DEV Community: Andy Lee

Validate your startup idea in 10 seconds (side project)

Andy Lee — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 03:29:45 +0000

Hey devs 👋

I'm building Gonogo, a side project that helps you quickly evaluate your startup ideas.

It scores your idea across 5 dimensions:

Market Attractiveness
Problem Severity
Differentiation
Execution Feasibility
Monetization Clarity

It gives you a simple GO / NO-GO verdict — like a mini investor in your pocket.

→ Try it on the App Store

Why I'm building it:

I wanted to get sharper at judging what’s worth building
I'm experimenting with monetization (AdMob) and fast iteration
It's also helping me get better at launching — not just coding

Tech stack:

SwiftUI (iOS)
AdMob (banner ads)
Cloudflare Worker calling OpenAI’s API

No backend DB — your idea isn’t stored anywhere.

OpenAI sees your idea text once (like using ChatGPT), then it’s gone.

🗑 Delete the app, and your history’s wiped.

Would you find this useful for refining ideas over time?

Drop thoughts or feedback — especially if you’ve built something similar!

Download Gonogo here

Happy to jam with other side project builders.

How to Thrive as a Developer in a Struggling Startup

Andy Lee — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 11:09:08 +0000

The startup world is inherently volatile, and the current economic climate has made it even more challenging to survive. With high unemployment rates, it can be tough for developers to find work and keep their jobs in a struggling startup. However, with the right mindset and approach, developers can still thrive in this environment.

Here are some tips on how to succeed as a developer in a struggling startup:

Embrace the chaos

Startups are notorious for being chaotic, and during tough times, things can feel even more chaotic. As a developer, it's important to embrace this chaos and be flexible in your approach. Be prepared to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances.

Be proactive

During difficult times, it's easy to fall into a reactive mindset. However, as a developer, it's important to be proactive and take initiative. Look for ways to improve the product, streamline processes, and contribute to the overall success of the startup.

Focus on your strengths

During tough economic times, it's more important than ever to focus on your strengths as a developer. What unique skills do you bring to the table? How can you use these skills to help the startup succeed?

Keep learning

In a rapidly changing industry, it's crucial to keep learning and developing new skills. This will not only help you stay relevant but also make you more valuable to the startup.

Network

Networking is essential in any industry, but it's especially important in the startup world. Connect with other developers, attend industry events, and build relationships with people who can help you advance your career.

Conclusion:

The startup world can be challenging, especially during tough economic times. However, with the right mindset and approach, developers can thrive in this environment. By embracing the chaos, being proactive, focusing on their strengths, keeping learning, and networking, developers can increase their chances of success in a struggling startup.

So if you're a developer working in a struggling startup, remember that you have the skills and talent to make a difference. Use these tips to help you navigate the challenges of the startup world and emerge stronger than ever.

My First Post

Andy Lee — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 12:40:24 +0000

Hello DEV