Summary:
AI tools boost productivity by up to 55%, enabling faster development and content creation than traditional hiring
Hiring for curiosity over credentials allows startups to build teams of generalists who solve problems quickly and innovate
An AI-first production stack with tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT automates tasks and accelerates growth across functions
Fostering continuous learning and creativity helps teams adapt to rapid AI advancements and stay ahead of competitors
Startups that leverage AI-powered generalists can achieve up to 3.5x annual growth by launching products faster and iterating based on user feedback
The New Startup Reality: AI or Get Left Behind
Last month, I witnessed a startup founder spend three weeks hunting for a senior developer to build a simple feature. Meanwhile, our content manager shipped it in just two days using AI tools. While he was bogged down in job boards and interviews, we were already testing user feedback and iterating.
This scenario repeats daily across the startup world. Founders assume they need specialized technical talent for every task, burning precious time and money, while AI-powered generalists move at lightning speed. The data confirms this shift: 80% of developers report increased productivity with AI tools, and 90% of Fortune 500 companies are developing AI agents and automation.
As co-founder of tech company HOLYWATER, I saw this coming early. Today, our 200-person team includes only 10% coders, yet our platforms reach 55 million users worldwide. My Drama is the top vertical streaming app in Europe and the U.S., while My Passion is the world's second-largest e-book platform with over 1,000 titles.
Our team of strong generalists fuels 3.5 times annual growth. Here’s how you can build one too.
Hire for Curiosity, Not Credentials
At least 1 in 3 entrepreneurs expect to be solo founders within five years, enabled by AI tools that let individuals do work once requiring entire teams. At HOLYWATER, we’ve scaled this beyond solo ventures, treating the whole company like a startup lab. Writers, editors, designers, marketers—every employee can pitch product ideas. That’s the essence of generalists: solving problems fast alone or knowing who to ask.
Our content operations manager uses AI for brainstorming and training models to mimic writing styles. Our brand designer supplements creativity with AI-generated assets via focused prompts. Our full-stack developer uses pair programming with tools like Cursor. This approach lets us launch products faster, test more, learn from data, and grow.
Build an AI-First Production Stack
AI won’t replace specialists who know how to work with it; instead, innovative tools amplify your team’s productivity. Studies show AI tools like GitHub Copilot enable 55% faster coding, and ChatGPT boosts writing speed by about 40%. Over half of marketers use AI to create and optimize content, delivering campaigns in days instead of weeks. McKinsey estimates Generative AI could automate 60-70% of routine tasks, making an AI-first stack essential for staying ahead.
At HOLYWATER, we don’t rely on single solutions. My Drama’s post-production stack includes specialized tools: Kling AI for content automation, Runway for video generation, ElevenLabs for AI voices, Flux for visual assets, LoRA for adapting storytelling models, and custom GPT agents for personalized help. We’ve also created My Muse, the first platform with AI-crafted high-quality series, redefining streaming entertainment.
But it’s not just production; we use AI cross-functionally. Marketers generate creatives with Stable Diffusion and Midjourney, and adapt content with tools like LAMA and Concepter, producing over 200,000 creative concepts monthly in 12-15 languages.
Find tools that accelerate your startup’s needs: Cursor for AI-assisted coding, Make for workflow automation, Lovable for rapid prototyping. This lets you deliver faster than competitors.
Encourage Creativity in Your Team
AI tools evolve every month, not every year. OpenAI releases updates quarterly, while rivals like Anthropic and Google ship weekly. Companies that don’t adapt quickly fall behind permanently. Focusing on one tool risks missing better options. The fix: foster continuous learning and trend watching.
I had no social media until recently, valuing my time too much. Now I’m everywhere our users are to spot trends. Every morning and evening, I spend 20 minutes scrolling social media, noting competitors’ TV series and ad creatives. The team does the same, quickly sharing insights in chats. Trends fade fast, so speed and alignment are key.
Creativity isn’t innate; it’s cultivable. Following trends and joining professional communities helps. In our startup, we hold constant brainstorming where ideas flow without criticism. Even my ideas can be challenged—truly brilliant things emerge from diverse opinions.
What You Can Do Today to Build a Team of Tomorrow
Tomorrow’s unicorns will be built by creative generalists leveraging AI. To keep up, shift your strategy now.
Stop chasing expensive developers—seek curious minds with strong problem-solving skills. Ask about their favorite podcasts, lectures, books, and how they tackle challenges—it reveals a lot. Don’t wait for the perfect product. Create now, launch ASAP, and gather user feedback.
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