The cost structure of building a software product has shifted significantly over the past two years. A growing number of solo operators and small teams report that AI-powered tools have allowed them to take on workloads that previously required dedicated hires.
Cursor and GitHub Copilot have become standard fixtures in many developers' workflows. According to GitHub's own usage data, Copilot users report completing tasks measurably faster. For solo founders, this translates to shorter development cycles — several have publicly documented shipping minimum viable products in weeks rather than months.
ElevenLabs has emerged as a notable player in the audio space. A December 2025 Forbes report highlighted creators using AI voice generation for YouTube narration, podcast production, and corporate training content. The tool's pricing starts at $22 per month, and creators have reported using it to fulfill freelance voiceover contracts that previously required studio time and professional talent.
Automation platforms like Make.com and n8n have found a growing user base among business operators looking to connect their software stack without writing code. These tools handle tasks like lead routing, email sequences, and invoice generation. Users in online communities have shared examples of replacing manual administrative processes with automated workflows.
On the creative side, image generation tools including Midjourney have enabled a new category of digital product sellers. Platforms like Etsy have seen a notable increase in AI-generated design listings, though the long-term sustainability of this market segment remains an open question.
ChatGPT continues to serve as a general-purpose productivity tool across industries. Content agencies, in particular, have reported using it to increase output per team member, though the quality control requirements add complexity that is often underestimated.
The broader pattern is clear: each of these tools costs between $20 and $100 per month, and each one addresses a function that traditionally required a dedicated hire. The operators who are combining multiple tools into integrated workflows appear to be building leaner operations than was previously possible.