Launch your student-built devtools with instant credibility and indie buyer networks
CS students with strong devtools like API monitors can't sell due to no networks for indie devs and student status killing enterprise credibility.
ToolForge is a curated marketplace where CS students list their devtools like API monitors, get vetted by indie experts for credibility badges, and reach indie devs and enterprises through targeted buyer networks. It solves the no-networks and student-status pain by providing professional listings, endorsements, and built-in sales funnels. Buyers discover affordable, high-quality tools without enterprise pricing.
CS students building and launching devtools targeting indie devs or enterprises
Exclusive vetting by indie devs + student-only listings with credibility guarantees
supportive
Students upload devtool details, demos, and code repos for approval
Indie reviewers approve tools with credibility scores and badges
Searchable marketplace with filters for indie/enterprise needs
Automated revenue share between student and platform
Track views, sales, and buyer feedback for each tool
Alerts for approvals, sales, and new reviews
Embed live demos in listings
Indie devs earn commissions for referrals
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| role | text | No |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| name | text | No |
| description | text | No |
| credbadge | text | Yes |
| price | int | No |
| owner_id | uuid | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| tool_id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| score | int | No |
| comment | text | Yes |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| tool_id | uuid | No |
| buyer_id | uuid | No |
| amount | int | No |
Relationships:
/api/toolsList all vetted tools
/api/tools/:idGet tool details
/api/toolsSubmit new tool for vetting
/api/reviewsAdd review to tool
/api/purchasesProcess purchase
/api/dashboardUser analytics
No vetting priority
10 sales/mo
None
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 100 | 2% | $60 | $720 |
| Month 6 | 800 | 4% | $960 | $11,520 |
Get vetted, badged, and connected to indie buyers who trust your skills.
Post in CS student Discords and r/csMajors with free listings for first 3 tools; DM indie devs on Twitter/X who complain about devtool costs; offer free Pro tier for beta feedback in exchange for reviews.
Easy digital sales
No credibility vetting or networks
Student-focused vetting + buyer matching
Community
Unvetted, low enterprise trust
Professional badges and sales splits
Network effects from vetted tools and reviewer community; data on buyer preferences
Rise of indie hackers needing cheap devtools + AI boom creating demand for custom monitors/extensions
Low adoption by enterprises
Focus initial marketing on indie devs
Vetting quality control
Cap reviewers initially
Slow sales ramp
Bootstrap with free tier
Success: 70% interested in listing
Success: 100 signups
Success: $100 revenue
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