I built 18+ MVPs, scaled my agency to $20K/month, and got acquired....

@PrajwalTomar_
Prajwal Tomar@PrajwalTomar_
51 views Jun 07, 2025 ~4 min read
Advertisement
1
I built 18+ MVPs, scaled my agency to $20K/month, and got acquired.

This is the exact AI dev workflow that made it happen ↓
2
1/ The Problem With Traditional Agencies

Traditional dev agencies:
- Spend weeks on UI/UX before writing a single line of code
- Operate with large teams, slowing down decision-making
- Have high costs before validating an idea

The modern dev agency:
- Skips lengthy design phases and builds while iterating
- Uses small, efficient teams powered by AI
- Optimizes costs so founders can validate first
- Launches MVPs in under 4 weeks

I started @ignytlabs as a solo founder and delivered my first 6–7 MVPs alone.

Only after proving the model did I bring in other developers without bloated processes.
3
2/ AI-Powered Planning to Reduce Scope Creep

Before writing a single line of code, we define:
- What the product does
- Who it is for
- What problem it solves

We use:
- ChatGPT for quick brainstorming
- @CodeGuideDev to generate PRDs & technical documentation
- The MoSCoW Method to prioritize essential features

Every project starts with:
- A clear PRD
- A step-by-step implementation plan
- A flexible UI structure

This prevents scope creep and ensures we build what’s needed first.
4
3/ No Full Design Phase - Straight to Lovable

Instead of wasting weeks on Figma, we go straight to Lovable to build UI screens.

By week one, clients already see a real, functional UI instead of static wireframes.

They provide feedback, we refine, and finalize the UI while we build by week 2.

This approach:
- Saves weeks of unnecessary design work
- Reduces back-and-forth
- Ensures the MVP looks professional without delays
5
4/ Mini Design Phase (If Requested)

Sometimes, if the client specifically asks for it, we do a short design phase.

We use:
- UX Pilot to generate flows
- Figma to polish specific screens

We try to avoid this step, but when needed, we adapt.

It’s fast, focused, and never slows down the build timeline.
6
5/ Build 70–80% of the MVP in Lovable

This is the key to moving fast.

@lovable is not just for UI, it helps us build real app logic:
- Connect frontend components to real data
- Implement authentication
- Set up API calls and user interactions
- Build a functional MVP with minimal manual coding

By the time we leave Lovable, most of the MVP is already working.

The remaining 20–30% is handled in Cursor.
7
6/ GitHub Sync Between Lovable and Cursor

Lovable syncs everything to GitHub, making it easy to continue development in Cursor.

With this setup:
- UI and basic functionality are already done
- Developers can pick up exactly where Lovable left off
- No need to rewrite components from scratch

Keeping everything in sync avoids duplicate work and speeds up iterations.
8
7/ Advanced Backend Development in Cursor

While Lovable gets us 80% of the way, Cursor is where we refine and scale the backend.

Cursor is great for:
- Implementing advanced features
- Debugging and refining performance
- Making the MVP secure and scalable
- Ensure that the code is clean and not bloated (using @coderabbitai)

Sometimes, manual coding is necessary. This is where Cursor shines.
9
8/ Supabase - A Backend That Scales Without Complexity

Instead of setting up complex backend infrastructure, we use Supabase.

Why?
- Fully managed: No need to maintain database servers
- Real-time updates: Syncs data instantly across the app
- Scalable pricing: Only pay for what you use

Supabase handles:
- Authentication: Email, OAuth, magic links
- Database: PostgreSQL with built-in scaling
- Storage: Secure file and image uploads
- Edge Functions: Serverless backend logic
- Real Time features

This lets us focus on building, not managing servers.
10
9/ Deployment & Launch Strategy

Once everything is built, we deploy the MVP on Vercel.

Why Vercel?
- No need for complex CI/CD pipelines
- Automatic scaling
- Global edge network for fast load times

By weeks four to five, the MVP is live and ready for testing.

From there, we:
- Gather user feedback
- Fix any bugs
- Plan Phase 2 based on real data
11
10/ When to Choose a Lean MVP vs. a Traditional Agency

Enterprise software still needs traditional agencies for:
- Large teams & complex integrations
- Extensive planning & custom design
- Long-term development cycles

We focus on:
- Speed: MVPs in weeks, not months
- Cost-efficiency: Build only what’s essential
- Iteration: Improve based on real user feedback

If you’re a founder looking to launch fast, let’s talk.
12
11/ The Future of AI-Powered Dev Agencies

The future of lean, AI-driven agencies is clear:
- AI-assisted coding beats bloated teams
- No long design phases, just execution
- MVPs built FAST
- Iteration over perfection

If you’re serious about building an AI-driven dev agency, this is the model that works.
Actions
What You Can Do
  • Export as PDF or Markdown
  • Batch Export to Notion
  • Bookmark & Highlight
  • LinkedIn & Instagram Carousel Maker
Create Free Account

Includes 7-day Premium trial

Advertisement