In a recent LinkedIn post, Cruz Gamboa discusses the strategic advantage of building practical, problem-solving software over chasing trends or superficial “coolness.” Gamboa uses the example of Peter Steinberger, founder of PSPDFKit, to illustrate how focusing on genuine utility can lead to significant impact and market success.
Focusing on Utility Over Aesthetics
Gamboa contrasts two approaches to product development: building “cool” software versus building “useful” software. He posits that while the former might attract initial attention, the latter creates lasting value and solves tangible issues for users. Gamboa highlights Steinberger’s journey, noting that he identified a widespread problem among developers dealing with complex PDF workflows.
“PDFs were everywhere. Developers were stuck with messy workflows. Peter asked: What if developers had tools that just worked? That solved real problems, not just looked good on a portfolio?”
This foundational question, according to Gamboa, led to the creation of PSPDFKit, a tool that powers PDF applications across various platforms, and other impactful open-source projects and AI agents like OpenClaw. Gamboa emphasizes that Steinberger’s success wasn’t driven by a desire for fleeting hype but by a commitment to addressing real-world friction points.
The Impact of Problem-Centric Development
Gamboa challenges the notion that niche tools cannot scale, suggesting that the focus on solving specific, impactful problems is a deliberate strategy. He observes that many in the industry chase attention, while Steinberger prioritizes tangible results. As Gamboa puts it:
“Most people chase attention. Peter chases problems.”
This approach, Gamboa argues, leads to deeper market penetration and customer loyalty because the tools genuinely improve developers’ lives and workflows. He suggests that the market ultimately rewards solutions that deliver concrete outcomes.
Identifying “1% Opportunities”
The post further delves into how this problem-solving mindset allows entrepreneurs to identify significant opportunities. Gamboa points out that by looking for friction and inefficiencies, one can uncover “1% opportunities” – areas where small, targeted solutions can yield substantial gains. He elaborates on this by stating:
“From engineer → spotting friction everywhere → building tools that make developers’ lives better.”
Gamboa’s analysis suggests that this perspective shift is crucial for anyone aiming to build something meaningful. He concludes with a direct piece of advice for aspiring builders:
“If you want to build something meaningful, solve real problems. The market rewards results, not ideas.”
By sharing this case study, Cruz Gamboa encourages entrepreneurs and developers to re-evaluate their focus, advocating for a move away from chasing trends towards a more impactful, problem-driven approach to innovation.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Cruz Gamboa on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 16, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →