I started a business with AI and no tech background, and it can't replace human judgment

Tim Desoto, a nontechnical founder in San Francisco, built an AI-powered shopping platform using multiple models and tools and says AI helps generate ideas and prototypes but not long-term strategic judgment.

Tim Desoto, a 49-year-old founder in San Francisco, has been building an AI-powered shopping platform since late 2024 without a formal tech background. He uses a mix of commercial models and productivity tools, attends meetups and conferences, and experiments with agentic workflows. Over time he has contracted developers and formalized advisor relationships to address technical gaps and blind spots. He says AI is helpful for generating possibilities and speeding development, but some decisions still need human oversight. Key details: - Desoto began work on his AI-powered shopping platform in late 2024 and is based in San Francisco. - His paid stack includes models and services such as Claude Max, Gemini Ultra, and ChatGPT Business, plus tools like Cursor, Figma Make, Notion AI, Superhuman Ask AI, and Lovable. - He follows developments in agentic workflows and notes projects like OpenClaw, Moltbook, and Claude Cowork as part of the discussion about running agents at scale. - He often runs content through multiple models to compare outputs, using Gemini for inline source linking and Claude or ChatGPT for structured reasoning and formal writing. - He contracted developers to improve the product and formalized advisors to identify blind spots and connect with potential partners. Summary: Desoto reports that AI accelerates ideation, prototyping, and some development tasks but falls short on long-term strategic judgment and taste, which he still assigns to people. He has moved from informal help to paid developers and formal advisors to scale and strengthen the product, and he is watching work on making agent workflows more reliable and secure as the next operational focus.