Hi, I'm Nicu.
I like to build products.
Weekly Updates Directly to Your Inbox
No spam, ever. By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Weekly Activities
2026What i've been up to each week.
Latest
2025 Was a Solid Year for Connecting with People
2025 was a solid year for connecting with people. I attended 27 in-person events and had 48 virtual coffee chats. I even started hosting events myself for VetsinTech!
Why did I feel some shame and guilt when listening to music created by AI?
Nothing like starting the day with a bit of shame and guilt after realizing how much you were vibing to AI music, then questioning AI’s role in that feeling.
Artisnal Code
Prediciton: In 10 years, when AI is coding 99.9% of all software out there, I think there will be a market for "Artisanal Code".
You know, like how there's Starbucks vs the local mom-and-pop coffee shop, or IKEA vs hand-crafted furniture, where the differentiator is that it's small and "handcrafted."
The messaging would be 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲, which takes 10x longer, and you can feel the struggle in every git commit. Built on the developers' homebrew DIY full-stack framework.
Is it time to start a Kickstarter campaign for typewriter keyboards to complete the set?
Measuring Impact
"I've worked on products with millions of users. Influencing tiny moments in their lives. I've also mentored a handful of people over the years. Deeper conversations. Real connection. Both make a difference, and I don't think one is better than the other. The latter just hits different when you see the transformation up close."
Delivering Results in More Work
I've burned the midnight oil and worked over the weekend many times to get something done for my job in tech.
The result isn't less work after completing the task. It's usually the opposite. I get rewarded with more work.
That is just the nature of working at my job in tech; there are always problems to solve, which is great because I love solving problems.
But it can also mean the finish line on when you can "rest" constantly moves.
Over time, I've come to understand that not everything needs to be done immediately.
It's a journey in managing workload, not an instant solution. Everything urgent is not always important.
I'm not against burning the midnight oil or working over the weekends. There are times when it is necessary.
But I'm against doing that for unimportant or non-urgent things.
2025 Was a Solid Year for Connecting with People
2025 was a solid year for connecting with people. I attended 27 in-person events and had 48 virtual coffee chats. I even started hosting events myself for VetsinTech!
Why did I feel some shame and guilt when listening to music created by AI?
Nothing like starting the day with a bit of shame and guilt after realizing how much you were vibing to AI music, then questioning AI’s role in that feeling.
Artisnal Code
Prediciton: In 10 years, when AI is coding 99.9% of all software out there, I think there will be a market for "Artisanal Code".
You know, like how there's Starbucks vs the local mom-and-pop coffee shop, or IKEA vs hand-crafted furniture, where the differentiator is that it's small and "handcrafted."
The messaging would be 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻-𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲, which takes 10x longer, and you can feel the struggle in every git commit. Built on the developers' homebrew DIY full-stack framework.
Is it time to start a Kickstarter campaign for typewriter keyboards to complete the set?
Measuring Impact
"I've worked on products with millions of users. Influencing tiny moments in their lives. I've also mentored a handful of people over the years. Deeper conversations. Real connection. Both make a difference, and I don't think one is better than the other. The latter just hits different when you see the transformation up close."
Delivering Results in More Work
I've burned the midnight oil and worked over the weekend many times to get something done for my job in tech.
The result isn't less work after completing the task. It's usually the opposite. I get rewarded with more work.
That is just the nature of working at my job in tech; there are always problems to solve, which is great because I love solving problems.
But it can also mean the finish line on when you can "rest" constantly moves.
Over time, I've come to understand that not everything needs to be done immediately.
It's a journey in managing workload, not an instant solution. Everything urgent is not always important.
I'm not against burning the midnight oil or working over the weekends. There are times when it is necessary.
But I'm against doing that for unimportant or non-urgent things.
Building and Learning in Public
See what i'm active tinkering and learning about.
What I'm Actively Building
Career Fin
Duolingo for your Career
nicuparente.com
A personal website to capture all the project, resources and learnings.
Resources I'm Currently Learning From
Thinking in Visual Metaphors
Turn your ideas into visual metaphors
Brief Box
8 Week Design Course
Lenny's Podcast
A world-class masterclass in product, growth, and career strategy, delivered through deep-dive interviews and actionable tactical advice from the tech industry’s top builders.
Thinking in Visual Metaphors
Turn your ideas into visual metaphors
Brief Box
8 Week Design Course
Lenny's Podcast
A world-class masterclass in product, growth, and career strategy, delivered through deep-dive interviews and actionable tactical advice from the tech industry’s top builders.