

The Bootstrapped Founder
Arvid Kahl
Arvid Kahl talks about starting and bootstrapping businesses, how to build an audience, and how to build in public.
Episodes
Mentioned books

32 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 16min
417: The Best Tech Stack in the Age of AI
The discussion centers on whether AI alters the best tech stack for developers. Founders are reminded to understand the code AI produces, as quality relies on their ability to vet it. The podcast reveals that popular programming languages are well-represented in AI training, while niche languages suffer from a lack of data. There's a caution against choosing unfamiliar languages just because AI can code them, emphasizing the need for deep mastery in one language. Finally, the episode warns against outsourcing control to AI, highlighting the importance of maintainability.

37 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 19min
416: The Ownership Paradox: What Do You Really Control in Your Software Business?
Dive into the Ownership Paradox as a founder explores what they truly control in their software business. Discover how building on rented infrastructure can impact ownership and value. The episode discusses platform dependence and its effects on scalability and exit options. Hear about strategies for maintaining control over data and deploying fallback systems. Finally, learn key rules for navigating ownership, balancing lock-in with opportunity, and making intentional choices in your business journey.

29 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 20min
415: Handling Multiple ICPs as a Solo Founder
Navigating multiple ideal customer profiles can be a solo founder's dilemma. Discover how flexible software attracts diverse users and the importance of focused strategies. Learn practical tactics like using demos to assess needs and creating unique landing pages for each customer segment. Explore the value of AI-driven onboarding and adapting communication styles for different personas. This insightful discussion offers actionable advice for balancing the complexities of serving varied customer profiles.

51 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 23min
414: The Pure Amateur is Vanishing: Why Everyone's a Performer Now
The podcast delves into how social media has transformed traditional amateurism into a performative act, reshaping the way hobbies are shared and recognized. It discusses the emergence of performer practitioners, suggesting that entrepreneurs must adapt to a landscape where users are also content creators. Founders are encouraged to rethink product development to support knowledge sharing and skill showcases, signifying a shift from traditional craftsmanship to a more collaborative, performative approach.

104 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 25min
413: We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Moat
The landscape of software development is undergoing a dramatic shift, with AI now playing a pivotal role. Indie founders are realizing that strong customer relationships may matter more than traditional coding skills. Developers are evolving from mere coders to solution curators, focusing on strategic integration and expertise. This transformation promotes collaboration and deepens customer connections in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. AI simplifies implementation, ushering in new business models that prioritize engagement.

115 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 25min
412: The $0.20/Day AI System That Converts Trial Users Into Paying Customers
Discover how AI can revolutionize customer engagement in SaaS by working behind the scenes. Learn about user activity scoring and personalized onboarding strategies that can significantly enhance conversion rates. The discussion emphasizes that even businesses without AI features can leverage these techniques to convert trial users into paying customers. This approach reveals the potential of AI beyond its typical applications, highlighting its crucial role in modern software services.

52 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 19min
411: The Currents of a Founder
The discussion kicks off with a thought-provoking quote about navigating the currents of entrepreneurship, emphasizing adaptability. Founders confront swift technological changes and the importance of choosing reliable tech stacks. They delve into the challenges of making an impact in a competitive market while maintaining authenticity. Social media pressures and the need for balance in work and life are also explored, highlighting shared experiences among entrepreneurs. Listeners are encouraged to embrace these dynamic forces for meaningful growth.

40 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 24min
410: Building for the Age of AI Consumers
Explore the future of software development driven by AI and agentic systems. The transformation emphasizes adaptable interfaces, blending innovation with security. Discover the complexities of integrating AI agents, as challenges around permissions and flexibility arise. The conversation highlights the need for new frameworks to manage unique agent behaviors while tackling potential problems like overconsumption and miscommunication. Dive into how these shifts will reshape product building for a new generation of tech-savvy consumers!

303 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 59min
409: James Phoenix — Claude Code Masterclass
In this engaging discussion, James Phoenix, an expert in agentic coding and the creator of OctoSpark.ai, dives into the transformative power of Claude code. He shares practical tips that dramatically enhance coding efficiency, emphasizing the use of Claude hooks for better coding practices. The conversation explores the influence of AI-driven tools on development workflows, the shift in roles for developers, and the necessity of community-driven knowledge sharing. Phoenix's insights offer a compelling look at the future of software development and the integration of AI.

32 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 21min
408: The Podscan Ideas Vault: Engineering as Marketing
Discover how a successful marketing strategy transformed into a thriving business. The focus is on the Podscan Ideas Vault, leveraging podcast transcripts to inspire entrepreneurs. Insights are shared on automating newsletters, showcasing this initiative as both a marketing tool and a source of innovative ideas. Tune in for a captivating exploration of engineering as marketing and how insightful data can drive growth.