Validating my idea at Web Summit

Two weeks. That’s all the time I had to transform an idea into a functional SaaS platform before showcasing it at Web Summit. The goal wasn’t perfection; it was validation. I wanted to see if this idea was worth pursuing further or if it was better to move on to the next project.

The SaaS

Your GenLab is a no-code platform designed to let users create and deploy AI agents for various tasks. Think of it as a tool that empowers anyone—even those without technical expertise—to build AI-powered customer service bots, productivity tools, or creative assistants. Users can even monetize their creations directly from the platform.

Marketing on a Budget

With limited resources, I had to get creative. My marketing kit for Web Summit included nothing more than a glue stick, printed paper, QR codes, and a badge. By attaching a QR code to my backpack, I turned myself into a walking billboard. While queuing or walking around so anyone curious could scan the code and go to the landing page.

Feedback from the Web Summit

Engaging with a mix of founders, developers, and industry experts, I gained valuable insights. The idea behind Your Gen Lab received positive feedback, but I found some problems on my platform:

1.Offering multiple plans—API credits, subscriptions, or usage-based options—was overwhelming for users. Simplicity is key, especially for first-time users who want to get started quickly without confusion.

2.To lower the barrier to entry, I will implement a free tier soon. This tier will allow users to test the platform with some limitations. For cost efficiency, I plan to integrate open-source models like LLaMA, hosted on a Raspberry Pi, alongside Google Gemini’s free tier. When users hit the free tier limits, they’ll receive a prompt encouraging them to upgrade.

3.While end-users might appreciate pre-built chatbots, developers showed a stronger interest in the platform’s potential to build chatbots using this platform

Lessons Learned

• Validation doesn’t require perfection—just a working prototype and the courage to showcase it.

• Grassroots marketing can be incredibly effective with the right audience.

• The best feedback often comes from direct, unfiltered conversations with potential users.

The journey of building Your Gen Lab is far from over, but Web Summit proved that it’s an idea worth pursuing. Now, it’s time to iterate, improve, and bring this vision to life.