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
Vesel AI SDK – A tool for building AI-powered workflows and true agents - as recommended by guest and AI expert Charlie Cowan on the Building an AI First Organisation Part 2 episode
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...?
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.
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