What is an MVP?
How to build the smallest useful product that validates an idea and creates value for its first users.
Read article →Startup and MVP development
I help build MVPs, SaaS products and digital platforms – from idea to first launch.
Services
MVP development
We build the minimum version of the product needed to test the idea in the market and learn what is worth developing next.
- only what matters for the first version
- the core user flow
- fast launch and real user feedback
SaaS / platforms
Web applications with users, payments and the business logic behind the product.
- subscriptions and payments
- user flows and retention
- features that support product growth
Product and technical partner
I work as more than just a developer. I help decide what is worth building, what can wait, and how to launch the product with less unnecessary complexity.
- what to build and what not to build
- priorities based on business value
- focus on a working product, not a feature checklist
Projects
ArtCodingLab
A Creative Coding microlearning platform for learning programming and digital art. It includes a custom-built content editor for creating and managing structured interactive courses.
EchoDino
An audio-first English learning platform for complete beginners, designed for learning by listening – while driving, walking or in other screen-free situations. Lessons play new words, sentences and short stories in both English and the learner’s support language, making it possible to build understanding step by step from zero.
THIS YOU
A personalized digital and print fashion magazine where each reader receives individually tailored content and visuals. The product combines AI personalization, e-commerce, admin tools and an automated print-production workflow.
OpenResearch
A public AI-assisted research platform where people can fund the investigation of a specific scientific question. The system runs a multi-stage process of source discovery, analysis, critical review and validation, then publishes a source-backed research result.
Promoverto
A B2B advertising platform connecting advertisers with partner websites. The system includes ad delivery, impression tracking, analytics and partner settlement mechanisms.
MathGamesHero
A subscription SaaS product for education with interactive mathematics games for teachers and students. The platform includes user accounts, payments and continuously expanding digital content.
BookToilet
A platform for small shops and local businesses that lets them offer paid toilet access. The product turns a simple everyday problem into a digital service built around locations and payments.
OGMap
A vector map API service for developers and digital products. It allows other applications to integrate maps into their own products.
CodeMap4AI
A developer tool that creates a structured overview of a software project and makes larger codebases easier to navigate. It is especially useful when working with AI coding tools that need clear project context.
OhLookItsMe
A personalized gift and greeting-card product where a physical card with a QR code opens an individually prepared digital game. The project connects a physical gift with a personalized digital experience.
MathMysteryPictures
An education SaaS product that combines mathematics exercises with a mystery-picture reveal mechanic. It is designed as a ready-to-use digital teaching and engagement tool for teachers.
ABSURD.website
An experimental digital-product laboratory where I regularly build and publish startup, technology and interactive-system experiments. It is where I test new product ideas, business models and technologies in practice.
Featured articles
All articles →Ideas, validation and product-market fit
Where ideas come from and how to learn whether the market genuinely wants your product.
Read article →Experiments and side projects
How experiments become new skills, audiences, products and unexpected opportunities.
Read article →Jānis Kauss - Smartsoft founder, developer and Creative Technologist
I have spent more than 20 years building digital products, startups and internet projects. I combine business thinking, creative concept development and technical execution - from an idea to a working product.
I also run absurd.website, where startups and digital products become works of art.
More about meContact
If you want to build an MVP, SaaS product or digital platform, email me at info@smartsoft.lv.
Please briefly describe:
- what you want to build;
- who the product is for;
- how it could make money, if that is already clear;
- your approximate budget and desired timeline.