GM. This is Needs to Exist (NTE), delivering startup ideas daily—today’s we show you how to fix global trade. Because fax machines in 2025? Really?!

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Here’s what we’ve got for you today.

• Daily Idea - Crypto Fixes Global Change

• AI Fast MVPs

Blockchain Trade Settlement Made Easy

The One Liner

Crypto simplifies global trade backoffices.

The 140 character tweet (or X) version

Oil trades still use fax machines? A decentralized database can simplify, secure, and speed up global trade settlements by cutting out inefficiencies.

The Longer Story Version

The Problem

Picture this: Nigeria sells oil to China. Sounds straightforward, right? Nope. It’s a mess.

Here’s what actually happens. There are a dozen players involved—banks, brokers, shipping companies—each using their own clunky systems. Paperwork piles up, faxes are sent (yes, faxes), and every document has to be verified, stamped, and signed at every step. Transactions that should take minutes drag on for days, maybe weeks.

Fraud risks? Sky high. Transparency? Forget about it. Costs? Through the roof.

Why? Because the system is older than your granddad’s briefcase.

The Solution

A decentralized database powered by blockchain.

Instead of scattered players passing paper like it's the '90s, everyone taps into the same digital ledger. One place, one source of truth. Here’s the magic:

• Real-time visibility: Everyone sees what’s happening—no surprises, no delays.

• Built-in security: Transactions are encrypted and tamper-proof.

• No more middlemen: Smart contracts automate key steps, slashing time and cost.

Think of it as upgrading from snail mail to instant messaging. But for global trade.

How It Works

Let’s say an oil trade kicks off:

1. Trade agreement: Both parties upload details to the blockchain.

2. Smart contract execution: Conditions (delivery, payment, inspection) are programmed in.

3. Real-time tracking: All participants—banks, suppliers, logistics—see progress.

4. Automatic settlement: As soon as conditions are met, the system triggers payment and closes the deal.

No faxes. No phone tag. Just instant, verifiable transactions.

MVP Recipe

• Smart Contracts: Automate trade agreements using Solidity or another blockchain language.

• Data Infrastructure: Use a private blockchain (e.g., Hyperledger or Solana) tailored to trade needs.

• API Integrations: Connect existing trade systems (logistics, finance) with tools like Alchemy or Infura.

• Compliance Automation: Collaborate with legal experts to embed regulatory requirements in the process.

• Frontend Dashboard: A simple interface built on React or Bubble, so users can track and manage deals in real-time.

Why It Needs to Exist

Because global trade is stuck in the past.

This isn’t just about making things faster. It’s about making things better—more secure, transparent, and cost-effective. Less waste, more trust.

If you care about making trade flow like water, this tool is the future. Someone should build it.

Build fast, learn fast, win fast

If you’ve got startup ideas collecting dust in your notes app, it’s time to wake up.

In Lenny’s Newsletter Colin Matthews lays out how AI has changed the game. Now you can build MVPs in hours instead of months. No dev team. No code skills. Just prompts and execution.

Here’s the deal: startups that win move FAST. Test the idea, get feedback, iterate, repeat. The bottleneck has always been building—but not anymore. These AI tools give you superpowers. You can go from idea to a working prototype while your coffee's still warm. Here's how.

The AI Toolbox for Builders

Use these tools depending on your idea’s complexity:

1. Simple apps?
   👉 ChatGPT / Claude: Quick stuff like calculators, landing pages, data viz.
   (Prompt: “Build me a React-based calculator.” Done in minutes.)

2. Multi-feature MVPs?
   👉 v0 / Replit / Bolt: Full-stack apps with real frontend + backend functionality.

   Imagine uploading a Figma design and saying:
   “Turn this into a working prototype.”

3. Complex production apps?
   👉 GitHub Copilot / Cursor: AI pair programming for devs. Debugs and writes multi-file code changes at lightning speed. Perfect for shipping features fast.

These tools aren’t just toys—they’ll help you validate ideas and build momentum early. You can test 5 ideas before most teams build 1.

A Real Example

Let’s say you want to add a feature to a marketplace prototype—like a price filter for listings. Here's how to build that with Bolt:

1. Step 1: Upload your Figma design.

2. Step 2: Prompt: “Build this prototype to match the design exactly.”

3. Step 3: Add functionality:
   “Implement a price filter with min/max values.”

In 10 minutes, you've got a working prototype—ready for demos and feedback. No engineers. No excuses.

Building From Scratch? No Problem.

Tools like Replit and v0 can generate apps without any starting design. Here’s how:

1. Start simple:
   “Build a CRM system.”

2. Add features:
   “Add an AI-generated email writer to the left nav.”

That’s it. You just built a CRM prototype in under 10 minutes. Now show it to customers, get feedback, and iterate. The faster you get something in users' hands, the faster you learn.

What Tool Should You Use?

These tools are your new unfair advantage. Forget waiting on engineers. Forget dragging projects across multiple sprints. Build fast, validate fast, pivot fast.

How To Start Today

1. Write down 3 ideas you’ve been sitting on or one you get from NTE Pro

2. Pick one.

3. Use AI to build a prototype.

4. Get it in front of users—today.

Don’t overthink it. The secret to startup success is speed. Launch, learn, adjust, and win. AI has made it easier than ever to execute at a ridiculous pace.

No more excuses. You have the tools. Now it's time to build.

Let’s go.

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