Why I’m Building a SaaS (before AI takes over)

2025-11-10 · Source: Ken Jee · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

The author, a former data scientist, has pivoted to building a Software as a Service (SaaS) company, Newsletter Hero, to capitalize on a perceived "golden age of development" before advanced AI levels the playing field. This period, estimated at 1.5 to 2 years, favors individuals with existing technical and coding skills, enabling them to build robust, scalable systems rapidly by integrating AI with modern third-party tools like Vercel, Stripe, Superbase, and Clerk. Newsletter Hero specifically addresses the bottleneck content creators face in converting existing content into newsletters, a long-term trend identified as more resilient than social media platforms. The author also outlines future-proof skills beyond this window, including marketing, operations, and building a strong brand and track record, while also considering investments in fundamental assets like food and shelter.

Key takeaway

For AI Engineers or Entrepreneurs looking to build digital products, recognize the current 1.5-2 year window where existing coding skills offer a significant advantage in leveraging AI for rapid development. Focus on solving persistent problems or capitalizing on long-term trends, like newsletters, rather than chasing every new AI innovation. Simultaneously, cultivate skills in marketing, operations, and branding to remain competitive as AI capabilities advance and development becomes more commoditized.

Key insights

Leverage current technical skills and AI to build rapidly before AI fully automates development, then focus on non-technical skills.

Principles

• Capitalize on long-term trends, not just fleeting AI waves.
• Technical skills provide a 1.5-2 year advantage in AI-assisted development.
• Newsletters offer a resilient direct audience connection for creators.

Method

Identify a persistent problem in your own life or a long-term market trend, then use existing coding skills and modern AI/third-party tools (e.g., Vercel, Stripe) to rapidly develop a solution.

In practice

• Build a SaaS product to solve a personal bottleneck.
• Start a newsletter to build a resilient brand and audience.
• Develop skills in marketing, operations, and branding for long-term relevance.

Topics

• SaaS Development
• AI Impact
• Newsletter Platforms
• Entrepreneurial Strategy
• Future-Proofing Skills

Best for: Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Entrepreneur

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Ken Jee.