Thanks Chris! directories are a great resource for VCs too, as you can spot trends, discover new startups + get a sense of their traction. Also, founders tend to be pretty active once they’re listed. At least on TAAFT
Not only founders are active on TAAFT (we have the biggest AI tool makers community), but some told us they actually got investment from VCs who discovered them on TAAFT.
We have over 5000 VCs who are following TAAFT (site/newsletter) to keep up with AI. I know for a fact we're primary source for analysts, when scouting potential startups.
Thanks Jenny! You’ve got so many of your own builds that could totally be listed there. By the way, Mia shared in this note how TAAFT brought her 200+ sub after listing her tool, yahini:
Still struggling))I am new to this subject,but very curious.After your post i started studying the directories you mentioned-they are huge) and it will take some time.Thanks again for your work.
Apprecaite this breakdown! Having a reliable AI tool directory really saves time and mental energy, especially with how fast new tools are popping up. Makes discovering the right solution for any task so much easier.
My guess is all of these niche AI companies will eventually be swallowed up by an openai, Google, meta, or Anthropic simply for the sake of convenience. Most consumers would rather go to one platform for everything than best in breed for one thing.
I think you’re right about what consumers would prefer, like ofc, having everything in one place would help with convenience and even optimizing costs instead of paying for lots of products. What I’m not sure about is how the big players could realistically cover the more niche or specific use cases. Can’t see a future where they wouldn’t exist / be needed.
haha, been working on it this week. But yeah, finished it last night! That's how the whole rant about hallucinations started, while I was looking for some stats for this article.
Thanks William, glad it’s useful! We already struggle with tool lists, so I figured that surfacing the places that can help us find them easier would be useful
Great breakdown. One thing many people overlook when choosing AI tools is context specialization. General AI tools are useful, but niche AI platforms built around specific life decisions can often deliver far better outcomes.
At ExpatLife.ai, we’re seeing growing interest in AI tools focused on relocation planning, expat living, residency research, cost-of-living comparisons, and international real estate discovery. Users don’t just want “an AI tool” anymore — they want AI that understands their exact situation and goals.
The future probably belongs to vertical AI platforms that solve real-world decision-making problems instead of trying to do everything.
Very useful - shining some light in the dark.
Great to hear!
Well written and very useful, I didn't know something like this existed!
total game-changer for discovering tools!
Super detailed - thanks for publishing Daria ✨
Thanks Chris! directories are a great resource for VCs too, as you can spot trends, discover new startups + get a sense of their traction. Also, founders tend to be pretty active once they’re listed. At least on TAAFT
Not only founders are active on TAAFT (we have the biggest AI tool makers community), but some told us they actually got investment from VCs who discovered them on TAAFT.
We have over 5000 VCs who are following TAAFT (site/newsletter) to keep up with AI. I know for a fact we're primary source for analysts, when scouting potential startups.
Bookmarking TAAFT. Thanks Daria!
glad it’s useful, Tam!
I often visit TAAFT website to find a tool.
Same here!
This is very refreshing to learn about! Thanks for sharing all the directories and tools!
Thanks Jenny! You’ve got so many of your own builds that could totally be listed there. By the way, Mia shared in this note how TAAFT brought her 200+ sub after listing her tool, yahini:
https://substack.com/@miakiraki/note/c-162156912?r=2z79mo&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web
Wow this is amazing! You are so kind to say so. And it’s so encouraging to learn about these listings!
Very useful and practical post!Thank you!
Glad it's useful. Were you also struggling with finding / storing AI tools?
Still struggling))I am new to this subject,but very curious.After your post i started studying the directories you mentioned-they are huge) and it will take some time.Thanks again for your work.
Haha, yep, the good news is that once you get the hang of categories it’s much easier.
Super in-depth, loved the comparisons. TAAFT is the only place where I've seen founders being active and responding to user feedback
love that you shared this! did you submit any tool on TAAFT?
This is very practical—thank you! Definitely a share.
Glad it's useful, Tim! Practical is what I go for, haha
Very useful post!
Happy it's useful!
Great list! 🙏 TAAFT is awesome!!
Yeees, TAAFT really saved me from the "lost in bookmarks" chaos
Apprecaite this breakdown! Having a reliable AI tool directory really saves time and mental energy, especially with how fast new tools are popping up. Makes discovering the right solution for any task so much easier.
Agree, makes it easier to keep up with all new tools
My guess is all of these niche AI companies will eventually be swallowed up by an openai, Google, meta, or Anthropic simply for the sake of convenience. Most consumers would rather go to one platform for everything than best in breed for one thing.
I think you’re right about what consumers would prefer, like ofc, having everything in one place would help with convenience and even optimizing costs instead of paying for lots of products. What I’m not sure about is how the big players could realistically cover the more niche or specific use cases. Can’t see a future where they wouldn’t exist / be needed.
LOL. Did you write this last night? Interesting it relates to our conversation today.
haha, been working on it this week. But yeah, finished it last night! That's how the whole rant about hallucinations started, while I was looking for some stats for this article.
Another great reading, thanks for sharing it Daria!
Thanks William, glad it’s useful! We already struggle with tool lists, so I figured that surfacing the places that can help us find them easier would be useful
Great breakdown. One thing many people overlook when choosing AI tools is context specialization. General AI tools are useful, but niche AI platforms built around specific life decisions can often deliver far better outcomes.
At ExpatLife.ai, we’re seeing growing interest in AI tools focused on relocation planning, expat living, residency research, cost-of-living comparisons, and international real estate discovery. Users don’t just want “an AI tool” anymore — they want AI that understands their exact situation and goals.
The future probably belongs to vertical AI platforms that solve real-world decision-making problems instead of trying to do everything.
Really enjoyed this perspective.