Gentic Startup — Documentation

1. Getting Started

Sign Up & Get Your API Key

Before you can use Gentic Startup, you need an API key to authenticate your requests.

1. Go to gentic.co/startup and create an account.
2. Create an organization from your dashboard. API keys and billing are scoped to the organization.
3. Generate an API key and use it as a Bearer token in your MCP client.

2. Connecting to the MCP Server

The server is available at https://mcp.gentic.co/startup. For Claude Code:

claude mcp add gentic-startup \
  --transport http \
  https://mcp.gentic.co/startup \
  --header "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

For Claude Web and ChatGPT you can also connect via OAuth — no API key needed. See the connect section on the landing page for other MCP clients (n8n, OpenClaw).

3. Agent Skill

For the best results, pair the MCP server with the Gentic Startup agent skill. The MCP server gives your agent tool access; the skill teaches it the optimal workflow order. Both the raw SKILL.md and a ready-to-upload .skill bundle are generated on demand from the live manifest, so they always reflect the current tools and pricing.

Add the skill directly via URL:

https://gentic.co/startup/SKILL.md

Or upload a .skill bundle to Claude Managed Agents:

https://gentic.co/startup/gentic-startup.skill

Download this file and upload it wherever Claude Managed Agents asks for a .skill file. It's a zip bundle generated on demand from the latest SKILL.md.

4. When to Apply

• User is exploring a new business idea and wants a structured gut-check before committing time.
• User wants market signal — Reddit sentiment, Google Trends interest, or web coverage — before building.
• User needs to name a business, product, or side project and wants candidates with domain suggestions.
• User wants to check domain availability and pricing before buying.
• User wants a competitive landscape overview for a bootstrapped business.
• User needs a brand identity foundation (positioning, voice, colors, fonts, persona).
• User wants to ship a branded landing page with built-in email lead capture to a live URL.
• User wants to connect a custom domain they own so a landing page serves from their own URL.
• User wants to generate on-brand ad images before launching paid campaigns.
• User wants to launch, monitor, or iterate Meta ad campaigns (Facebook/Instagram).
• User wants to retrieve or revisit results from earlier startup tool calls.
• User wants to track multiple business ideas in parallel and see which ones are exploring, validated, active, or paused.
• User wants to mark an idea as the one they're actively building (or shelve one to revisit later).

5. Workflow

1. 1. Start by creating an idea with `create_idea` (free)

   Before most other tools, call `create_idea` with a unique kebab-case `idea_slug` (e.g. `pet-subscription-box`, `ai-tutor-app`) and a human-readable `name`. Optionally pass a `description`. Most subsequent tools require the same `idea_slug`, so all research, validations, names, competitor findings, brand identities, landing pages, and ads accumulate against that idea. Use `list_ideas` (free) any time to see what's already there before creating a new one — pass `include_paused: true` to include shelved ideas.

2. 2. Run market research with `search_web`, `search_reddit`, and `google_trends`

   Three complementary signals, all org-scoped and persisted. `search_web` (5¢/call) uses Serper.dev for current news, reviews, competitors, and press. `search_reddit` (5¢/result, min 5¢) pulls consumer discussions with filterable subreddits, sort order, and time window — great for raw pain-point language. `google_trends` (10¢/call) returns interest-over-time and regional breakdowns for 1-5 keywords. Replay any prior run with `get_research_results` (free) — filter by `run_id`, `source`, or `limit`.

3. 3. Validate the idea with `validate_business_idea` ($0.15/call)

   Pass the `idea_slug` plus the full `businessIdea` (what it is, who it's for, how it makes money) and optional `founderContext` (skills, budget, time availability, location, audience). Scores 5 criteria and returns a verdict (Strong / Promising / Needs Work / Rethink), strengths, risks, and concrete next steps. Frame the verdict honestly — it is tuned for bootstrappers, not VC growth stories. Pass `webhook_url` to run async (30-90s otherwise).

4. 4. Generate names with `generate_startup_names` ($0.15/call)

   Pass the `idea_slug` plus `businessDescription`, `targetEmotion` (the single dominant feeling — relief, momentum, wonder, belonging), `brandTone` (playful↔serious, innovative↔traditional), `nonStarters` (words or associations to avoid), and `industry`. Returns 20 names across 5 categories with memory/meaning/range scores and a top 3. Pair with `check_domain_availability` to verify favorites. Pass `webhook_url` to run async.

5. 5. Check domains with `check_domain_availability` (free)

   Scoped to an `idea_slug`. Two modes, usable together: pass `domainNames` (up to 50) for exact availability on specific domains, and/or a `keyword` for TLD-wide search. Use `tldFilter` to restrict keyword results (e.g. `['com', 'io', 'co']`). Returns purchasability, pricing from Name.com's live API, and TLD info. Free — run this aggressively.

6. 6. Research competitors with `research_competitors` ($0.15/call)

   Pass the `idea_slug` plus `businessDescription`, optional `industry`, `knownCompetitors` (names/sites you already know), and `focusAreas` (pricing, customer acquisition, support weaknesses). Identifies 6-10 competitors across direct, indirect, and adjacent categories, maps positioning and pricing, and surfaces differentiation opportunities. Pass `webhook_url` to run async.

7. 7. Build brand identity with `generate_brand_identity` ($0.15/call)

   Pass the `idea_slug` plus `businessDescription` and optional `businessName`, `industry`, `brandPreferences` (reference brands, desired tone), and `targetAudience`. Returns positioning (statement, elevator pitch, taglines), personality (archetype, voice, values), visual direction (color palette with hex, typography with free font suggestions, logo direction), a target persona, and the brand story. Pass `webhook_url` to run async.

8. 8. Persist brand choices with `save_brand_style_guide` (free)

   Pass the `idea_slug` plus any subset of brand fields (`primary_color`, `secondary_color`, `accent_color`, the `*_color_name` variants, `heading_font`, `body_font`, `voice`, `personality_traits`, `visual_mood`, `logo_direction`). Omitted fields keep their current value if a guide already exists. The saved guide is applied automatically to any landing page deployed with that `idea_slug`.

9. 9. Deploy a landing page with `deploy_landing_page` ($7.50/call)

   Pass a `slug` (3-64 chars, lowercase alphanumeric + hyphens), a `title`, and a complete self-contained `html` document. Optionally pass `idea_slug` to auto-inject the idea's brand style guide, `description`, or `reference_url` for provenance. Set `ignore_brand_style_guide: true` to skip CSS injection. The page goes live instantly at `{org-slug}.gentic.run/{slug}` with a built-in lead capture endpoint. Use `list_landing_pages` (free) to see everything currently deployed.

10. 10. Iterate cheaply with `patch_landing_page` (50¢/call)

    For copy fixes, image swaps, or color tweaks, call `get_landing_page_html` (free) to read the current HTML plus its `content_hash`, then `patch_landing_page` with `page_id` and an `edits` array of `{ old_string, new_string, replace_all? }`. Pass the hash as `expected_content_hash` for optimistic concurrency. 15× cheaper than replacing the whole page — reach for `replace_landing_page` ($7.50) only for layout changes or full rewrites.

11. 11. Capture and export leads (all free)

    Every deployed page includes a lead capture endpoint at `POST /api/leads/:orgSlug/:pageId` (accepts `email` required, plus optional `name`, `source`, `metadata`). Query submissions inline with `get_landing_page_leads` (paginated, max 500/page). Export a signed CSV with `export_landing_page_leads` — tell the user the link expires in **1 hour**. `delete_landing_page` soft-deletes the page but **preserves all lead data**.

12. 12. Connect a custom domain: `connect_custom_domain` → `verify_custom_domain` → serve

    Once the landing page is live, call `connect_custom_domain` (25¢) with a fully-qualified `domain` (e.g. `acme.com`) — this registers the mapping and kicks off a Fly Let's Encrypt cert. The domain starts in `pending` state. Poll `verify_custom_domain` (free) with the same domain to check cert provisioning; once ready, the mapping flips to `verified` and landing pages start serving from the custom host. `list_custom_domains` (free) shows all domains with current verification status. `disconnect_custom_domain` (free) removes the cert and stops serving. Mention the 25¢ cost on connect before running.

13. 13. Generate ad creative with `generate_ad_asset` ($1/image)

    Pass a `prompt` (image description) plus optional `inspiration_image_urls` (up to 5 reference ads for style) and `brand_image_urls` (up to 5 brand assets — logos, product shots). Control output with `aspect_ratio`, `image_size` (1K/2K/4K), and `count` (1-10 images). Billed **per image** at $1.00 each (min $1.00) — confirm `count` before firing. Pass `webhook_url` to run async.

14. 14. Browse Meta ad accounts with `get_meta_ids` and `get_meta_pages` (free)

    Navigate top-down with `get_meta_ids`: `level: "adaccounts"` → `"campaigns"` (with `parent_id`) → `"adsets"` → `"ads"` → `"adcreatives"`. Pass `date_preset` or `time_range` to include spend inline. `get_meta_pages` lists Facebook Pages connected to the authenticated user — you'll need a page_id for ad creation. **Critical**: all Meta IDs must be passed as **quoted strings** — bare numbers get rounded and silently mis-target.

15. 15. Pull insights with `fetch_meta_insights` (10¢/call)

    Query ad performance with `level` (`campaign`/`adset`/`ad`), `ids` as a comma-separated quoted string, and either `date_preset` OR `time_range` (never both). Add `breakdowns` like `"age,gender"` when the user wants slices. Default `fields` cover impressions, spend, clicks, CTR, actions, conversions — only override when the user specifies. Mention the 10¢ cost before running many calls in a row.

16. 16. Launch Meta campaigns: campaign → adset → image ad

    `create_meta_campaign` (free) is created in `PAUSED` status with `OUTCOME_SALES` by default — never un-pause automatically. Budgets are in **cents as quoted strings** (`"500000"` = $5,000). `create_meta_adset` (free) holds the targeting (geo, age, interests) and inherits CBO budget from the campaign (or sets its own). Upload imagery first with `upload_meta_image` (free, needs a publicly accessible URL) to get an `image_hash`. Then `create_meta_image_ad` ($1/call) combines the hash with copy, CTA, and landing page URL — Advantage+ enhancements auto-disabled. Confirm all inputs before firing the $1 call.

17. 17. Track progression with `update_idea_status` and `list_ideas` (free)

    Use `update_idea_status` to move an idea through the lifecycle: `exploring` → `validated` → `active` (this is the one you're building!) → `paused` (didn't work out, revisit later). Pass the `idea_slug` plus the target `status`. `list_ideas` returns every idea in your org with current status and tool-result counts; pass `include_paused: true` to surface shelved ones.

18. 18. Retrieve and export results (all free)

    `get_startup_results` returns saved output for a given `idea_slug`, newest-first — pass `toolName` to filter (e.g. only `generate_startup_names` runs) and `limit` (1-50). `get_research_results` does the same for web/Reddit runs. `export_startup_report` renders any saved result as a markdown document with a permanent download link — pass a specific `resultId`, or `idea_slug` + `toolName` to export the most recent of that type.

19. 19. Async via webhook_url (optional but recommended)

    `validate_business_idea`, `generate_startup_names`, `research_competitors`, `generate_brand_identity`, and `generate_ad_asset` each accept `webhook_url`. Without it, the tool blocks 30-90 seconds waiting on Gemini (or longer for batch image generation). With it, the tool returns immediately with `{ job_id, status: "processing" }` and POSTs the result to your webhook when done. Webhook payload: `{ job_id, tool_name, status: "completed" | "failed", result_data?, error? }`.

6. Tool Reference

35 tools, rendered live from the Gentic MCP manifest. Parameter tables come directly from each tool's JSON Schema.

7. Pricing

Pricing is pulled live from the Gentic MCP manifest. All prices are per call and deducted from your Gentic credits.

8. Notes

• Most tools require an `idea_slug`. Call `create_idea` first, then reuse the same slug across research, validation, naming, domains, competitors, brand identity, landing pages, and ads so results accumulate against one idea.
• Ideas flow through four statuses: `exploring` → `validated` → `active` → `paused`. Use `update_idea_status` to move between them and `list_ideas` to see the whole portfolio (pass `include_paused: true` to include shelved ones).
• Custom domains go through two steps: `connect_custom_domain` (25¢) registers the mapping and starts Fly cert provisioning in `pending` state; `verify_custom_domain` (free) polls until the cert is issued and flips the mapping to `verified`.
• Built for bootstrappers — solo founders, side-project builders, small e-commerce brands, home-based businesses, vibe-coders. Not tuned for VC-backed growth stories.
• Trademark and cross-language linguistic checks from AI are **directional, not definitive**. Always verify independently before committing to a name.
• Five tools (`validate_business_idea`, `generate_startup_names`, `research_competitors`, `generate_brand_identity`, `generate_ad_asset`) accept `webhook_url` for async execution — pass one to avoid blocking on Gemini / image generation.
• `check_domain_availability` is backed by Name.com's live pricing API — prices reflect actual registrar costs at the moment of the call.
• Landing pages deploy to `{org-slug}.gentic.run/{page-slug}`. HTML must be **complete and self-contained** — inline all CSS/JS. Prefer `patch_landing_page` (50¢) over `replace_landing_page` ($7.50) for small edits.
• Always call `get_landing_page_html` before `patch_landing_page` and pass the returned `content_hash` as `expected_content_hash` to avoid clobbering concurrent edits.
• Lead capture is built in at `POST /api/leads/:orgSlug/:pageId`. Soft-deleted pages preserve lead data. CSV export links expire in **1 hour**.
• All Meta IDs (ad account, campaign, adset, ad, creative) must be passed as **quoted strings** — JavaScript rounds large integers and causes silent mis-targeting. Budgets are in **cents as quoted strings** (`"270000"` = $2,700).
• All Meta campaigns, ad sets, and ads default to `PAUSED` — never un-pause automatically. Advantage+ creative enhancements are auto-disabled on `create_meta_image_ad` for full control.
• `generate_ad_asset` is billed **per image** at $1.00 (min $1.00). Confirm `count` before running — a 10-image batch is $10.
• All tools are organization-scoped — users only see their own ideas, research, landing pages, leads, custom domains, and ad accounts.