Senior Software Architect (15+ years) exploring AI-assisted development — thinking about starting a company. Looking for advice.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working in the software industry for over 15 years and currently serve as an enterprise architect. Most of my career has been focused on backend systems, platform architecture, and building scalable enterprise solutions.

Recently I’ve started investing serious time in AI-assisted programming and development workflows (AI coding tools, automation, and AI-driven product development). I’m experimenting with integrating AI into real engineering practices rather than just using it as a coding assistant.

This has made me seriously think about starting something on my own, possibly around AI-powered development tools or AI-enabled products.

However, coming from a long enterprise background, I realize building products and building startups are very different games. I’m trying to understand things like:

• What kinds of AI products actually have real market demand right now

• Whether technical founders should focus on tools for developers vs vertical AI products

• How to validate an idea before committing serious time

• Mistakes experienced engineers often make when starting their first company

If you’ve made the transition from senior engineer/architect to founder, I’d really appreciate hearing about:

• What you wish you knew before starting

• What kinds of opportunities you see in the AI space right now

• Any practical advice for someone in my position

Thanks in advance — looking forward to learning from the community.