When we were building RemoteTeam, behind the scenes: how we built a digital nearly killed us before we figured it out.
Everyone thinks they know digital nomad AI tools, but they're missing the most important piece of the puzzle. I'm pulling back the curtain on the one secret that separates the top 1% from everyone else. This might be controversial, but the
The Reality Nobody Talks About
Most people approach behind the scenes: how we built a digital with assumptions that made sense five years ago. The world has moved on. When I look at my portfolio companies, the ones that succeed are doing something fundamentally different.
The first thing to understand is that timing is everything in this game. I've seen this play out across dozens of companies. The pattern is unmistakable.
At RemoteTeam, we learned this the hard way. We spent months going down the wrong path before realizing that simplicity beats complexity every time. Once we made the switch, everything changed.
The Framework That Actually Works
I'm going to share the exact framework I use when evaluating behind the scenes: how we built a digital. It's not complicated, but it requires discipline.
Step 1: you need to move fast and break things This is where most people go wrong. They skip this step entirely and jump straight to execution. Don't do that.
Step 2: you should focus on one thing and do it exceptionally well Once you have the foundation right, this becomes much easier. I've watched founders struggle with this for months when the answer was staring them in the face.
Step 3: Iterate relentlessly Nothing works perfectly the first time. The companies in my portfolio that nail behind the scenes: how we built a digital are the ones that treat it as an ongoing process, not a one-time project.
The AI Angle
I can't talk about behind the scenes: how we built a digital in 2026 without mentioning AI. As someone who's invested in Anthropic, OpenAI, Scale AI, and Hugging Face, I have a front-row seat to how AI is transforming this space.
The short version: AI makes good practitioners better and bad practitioners worse. It's an amplifier, not a replacement.
I've seen companies use AI to 10x their behind the scenes: how we built a digital capabilities. I've also seen companies waste millions on AI solutions that solved the wrong problem. The difference comes down to understanding what you're actually trying to achieve.
This connects to broader themes around AI coworking, AI culture building, async communication AI, AI performance reviews that I've been thinking about a lot lately.
Wrapping Up
I've shared a lot here, and I know it can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing about behind the scenes: how we built a digital: you don't need to get everything right on day one. You just need to get started and keep improving.
The founders in my portfolio who excel at behind the scenes: how we built a digital share one trait: they're relentlessly practical. They don't chase perfection. They chase progress.
That's the mindset I'd encourage you to adopt. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. And keep pushing forward.
As always, I'm rooting for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What experience informs this perspective?
This perspective comes from over a decade of building companies in Silicon Valley, two successful exits (RemoteTeam to Gusto, MovieLaLa to Gfycat), and investing in 200+ startups including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Scale AI. I write about what I've lived.
How has this view evolved over time?
My thinking on most topics has changed significantly over the years. Early in my career, I held many conventional views that experience proved wrong. I try to update my beliefs when the evidence changes.
Do all experts agree with this view?
No, and that's fine. The best ideas in business are often contrarian. I share my perspective based on my experience and data, but I encourage you to seek out opposing viewpoints and form your own conclusions.