8 Must-Have Collaboration Tools for Startups

Working on a startup is no easy task, especially when you’re trying to juggle multiple projects and tasks within projects. From developing products to formulating strategies and crunching numbers, efficiency and communication are essential for a successful launch. That’s why having collaboration tools for startups is such an important part of the equation. They can help give you clear visibility into progress and keep your team connected—no matter where they are located.

We’ve collected this list of 8 collaboration tools that make work more efficient, especially for startups and teams that are distributed across multiple time zones.

Key Takeaways:

• There are several collaborative platforms that are great for startups, including Google Drive for file sharing and collaboration, PDF.Live for editing PDFs, Slack for conversations, and more. 

• Many SaaS solutions offer limited free trials and then affordable fee-based models for companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprises.

• Trello and Basecamp are good project management tools for startups; Basecamp is best used with a dedicated project manager. 

• For scheduling and conducting virtual meetings and product demos, try Calendly and Zoom.

• Google Drive

Google Drive is a no-brainer when it comes to recommending the best file storage and synchronization service. Developed by Google (obviously), it allows users to store files in the cloud, share files, and edit documents collaboratively. Google Drive offers users 15 GB of free storage space with personal accounts. Learn more about Google for startups.

Google Drive provides an easy way for startups to store, share, and collaborate on files. The service is free to use and offers ample storage space for most small businesses. Google Drive also integrates with other Google products such as Gmail and Calendar, making it a convenient tool for startups that are already using these services.

One of the best features of Google Drive is its ability to allow users to organize files and folders however they want. The owner of a file manages the original, giving others either read-only, comment-only, or full editorial permissions. Those users can drop quick links to the shared documents (Shift+Z) in any folder they choose. So, if one team member prefers to organize chronologically and another prefers alphabetically, Google Drive allows them each to create their own experiences.

The collaboration abilities on Google Docs and Sheets are unparalleled, and that’s why they get the first mention in our list of best tools for collaboration.

• PDF.Live

If you’re looking for an online PDF editor that allows you to review and markup PDFs, then share them with others on your team, try this online PDF editing tool. Because it is web-based, it does not require you to download software. You don’t have to worry about compatibility. Simply click and drag your PDF to the editor and then follow the prompts to understand how to make changes to the document. Download your marked-up version and share through Google Drive or as an email attachment.

• Slack

Slack is a messaging app for teams that makes communication simple and efficient. With Slack, you can easily connect with your team members and have all of your conversations in one place. This makes it easy to stay organized and on top of your work. Plus, Slack integrates with a variety of other tools, so you can get the most out of your collaboration experience.

One of the best uses of Slack is for startups that have multiple projects running. Each project team can have its own Slack channel, which eliminates the noise for others who aren’t part of that project. This also helps reduce email clutter, as conversations take place in a collaborative environment.

• Trello

Trello is a great kanban-style collaboration tool for startups because it is simple to use and very versatile. With Trello, you can create boards and lists to organize your tasks and ideas, and then share them with your team members. You can also add comments and attachments to each card so that everyone can easily see what needs to be done and discuss it. Trello is free to use, so it’s a great way to get started with collaboration without spending any money.

Trello offers a limited version for new users and startups. It’s a good place to start for new enterprises, but as you grow and your projects become more complicated with more players, you might consider a more robust platform, such as Basecamp or Monday.com.

• Basecamp

Basecamp is one of the most popular collaboration tools for startups. It allows team members to communicate and collaborate on projects in real-time. Basecamp also offers a variety of features that make it an essential tool for startups, including project management, task management, file sharing, and more.

For an out-of-the-box project management platform, Basecamp holds up well. It’s best used when your startup is healthy enough to support a dedicated project manager or project management team.

• Monday.com

Monday.com is a collaboration tool that helps startups manage their projects and tasks. It offers a visual interface that makes it easy to see what needs to be done and who is responsible for each task. It also includes features such as chat, file sharing, and email integration to help teams stay connected and productive. Forbes lists it as one of the best project management tools for startups on a tight budget.

• Calendly

Calendly is a great collaboration tool for startups because it helps to streamline the scheduling process and allows your team to schedule meetings internally and externally. With Calendly, you can easily send invitations for meetings and events, and track RSVPs all in one place. You can also send invitations to view your calendar. This way prospects and leads can schedule demos and short (or long) meetings with you. This makes it easy to keep track of who is available when and helps to avoid scheduling conflicts.

• Zoom

If you haven’t heard of Zoom as the best way to connect for virtual meetings, you’ve likely been living in a bunker offline for the last couple of years! Zoom was founded in 2011. But, it was in 2020 that it really got mainstream exposure, thanks to the global pandemic. The tool allows you to conduct virtual meetings for free (limitations apply). For more frequent users, it offers premium subscriptions. It’s one of the better tools for collaborating on work sessions, even for those who are not tech-savvy.

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