March 19, 2025

#50 How can AI help you build a startup—without writing code ft. Colin Matthews (AI Founder)

#50 How can AI help you build a startup—without writing code ft. Colin Matthews (AI Founder)

In this episode, Colin dives into the world of AI-powered coding tools and shares

actionable strategies for building projects efficiently. Whether you’re a developer or

a non-technical founder, learn how to choose the right tools (like Replit, Bolt,

Lovable, and V0), structure your workflow, and avoid common pitfalls.

*Why planning beats jumping straight into code

* When to use mock data vs. backend integrations

* Tool comparisons: Replit (full-stack), Bolt (prototyping), Lovable (non-technical),

and V0 (styling)

* The importance of validating ideas before scaling

Timestamp:

00:00 – Introduction

05:34 – Choosing the Right AI Coding Tool

09:47 – Why Planning Before Coding Matters

20:07 – Strengths & Weaknesses of AI Coding Tools

30:51 – AI for Non-Technical Founders

36:50 – Frontend vs. Backend: What to Build First

47:29 – The Reality of Building SaaS & AI Products

50:17 – The Smartest Way to Validate Your Idea

56:30 – The Future of AI Coding & Development

01:00:00 – Conclusion & Key Takeaways