The "Machine, Platform, Crowd" framework that dominated tech thinking for years is dead. In this episode, George shares the new framework that's actually driving success in the AI-first world: Capital, Code, and Audience - but not in the way you think.

Running two companies from Toronto with just 5 people (no VC, no SF office), George breaks down how small teams can outcompete 50+ person companies with millions in funding. This isn't theory - it's the exact playbook he's used to build SimpleDirect and ANC.

Capital Isn't About Funding - It's About Efficiency

• Built SimpleDirect's initial product for under $20K (not $5M)
• Reduced team from 14 people to 5 - moving faster than ever
• 50+ months of runway through strategic cost management
• Toronto base saves $100K+ annually vs. San Francisco

Code Means Direction, Not Implementation

• Haven't shipped production code in 2.5 years, but direct all development
• AI tools ($8K/year) replace traditional co-founder functions
• Cursor + Claude + strategic oversight = full technical capability
• From 5 co-founders to 0 through AI-powered automation

Audience Trumps Everything

• 30,000 engaged Twitter followers > expensive marketing campaigns
• Distribution without permission beats cold outreach every time
• 2-5% cold LinkedIn response rates vs. direct audience access
• Start building before you need it - compounds over time

Controversial Takes

• You don't need to be technical to run a tech company anymore
• Geographic location is now almost irrelevant for success
• More people = less productivity (14 people = 91 communication paths)
• AI can replace most co-founder functions if you know how to direct it

Actionable Framework: Your Three C's Audit

Capital Efficiency Check:

• Can you deploy capital anywhere quickly?
• Can you reposition if something isn't working?
• Does it compound without constant time investment?

Code Capability Check:

• Do you understand your tech stack enough to direct it?
• Are you using AI strategically vs. randomly?
• Can AI replace functions you're considering hiring for?

Audience Reality Check:

• Could you reach ideal customers in 48 hours?
• How many people would pay attention if you launched today?
• Are you building trust or just followers?

Tools & Resources Mentioned

AI Development Stack:

• Cursor (primary development tool)
• Claude (strategy, content, brainstorming)
• ChatGPT (customer support automation)
• GitHub Copilot (code assistance)
• MCP servers (business context for AI)

Content & Distribution:

• Twitter: @TheGeorgePu
• Newsletter: newsletter.founderreality.com
• Blog: founderreality.com

Best Quotes

"Capital isn't about how much money you have. It's about how efficiently you deploy it and how long you can keep it working."

"You don't need to write code anymore. You need to direct it. Think film director vs. cameraman."

"One person with liquid capital, AI-multiplied code capabilities, and a trusted audience can outcompete a 50-person team in a fancy SF office."

"Audiences don't trust brands - they trust people. We follow founders, not companies."

Connect with George

• Twitter/X: @TheGeorgePu
• Newsletter: newsletter.founderreality.com
• Website: founderreality.com

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