09/05/2026
Every startup asks the same question: "What stack should we build on?" — but the real question is what you can afford to *maintain*, not just build. For a typical MVP, I still recommend Next.js + Postgres + a managed auth provider, but by 2026, adding a small AI layer (even just for search or support) is almost table stakes. The tradeoff? Every extra service adds cognitive load for a 2-person team, so resist the urge to over-engineer your first 90 days. Start boring, scale smart, and only introduce complexity when your metrics demand it.
What's your non-negotiable "must-have" vs. "nice-to-have" in your current stack?
Full breakdown of cost vs. tradeoffs here: https://ideasoft.ca/blog