The right tech stack for a startup is the one your team can ship and maintain reliably within your timeline and budget. For most early-stage web products, a React or Next.js front end with a Node.js back end and a PostgreSQL database is a safe, widely supported choice.
Founders often ask which framework is 'best', but the better question is which stack lets your specific team ship reliably within your timeline and budget.
For most early-stage products, a React or Next.js frontend paired with a Node.js backend offers a fast path from idea to working product, backed by a large hiring pool.
Database choice matters more than people think. PostgreSQL suits relational, transaction-heavy products; document stores like MongoDB fit rapidly evolving data models better.
Resist the urge to over-engineer for scale you don't have yet. Build for today's problem, and architect so tomorrow's isn't blocked.
Whatever you choose, prioritise a stack your team can maintain confidently over one that merely looks impressive on a slide.