracking with completion metrics.
Frontend
Server-side rendering for fast initial loads. Interactive dashboards for progress visualization. Kanban boards for task management.
Key Features
Idea validation checklists with scoring. Roadmap templates by industry. Launch countdown with pre-flight checks. Milestone notifications and reminders.
Hard Problems
1. Flexibility vs. Structure
Startups need guidance but hate rigid processes. Designed templates that suggest structure while allowing complete customization.
2. Progress Measurement
"Progress" in early startups is subjective. Created weighted scoring system that tracks both quantitative (tasks done) and qualitative (validation signals) progress.
3. Keeping Users Engaged
Startup founders are busy. Built smart notification system that nudges without annoying, focusing on critical milestones.
4. Template Creation
Different startup types need different frameworks. Built template editor that captures workflow logic without requiring code.
What I'd Improve Today
- Add AI assistant to help with idea validation and feedback
- Implement community features for founder networking
- Create marketplace for mentors and advisors
- Add integration with common startup tools (Notion, Slack, etc.)
- Build analytics to show patterns from successful launches
- Offer industry-specific templates with real data from similar startups