Best Operations Tools for Startups in 2025

Discover the top operations tools startups are using in 2025—lean, scalable, and powered by AI. From workflows to RevOps to hiring, here’s the modern COO’s tech stack.

Why Your Startup's Ops Stack Matters
(Now More Than Ever)

As a startup COO or operator, you're asked to do more with less, fewer people, faster timelines, and tighter budgets. That’s where smart tooling comes in.

In 2025, the best operations tools don’t just help you run your business—they think with you, thanks to embedded AI.

This guide breaks down the top categories and specific tools we’re seeing used across the startup ecosystem—from early-stage to Series B.

AI leading the way

  • Glean – AI-powered search for internal company data - again, a great recommendation from Charlie

  • Motion - Scheduling & Task Prioritization - time-blocking, calendar automation, and focus workflows

  • Notion AI – Your organisation might already be using this, but did you know you can use the in-build AI feature for docs, Wikis, SOPs...?

🗂️ Project & Workflow Management
  • ClickUp – Centralizes task management with built-in AI for sprint planning and summarizing docs

  • Asana – Offers predictive task deadlines and automatic dependency alerts

  • Trello with Automations – Still great for visual thinkers, now with rule-based AI bots

📊 Finance & RevOps
  • Runway – Budgeting & runway forecasting with FP&A AI assistants

  • Pry Financials – Financial modeling built for startups (acquired by Brex)

  • Pigment – For more complex orgs, like a Notion-meets-Excel for planning

👥 People Ops & Hiring
  • Our Leadership Growth Tool is a comprehensive tool for leadership development

  • Ashby – All-in-one hiring platform with recruiting analytics and pipeline AI

  • Harriet - handles sensitive requests and complex, cross-functional operations

  • Gusto – Payroll + benefits for lean startups

  • Trint - Turn audio and video into searchable, editable and shareable content - super handy for team calls or training sessions!

📈 Analytics & Visibility

  • Equals – Excel alternative with built-in SQL + GPT-based querying

  • June.so – Product analytics built for startups, with auto-insights

  • Tability – Simple OKR tracking with nudges and AI summaries

The Operator’s Stack in 2025: Smart, Flexible, AI-Enhanced

Your startup needs smart defaults that evolve with you. The best operations tools in 2025 are lean, AI-driven copilots that help you execute faster and think clearer.

Want more ops stack breakdowns or founder-tested workflows?

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