If your developer disappeared tomorrow, could someone else pick up your code? For a lot of founders the honest answer is no, because the product was built on tools only one person understands.
You do not need to be technical to avoid that trap. Here is the stack I use for most MVPs in plain language, why each piece is there, and when to choose something else.
What each piece does
| Piece | What it does | Why it is a good MVP choice |
|---|---|---|
| Next.js (TypeScript) | Screens, pages and server code in one project | Huge community, easy to hire for later |
| Supabase | Postgres database, user logins, file storage | Standard Postgres underneath, so no lock-in to a strange database |
| Vercel | Hosting and automatic deploys | Every change gets a preview link, and production deploys are one click |
| An AI API (Anthropic, OpenAI) | The AI feature | Strong models without training your own |
| Stripe | Payments | The default for subscriptions and checkout |
Why a common stack matters for founders
The most important property of an MVP stack is that someone else can take it over. If your builder disappears or you hire a team, common tools mean a short handoff instead of a rewrite.
Postgres is a big part of that. It is one of the most widely used databases in the world, so your data is never trapped.
Every build lives in your own GitHub and hosting accounts from day one, on tools any developer can pick up.
Book a free scoping call →When to choose something else
- A native mobile app is the core product. You might choose React Native or Swift.
- Heavy data or machine learning work. Python services may sit alongside the main app.
- Strict compliance needs. Some regulated products need specific hosting or contracts with each vendor.
What it costs to run
For most early products, hosting, the database and email together cost tens of dollars a month at the start. AI usage is usually the biggest variable cost. See what it really costs to run an AI feature.
Frequently asked questions
Is Supabase good enough for production?
For most MVPs and many growing products, yes. It runs on standard Postgres, so you can move the database elsewhere later if you need to.
Do I need to know how to code to own a Next.js app?
No. You should own the accounts (GitHub, hosting, database) so the product is yours, but you do not need to write the code.
Can I move off Vercel later?
Yes. Next.js apps can run on other hosts. Vercel is chosen for speed of shipping, not because you are locked in.
Get a build any future developer can take over
Common stack, clean handoff, your accounts. Book a free scoping call and I will tell you which stack fits your product and why.
- Free 30-minute call
- Fixed price from $7,500
- Live in four weeks
- You own the code
I take on two to three builds at a time, so start dates fill up.