Elixir Wizards is an interview-format podcast, focused on engineers who use the Elixir programming language. Initially launched in early 2019, each season focuses on a specific topic or topics, with each interview focusing on the guest's experience and opinions on the topic. Elixir Wizards is hosted by Eric Oestrich and Sundi Myint of SmartLogic, a dev shop that’s been building custom software since 2005 and running Elixir applications in production since 2015. Learn more about how SmartLogic uses Phoenix and Elixir. (https://smartlogic.io/phoenix-and-elixir?utm_source=podcast)
Creating the Standd AI-Native Due Diligence Platform with Stephen Solka
Stephen Solka, CTO and co-founder of Standd.io, joins Elixir Wizards Owen and Charles to share the journey of building an AI-native deal intelligence and due diligence platform. Designed to streamline document analysis and text generation for venture capital firms, Standd.io leverages large language models and AI tools to address key customer pain points in document workflows.
Stephen explains how Elixir and Phoenix LiveView enabled rapid UI iteration and seamless integration between the front-end and back-end.
The conversation also explores the human side of startup life. Stephen reflects on balancing tech debt with customer demands, the value of accelerators in building networks and securing funding, and the challenges of pricing in early-stage startups. He emphasizes the importance of validating ideas with potential customers and learning from the hurdles of growing a business.
Tune in for insights on leveraging AI in Elixir, solving real-world problems, and navigating the journey from concept to company.
Topics discussed in this episode:
- The journey from self-taught programmer to CTO
- The perks of Phoenix LiveView for rapid UI development
- Integrating front-end and back-end technologies
- AI tools for code generation
- How early adopters balance functionality with product polish
- Validating ideas and understanding customer needs
- The impact of accelerators on networking and fundraising
- Approaches to managing pricing strategies for startups
- Balancing technical debt with feature development
- The role of telemetry and error reporting in product development
- Creating collaborative and supportive tech communities
- Educating users on AI’s capabilities and limitations
- The broader implications of AI tools across industries
Links Mentioned
Contact Stephen & Julie at Standd: founders@standd.io
https://www.standd.io/
https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/gangs-of-four-gof-design-patterns
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/code-complete_steve-mcconnell/248753/item/15057346/
https://aws.amazon.com/sagemaker/
https://www.anthropic.com/
https://getoban.pro/
https://kubernetes.io/
https://www.apollographql.com/
https://aws.amazon.com/startups/accelerators
https://accelerate.techstars.com/
https://aider.chat/
https://github.com/Aider-AI/aider
https://neovim.io/
https://ui.shadcn.com/
https://tailwindui.com/
https://www.ycombinator.com/
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/close-to-the-machine-technophilia-and-its-discontents_ellen-ullman/392556
Special Guest: Stephen Solka.