1) Project management - Notion or Asana

Why it matters: Clear priorities reduce busywork and keep your roadmap visible to the whole team.

Why we like it: Notion gives incredible flexibility for wikis and lightweight databases. Asana offers mature workflows, due dates, and dependencies out of the box.

Pro tip: Create one weekly goals board and keep it to 5 to 7 active cards. Fewer priorities lead to faster execution.

2) Team communications - Slack

Why it matters: Async chat beats meetings for speed. Channels keep topics focused.

Why we like it: Great integrations with task tools and support bots. Use threads to avoid noisy channels.

Pro tip: Create a #daily-updates channel for short check-ins so standups stay under 5 minutes.

3) Docs and email - Google Workspace

Why it matters: Collaborative docs and quick file sharing are essential for a lean team.

Why we like it: Real time editing, Drive for storage, and simple admin. Start with the lowest plan and scale as you hire.

Pro tip: Set up a shared drive structure on day one so nothing gets lost.

4) Accounting and invoicing - QuickBooks or Wave

Why it matters: Clean books help with taxes, fundraising, and when you decide to sell your business.

Why we like it: QuickBooks is robust for growing teams. Wave is a simple entry point for pre revenue or early revenue startups.

Pro tip: Reconcile weekly. Ten minutes a week is easier than two hours at month end.

5) CRM - HubSpot CRM

Why it matters: A CRM tracks leads, stages, and revenue. Even a small pipeline needs structure.

Why we like it: The free tier is generous, and workflows are simple to automate when you grow.

Pro tip: Define your pipeline stages before adding contacts. Clarity beats complexity.

6) Email marketing - Mailchimp or Brevo

Why it matters: Owned audiences convert better than paid traffic. Email builds compounding returns.

Why we like it: Mailchimp is familiar and easy. Brevo is cost effective for higher volumes with solid automation.

Pro tip: Send one helpful email per week. Consistency wins over perfection.

7) Analytics - Google Analytics 4

Why it matters: You cannot improve what you do not measure. GA4 covers events, funnels, and attribution views.

Pro tip: Track 5 events that map to your funnel: visit, sign up, activate, pay, and retain.

8) SEO toolkit - Ahrefs or Semrush

Why it matters: Search is a durable growth channel. Keyword research and backlinks drive compounding traffic.

Why we like it: Both tools reveal competitor gaps and quick win keywords so your content plan is data driven.

Pro tip: Target low difficulty keywords first to earn early rankings, then move up market.

9) Design and brand assets - Canva

Why it matters: Consistent visuals increase trust and click through rates.

Why we like it: Templates for social, ads, pitch decks, and blog graphics keep your brand cohesive without a full time designer.

Pro tip: Create one brand kit with your colors, fonts, and logo so every asset stays on brand.

10) Security and passwords - 1Password

Why it matters: One breach can derail momentum. Strong vaults and shared access keep your stack secure.

Pro tip: Use team vaults and enforce 2FA across every account.

How to choose your starter stack

• Start simple: One tool per problem. Avoid overlapping features until you have clear needs.
• Automate late: Document a manual process first. Automate only what is proven and repetitive.
• Think resale: If you might sell, keep clean SOPs and financials. Our How It Works page explains the full sale journey inside StartExus.

Where StartExus can help next

If you want momentum on day one you can acquire instead of starting from zero. Explore vetted opportunities by category on our marketplace.

Browse businesses - discover SaaS, eCommerce, content sites, and more
Get a free valuation - thinking about selling your startup or side project
Read the FAQ - quick answers about buying and selling on StartExus
Talk to our team - get guidance from an expert

Starter stack checklist

• Project hub and task board set
• Slack channels and norms defined
• Workspace and shared drive created
• Books connected to bank and payment processor
• CRM pipeline stages defined
• Email list and welcome flow live
• Analytics events implemented
• SEO keyword list for 90 days
• Design brand kit ready
• Password manager deployed with 2FA

Final word

Your stack should make money or save time. Review tools quarterly, cut what you do not use, and double down on what drives revenue. When you are ready to acquire a profitable business or exit your own, StartExus is here to help. Explore opportunities or request your valuation today.