How to Choose the Right Tech Stack for Your Startup

The tech stack debate is the most overthought decision in startups. Here's the truth: for 90% of startups, the "best" stack is the one your team knows best. But there are real tradeoffs worth understanding.

The Default Stack (And Why It Works)

TypeScript + React + Node.js + PostgreSQL + AWS. This stack has the largest talent pool, the most libraries, the best documentation, and works for everything from a simple CRUD app to a complex real-time platform. Start here unless you have a specific reason not to.

When to Use Python

If your product is AI/ML-heavy, Python is non-negotiable for the backend. The ecosystem (PyTorch, scikit-learn, LangChain, FastAPI) is unmatched. Pair it with a TypeScript frontend and you get the best of both worlds.

Database Decisions

PostgreSQL handles 95% of use cases — relational data, JSON, full-text search, even vector embeddings with pgvector. Use Redis for caching, not as a primary store. Only reach for MongoDB if your data is truly schema-less (hint: it rarely is).

The Monolith-First Approach

Start with a monolith. Microservices are for companies with 50+ engineers and clear domain boundaries. A well-structured monolith will take you to your first million users. Extract services only when you feel real pain.

Don't Optimize for Scale You Don't Have

Kubernetes, event-driven architecture, CQRS — these are solutions to problems you don't have yet. Ship features. Get users. Then optimize. The graveyard of startups is full of beautifully architected products that nobody uses.