In 2026, a startup can run with a laptop and a credit card. But with thousands of tools launching every day, which ones are actually essential?
1. Communication: Slack
Email is too slow. For internal comms, Slack (or Microsoft Teams) is non-negotiable. It creates a digital headquarters for remote teams.
2. Project Management: Monday.com or Notion
You need a single source of truth.
- Monday.com: Best for structured workflows and tracking status.
- Notion: Best for documentation, wikis, and flexible note-taking.
3. HR & Payroll: Deel
If you hire remotely (and you should), compliance is a nightmare. Tools like Deel handle taxes, contracts, and local laws automatically.
4. CRM: HubSpot
Spreadsheets don't scale. HubSpot's free tier is generous enough to last you until your Series A. It tracks emails, deals, and customer interactions in one place.
Read our HubSpot vs Salesforce comparison →
