Building an AI startup in Bristol while working a regular job

I’m the founder of Nyata AI, an AI platform I started building while studying IT at UWE Bristol.
Instead of waiting for the “perfect startup moment”, I started building with the tools I already knew: PHP, MySQL and APIs.
Today Nyata AI connects people in Bristol with real-world services through AI — things like finding free meals, local support services, taxis, and professionals.
A few things I’ve learned so far:
• You don’t need the perfect stack to start.
• Local problems are often the best startup ideas.
• Shipping something real teaches more than reading startup advice.
Recently I was invited back to my university to speak to students about building AI products from scratch. That moment reminded me how fast things can change when you just keep building.
Still early, still learning, but enjoying the journey.
Curious to hear from other founders building AI tools — what stack did you start with?