How To Start A Dev Tools Company with Nicolas Dessaigne | Startup School

In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of developer tools with Nicolas Dessaigne, a group partner at Y Combinator and co-founder of Algolia. Nicolas brought a wealth of experience and insights, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the DevTools space.

What are DevTools?

Nicolas kicked things off by defining what DevTools are and why they're crucial for developers. He painted a vivid picture of the diverse landscape, mentioning everything from IDEs like VS Code to APIs like Stripe and Algolia, and even infrastructure services like AWS. The breadth of tools available is staggering, and it's clear that developers rely on these tools to streamline their work.

Founding a DevTools Company

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was Nicolas's advice on starting a DevTools company. He emphasized the importance of having a founding team of developers.

"When you're building a DevTool, you're essentially helping yourself,"

he noted, highlighting the intrinsic motivation and understanding that developer-founders bring to the table.

Good DevTool Ideas: Build Time vs Runtime

Nicolas also shared some intriguing insights into what makes a good DevTool idea. He pointed out the distinction between "build time" and "runtime" ideas, suggesting that runtime tools, which are critical for the operation of other products, often have a stronger market potential. He used Stripe as an example, illustrating how their success is tied to the success of their customers.

The Rise of AI and LLMs

The conversation naturally flowed into the challenges and opportunities presented by the rise of AI and LLMs. Nicolas acknowledged the crowded market but encouraged aspiring founders not to wait for the perfect idea.

"Just start,"

he advised, emphasizing the importance of learning and iterating quickly.

Building a Prototype, Engaging Users

For those already on the journey, Nicolas offered practical advice on building a prototype and engaging with users. He shared a personal anecdote about Algolia's early days, where a simple command line demo was enough to secure their first customer. This story underscored the value of getting feedback early and often, even if your product isn't perfect.

Sales and Marketing for DevTools

Nicolas didn't shy away from discussing the often-daunting task of sales and marketing for DevTools. He reassured listeners that developers have a unique advantage—they speak the same language as their users. He also shared some unconventional wisdom:

"You are the best salesperson for your product."

His point was clear—founders should embrace the sales process and use their technical expertise to connect with potential customers.

The Power of Community and Launching Often

The episode wrapped up with a discussion on the power of community and the importance of launching often. Nicolas cited examples like Segment and Ollama, who leveraged platforms like Hacker News to gain traction and gather invaluable feedback.

In essence, this episode was a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to make their mark in the DevTools space. Nicolas's passion and expertise shone through, making it clear that while the journey may be challenging, it's also incredibly rewarding. If you're an aspiring DevTools founder, this is one episode you won't want to miss.