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ThinkLaunch

ThinkLaunch is a platform for pitching startups and connecting entrepreneurs. Built with Next.js 15 and TypeScript, the app provides a dynamic space for users to showcase and explore startups while leveraging modern web technologies.

Web Application
TypeScript
Next.js
Sanity CMS
Pet Project
A web app interface displaying startup pitches and curated collections for entrepreneurs.

Overview

ThinkLaunch is a web platform designed for entrepreneurs to pitch their startups, connect with others, and explore innovative ideas. Users can create and manage startup profiles, browse listed startups, and organize them into curated “playlists” for better discovery. The project is built with a modern tech stack, integrating real-time content updates, authentication, and performance monitoring.

Technical Implementation

Tech Stack
  • Frontend: Next.js 15 (App Router), React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, ShadCN UI for a modern and accessible UI.
  • Content Management: Sanity CMS for managing startup listings with real-time updates.
  • Authentication: Auth.js with GitHub OAuth for secure user authentication.
  • Error Tracking: Sentry for performance monitoring and debugging.
  • Hosting & Deployment: Vercel for a seamless serverless deployment.
Architecture & Development Insights
  • Sanity CMS for Dynamic Content Management: Integrated Sanity CMS, allowing startups to be dynamically created, updated, and fetched in real time. This enables a live content experience, reducing the need for complex backend API development.
  • Authentication with GitHub OAuth: Implemented Auth.js for secure authentication, enabling users to sign in via GitHub and manage their startup profiles.
  • Playlist System for Organizing Startups: Introduced a feature allowing users to save and categorize startups into custom “playlists”, helping them track and revisit their favorite projects.
  • Performance Optimization: Optimized database queries and API calls to ensure smooth page loading, even as the platform scales with more startups and users.

User Experience (UX)

Target Audience
  • Entrepreneurs: Startup founders looking for a platform to pitch their ideas and gain visibility.
  • Investors & Mentors: Professionals exploring new startups and organizing promising projects for potential collaboration.
  • Startup Enthusiasts: Users interested in discovering innovative ideas and following their favorite projects.
Key Features
  • Startup Pitching & Discovery: Users can create detailed startup profiles, including descriptions, images, and links.
  • Curated Playlists: Users can organize startups into personalized collections for better tracking and revisiting.
  • Real-Time Content Updates: Sanity CMS enables instant updates, ensuring the latest startup pitches are always visible.
  • Secure Authentication: GitHub OAuth allows for a seamless sign-in experience while ensuring security.
  • Performance Monitoring & Stability: Sentry integration helps track and resolve issues efficiently.
  • Responsive Design: Fully optimized for desktop and mobile, providing a seamless browsing experience.

Challenges & Learning Experiences

Integrating Sanity CMS for Real-Time Content Updates
  • Problem: Managing a scalable content system without a complex backend.
  • Solution: Leveraged Sanity CMS, allowing for dynamic content management, live fetching, and real-time updates without requiring direct database management.
Authentication & User Management with GitHub OAuth
  • Problem: Providing a secure yet simple authentication system for entrepreneurs.
  • Solution: Used Auth.js with GitHub OAuth, allowing seamless login while ensuring security and easy user onboarding.
Performance Optimization & Monitoring
  • Problem: Ensuring smooth performance with real-time content updates.
  • Solution: Sentry was integrated for tracking errors and performance issues, while Next.js optimizations reduced unnecessary re-renders and API calls.

Conclusion

ThinkLaunch showcases the potential of modern web technologies in building a dynamic, real-time platform for entrepreneurs. By leveraging Sanity CMS for live content updates, GitHub OAuth for authentication, and a custom playlist system, the project reflects my ability to design and implement a scalable and engaging web application.

Future improvements include:

  • Enhancing search & filtering for easier startup discovery.
  • Adding social features like comments and networking opportunities.
  • Implementing analytics tools for tracking startup engagement and popularity.