15 Best Tools for Startups in 2024
Empower your startup team with the right set of tools.
Looking for the best tools for startups? You've come to the right place.
Startups face unique challenges. These young companies need solutions that are not only efficient and scalable but also cost-effective and easy to implement.
With a myriad of startup tools available, choosing the best fit for your needs can seem like a daunting task. In this article, we have highlighted a variety of tools designed to support startups in all crucial areas: project management, collaboration, accounting, customer relationship management (CRM), and more.
15 best tools for startups
This list doesn't aim to cover all available startup software — you have better things to do than to scroll through an endless list of options, many of which are essentially carbon copies of each other. It's also unlikely that you will need every single startup tool on this list. The key is to find the right combination of apps to enable your team's unique collaboration workflow, and there is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to that.
To make your evaluation process a little easier, we have put together a shortlist of the best-rated and most popular startup tools, based on real user reviews and our own experience as a startup team.
- Best project management tools for startups
- Best CRM tools for startups
- Best accounting tools for startups
- Best marketing tools for startups
- Best sales tools for startups
- Best HR tools for startups
Best project management tools for startups
Project management tools are the backbone of a well-organized startup, ensuring that every task, project, and deadline is tracked and managed efficiently. Choosing the right project management tool depends on your startup's size, workflow, and the complexity of the projects you undertake.
Each of these tools offers unique features and benefits, but all share the qualities essential for startups: simplicity, flexibility, and the ability to facilitate collaboration.
1. Nuclino
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $5/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.8/5
Nuclino is a modern project management tool for startups. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for startups looking for a straightforward way to organize knowledge, tasks, and projects without the complexity that comes with more feature-heavy tools. Its fast, intuitive interface makes it a good fit for startups looking to maintain agility and speed.
At the same time, Nuclino offers a range of powerful features. One of Nuclino's standout features is its ability to organize projects in multiple ways, from Kanban boards to mindmap-style graphs. Fields make it easy to track additional information about every project, such as its due date, assignee, priority, and more.
But what really sets Nuclino apart is its ability to seamlessly blend structured project management with long-form documentation. Each card on the board is its own collaborative document.
This allows you to keep your work in context, document goals and decisions, create to-do lists, embed files, and more. You can also easily exchange feedback directly in Nuclino using comments and mentions, as well as collaborate in real time.
And the best part? Nuclino isn't just for project management. Whether you need to onboard new employees, create an internal wiki, or even build a company intranet, Nuclino's balance of simplicity and versatility makes it the perfect tool for all your small team's needs.
What users say about Nuclino:
"I had never used a product like Nuclino until joining my current startup, and I've been really impressed with it. It's super easy to use and edit and it looks clean."
2. Trello
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $10/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.5/5
Trello is renowned for its visual board layout that allows users to manage projects using a card-based system. This intuitive interface is perfect for startups that need to quickly adapt to changes and manage tasks in a flexible environment.
Trello's simplicity makes it easy for all team members to contribute, track progress, and stay updated on the status of various projects. Its customization options, including labels, checklists, and deadlines, ensure that this Kanban board software can be tailored to fit the unique workflows of any startup.
Looking for more tools similar to Trello? Check out this list of Trello alternatives.
What users say about Trello:
"The ease of use and layout make this great for smaller projects, but also hold the platform back from fulfilling the needs of bigger operations. With my experience with Trello, I think it is a must-have tool for freelancers, small companies, and new startups."
3. Todoist
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $4/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.6/5
Todoist is a task management tool designed to help small teams organize and prioritize their work. With Todoist, startups can break down projects into manageable tasks, assign them to team members, and set deadlines to ensure everything moves forward as planned.
Todoist strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, providing an uncluttered space to manage tasks and deadlines. With features like recurring tasks, priorities, and project templates, Todoist helps startups keep their teams aligned and focused on what matters most. It's an ideal project management tool for startups looking for a no-frills approach to staying organized and productive.
Looking for more tools similar to Todoist? Check out this list of Todoist alternatives.
What users say about Todoist:
"I've used Todoist for tracking personal tasks, joint projects with another person, and startup projects with small teams - in all cases it has been great for the job so far. For larger groups or more developed projects, I can appreciate why teams would migrate to something more feature like Jira or Asana, but I don't think that's the market segment Todoist is aiming to address at the moment."
Best CRM tools for startups
Managing customer relationships effectively can be pivotal for any startup. A good Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool not only helps in tracking interactions and sales but also in understanding customer needs and behavior.
Here are several CRM tools that are designed with the needs of growing businesses in mind.
4. Zoho CRM
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $14/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.3/5
Zoho CRM is another excellent option for startups, particularly because of its adaptability and comprehensive suite of features that cater to sales, marketing, and customer support activities.
Zoho CRM also integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications, making it flexible to fit into any startup's tech ecosystem. Its automation capabilities, which allow startups to automate routine sales, marketing, and support functions, can save valuable time and resources.
What users say about Zoho CRM:
"Other than the fact that customer service took 6 days to get back - everything is good with Zoho CRM. There are plenty of features, third-party integrations, etc. The User Interface is pretty good and delivers important information at first glance. I think Zoho CRM is perfect for small businesses and startups."
5. HubSpot CRM
Pricing: Free
Rating on Capterra: 4.5/5
HubSpot CRM stands out for its ease of use and the fact that it offers a robust free version, making it ideal for startups looking to get high value without a high cost.
It covers all the basics of CRM functions with additional features such as email tracking, meeting scheduling, and a sales pipeline overview that can give startups a clear view of their customer interactions.
HubSpot CRM also scales with your business, offering more advanced features as your needs grow.
What users say about HubSpot CRM:
"Hubspot CRM offers the most complete free Customer software for startups and professionals! After you get used to the workflow of Hubspot, it is a breeze to use. Contacting new clients and adding them to Hubspot in no time becomes second nature. I also have Hubspot open during a Zoom call."
Best accounting tools for startups
Navigating the financial complexities of a startup requires more than just a spreadsheet. The right accounting tools can automate much of the grunt work, ensure compliance, and provide insights that help drive decision-making.
6. QuickBooks Online
Pricing: Starting from $15/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.6/5
QuickBooks has long been a go-to for small businesses and startups alike. It offers a comprehensive suite of accounting features, including invoicing, expense tracking, payroll processing, and reporting.
Its user-friendly interface and extensive integration capabilities make it a solid choice for startups looking to streamline their financial processes without investing heavily in training or customization. The platform scales well, meaning it can grow alongside your business, from launch to expansion.
What users say about QuickBooks Online:
"Quickbooks is easy to use for small businesses and people who do not want to pay for an accountant."
7. Xero
Pricing: Starting from $29/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.4/5
Known for its user-friendly interface, Xero is a powerful cloud-based accounting software that's well-suited for startups. It provides real-time visibility of your financial position in a simple, intuitive format.
Xero includes features like invoicing, inventory management, and payroll, with the ability to connect to a host of third-party apps for extended functionality. Particularly appealing for startups is Xero's emphasis on collaboration. It allows for easy sharing of financial data with team members and financial advisors, which is essential for strategic decision-making.
What users say about Xero:
"Xero is an awesome bookkeeping and accounting software solution for startups and small business owners. It is indeed a good match for business owners who know nothing about accounting in order to keep their books and to properly manage their finances. From my own experience, I found that Xero is very user-friendly and its accounting interface is streamlined, almost seamless, and uncluttered."
Best marketing tools for startups
Marketing is a critical component for any startup looking to gain traction. However, with limited budgets and resources, it's vital to choose tools that deliver the most bang for your buck.
Here are some of the marketing tools that offer great value for startups.
8. Mailchimp
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $13/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.5/5
Widely regarded as a go-to tool for email marketing, Mailchimp offers an intuitive platform that's perfect for startups looking to build and nurture their customer base through email campaigns.
What makes it a good fit for startups is its scalable pricing model, which includes a free tier for basic features and the ability to grow with your startup. Additionally, its user-friendly design and robust analytics help startups fine-tune their marketing strategies without needing a dedicated marketing team.
What users say about Mailchimp:
"Overall, Mailchimp has been a good option as a startup with limited time and resources. Depending on people's needs, I do recommend it to friends and clients, but it certainly has its limitations for growing and scaling with more complex needs. If you are new to email marketing, though, certainly give it a try as your training wheels. It's worked out well for many people and companies."
9. Hootsuite
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $49/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.4/5
Social media is a battleground where startups can make a significant impact. Hootsuite is a comprehensive tool that allows startups to manage their social media presence across multiple platforms from a single dashboard.
It allows you to schedule posts in advance, track engagement and analytics, and respond to comments and messages efficiently. This streamlining of social media tasks is particularly beneficial for startups with limited manpower, enabling them to maintain a strong online presence without overwhelming their team.
What users say about Hootsuite:
"The scheduling feature is extraordinarily helpful. I run a small digital marketing firm and handle the social media for almost all of my clients. I created separate accounts for each client to keep my own costs down, so I will simply schedule 30 posts at a time and set a memo for myself to post more before the campaign ends. Hootsuite can get pretty pricey, especially for a smaller startup without much capital while they are growing."
Best sales tools for startups
When resources are tight and every lead counts, having the right sales tools can be a game-changer. Here are some of the best sales tools for startups that can cater well to their needs.
10. HubSpot Sales Hub
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $90/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.6/5
HubSpot Sales Hub offers a comprehensive suite of sales automation tools designed to streamline the sales process. For startups, the appeal lies in its scalability and the seamless integration with the broader HubSpot ecosystem, including marketing and service hubs. This integration facilitates a unified approach to managing customer relationships, crucial for delivering personalized customer experiences without a hefty price tag.
The platform's free tier provides essential CRM features, email tracking, and deal management, making it an ideal starting point for startups looking to scale their sales efforts efficiently.
What users say about HubSpot Sales Hub:
"The Sales Hub is fantastic for early teams and startups. It is easy to use, even for non-sales people, and is highly customizable. Easy import and export, a wide range of possible integrations, and numerous further features definitely justify its price. Great value for money, especially if you get a startup discount via your accelerator or VC."
11. Pipedrive
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $14.90/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.6/5
Pipedrive stands out for its focus on activity-based selling. The platform's intuitive design helps startups keep track of their sales processes and stay organized without overwhelming complexity.
Pipedrive's visual pipeline management tool allows startups to see exactly where each deal stands and what actions need to be taken next, making it easier to prioritize and push deals forward.
The affordability and simplicity of Pipedrive make it an excellent choice for startups looking to establish a solid sales foundation without extensive resources.
What users say about Pipedrive:
"Pipedrive provides a simple, fast interface that pulls all information relevant to a deal into a single view. This includes the main contact, other contacts, price and product information, activity history, and coming activities. Pipedrive is easy to customize, so getting started does not require a lot of effort or training. This is ideal for startups and small firms, as well as for independent sales reps."
Best HR tools for startups
Startups require HR tools that are not only efficient but also flexible enough to scale with their growth. Here are some of the tools that can provide startups with the foundation to build a strong, engaged, and efficiently managed workforce.
12. Gusto
Pricing: Free, advanced features starting from $40/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.7/5
Gusto is a versatile HR platform that goes beyond basic HR tasks to include payroll, benefits administration, and compliance management. It's particularly appealing to startups because of its straightforward pricing and an extensive range of features, even at lower tiers.
Gusto takes the headache out of payroll and tax filing with automated calculations and submissions, which is a great feature for startups without a dedicated HR department. Its user-friendly design and responsive customer service ensure a smooth experience for both employers and employees.
What users say about Gusto:
"As a startup, you feel like you need to figure out a lot of things a normal business would normally just pay for because you can't afford it. Gusto is affordable enough that it's doable for a young company all while doing enough work that it's easy to justify the cost, which many services fail to do."
13. BambooHR
Pricing: Starting from $250/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.6/5
BambooHR stands out for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive suite of HR features tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. It specializes in streamlining administrative tasks such as onboarding, time-off tracking, and performance management.
What makes BambooHR ideal for startups is its scalability. As your team grows, BambooHR grows with you, offering advanced features like employee self-service and detailed reporting. Its ability to automate many HR processes saves time and reduces the likelihood of errors, making it a solid choice for startups looking to establish a robust HR foundation without the complexity.
What users say about BambooHR:
"Great for startups. It is a very comprehensive product if you are a startup and have a lean or no HR team. It makes onboarding and employee management quite easy. Also, the full calendar is a nice feature. As leave is booked, you can see a monthly calendar for everyone who is out of the office, work anniversaries, etc. Very useful!"
Best customer support tools for startups
In the early stages of a startup, establishing and maintaining a strong connection with your customers is critical. The right customer support tools can help you manage inquiries efficiently, build trust, and foster loyalty.
Here are some of the customer support tools particularly well-suited for startups.
14. Groove
Pricing: Starting from $12/user/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.5/5
Groove is a streamlined customer support tool tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, making it an ideal choice for startups. Its simplicity is one of its greatest assets; Groove offers an intuitive interface that allows for quick setup and ease of use.
Despite its simplicity, it doesn't skimp on functionality. Groove provides a unified inbox that consolidates messages from various channels, including email, social media, and live chat, enabling support teams to offer timely and organized responses.
Furthermore, its affordable pricing model, which scales with your team size, ensures that startups can manage costs effectively while still delivering quality customer service.
What users say about Groove:
"Groove is a powerful tool that any startup team should have. It's incredibly easy to learn. Don't be fooled by its ease of use and simple design though. I've used many similar products before, but Groove surpasses them all. It makes it seamless to communicate with my team and my company's clients. Groove eliminates cluttered inboxes and makes managing multiple tasks simultaneously a piece of cake."
15. Front
Pricing: Starting from $38/month
Rating on Capterra: 4.6/5
Front brings a different approach to customer support by combining the simplicity of email with the power of a customer support system. Unlike traditional email, Front allows multiple team members to access and manage a shared inbox, ensuring that no customer queries fall through the cracks. It's particularly suited for startups because it allows teams to manage all of their external communication in one place.
Its integration capabilities are also a strong point; Front seamlessly connects with a variety of other tools startups might be using, such as CRM systems and project management software, facilitating a unified workflow.
What users say about Front:
"It's very easy to transfer emails and add internal comments on them. This app is built for B2C startups that want to manage lots of daily emails from customers. Moreover, it's very easy to integrate other products through the API."
Key features of the best startup tools
The most effective tools for startups share a set of key features that cater to the dynamic and often resource-constrained nature of new ventures. Understanding these features can help startups make informed decisions when selecting tools to incorporate into their operational toolkit.
Scalability. Startups need tools that can grow with them. Scalability ensures that as a startup expands its customer base or product offerings, the tool continues to meet its evolving needs without requiring a migration to a new platform.
User-friendliness. With teams often juggling multiple roles, the best startup tools are intuitive and easy to use. A gentle learning curve means faster adoption across the team and less time spent on training, allowing more focus on growth-driving activities.
Integration capabilities. Startups typically use a range of software solutions, from email marketing platforms to CRM systems. Tools that offer robust integration capabilities can streamline workflows, reduce data silos, and enhance overall efficiency by allowing different systems to communicate seamlessly.
Cost-effectiveness. Budget constraints are a reality for most startups. Tools that offer transparent, flexible pricing without sacrificing essential features enable startups to manage their finances more effectively, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Robust customer support. Even with the most user-friendly tool, startups may encounter issues or have questions. Excellent customer support—be it through live chat, email, or help centers—is crucial for resolving problems quickly and minimizing downtime.
In conclusion, the right tools can significantly impact a startup's ability to navigate its early stages, driving efficiency, fostering collaboration, and enhancing customer engagement. As your venture continues to evolve, the startup tools you choose will play a crucial role in shaping your journey.
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