They say the devil is in the details, but in the world of business, salvation often lies there too.

Dan Gudkov, Founder and CEO of .dodocs ai, understands this better than most. In an era where businesses are overwhelmed by unstructured data and excessive documentation, Dan found a way to make a difference. His journey is not a clichéd tale of overnight success; instead, it is based on hard work, testing new ideas, and the continuous search for clarity in complexity.

Long before launching .dodocs ai, Dan worked on projects that required accuracy and efficiency, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and enterprise SaaS solutions. However, it was his own struggle with managing technical and commercial documentation that led to a breakthrough idea:

What if AI could do more than just process documents? What if it could change how businesses manage their data?

Today, dodocs.ai is rewriting the rules of document automation. It focuses on processing invoices and receipts for restaurants, cafes, and logistics. This tool enables companies to work smarter, not harder.

Mirror Review recently interviewed Dan, who said, “Currently, without AI, we use only about 40-45% of available data for decision-making. The rest remains in a ‘grey zone.’ Our goal is to use 100% of that data with AI’s help.” He added, “So, we have a data challenge, a knowledge challenge, and a talent challenge. Overcoming these obstacles is key to unlocking the full potential of AI in business.”

MR: What inspired you to create DoDocs, and how does it leverage AI to streamline business operations?

Dan: I founded my first tech startup in 2013, focusing on augmented reality. By 2016, I launched a successful VR content and gaming simulator company, which I ran for five years. Throughout my career, I’ve worked on various projects, including digital twins, IoT integration, and enterprise SaaS project management software—all requiring detailed technical and commercial documentation. I also personally managed most contracts at each company.

When AI became available at the end of 2023, I immediately saw its potential for automating my operations. This led to the idea for DoDocs, a platform that uses AI to streamline document drafting. While developing DoDocs, we discovered many practical applications, such as automating inventory and database updates for businesses in various sectors, including restaurants, cafes, hotels, and logistics.

MR: How has DoDocs evolved from its initial concept, and what specific problem does its current API solve for businesses?

Dan: We initially launched a document drafting SaaS platform in August 2023. However, after meeting an advisor in September who introduced me to the DevTools space, we rethought our business. By April 2024, we released our first document processing API, capable of handling paper and electronic invoices, quotes, receipts, and purchase orders. This API also matches invoices with purchase orders, streamlining procurement.

Through pitch competitions, challenges, and meetups, we attracted interest from various companies and discovered numerous potential use cases, demonstrating strong market demand. This led us to focus on a use case that aligns with our vision: a unified solution for industries like restaurants, cafes, hotels, logistics, and accounting.

Our API extracts data from financial documents and seamlessly updates inventory systems, databases, and ERP entries. Our core team’s experience at corporations like HP, Swiss Bank, and Deutsche Bank gives us deep insights into process complexities and a clear understanding of how to simplify operations and improve efficiency.

MR: What are the key features and target industries for your flagship product, Invoice Matchpoint?

Dan: Our flagship product, Invoice Matchpoint, significantly reduces document processing time, regardless of whether you’re working with electronic files, paper documents, low- or high-quality photos, or even damaged or partially erased documents.

Our software handles large volumes of documents, recognizing them within seconds with high accuracy. This minimizes data entry errors, which is crucial for industries like accounting, restaurants, and logistics, where a single mistake can be costly.

Because of these capabilities, our key target industries include restaurant businesses, point-of-sale (POS) systems, logistics and supply chain operations, accounting firms, companies with large sales departments, and ERP-integrated organizations.

MR: What are the key challenges in focusing on a specific use case when launching a tech startup with versatile technology?

Dan: When launching a tech startup with strong, relevant technology, you often face the challenge of choosing between multiple seemingly effective use cases. Naturally, you want to validate them all, as it’s hard to predict which will resonate most with the market. This requires balancing customer development, logically selecting the most straightforward use case with proven demand, validating promising opportunities, and managing your budget and resources.

MR: How does DoDocs’ technology and go-to-market strategy differentiate it from other document processing solutions?

Dan: We’re developing enterprise-level software powered by four open-source LLMs and our unique multi-microservice architecture, which allows us to perform multiple operations in parallel for faster performance and higher accuracy. Our go-to-market strategy, validated by experts and customers, is highly effective.

We offer a multifunctional microservice core capable of handling various document and data operations. This functionality can be easily integrated into a customer’s existing infrastructure—whether it’s an application or website—as a white-label solution or a simple integration. This saves our customers significant time on R&D, concept validation, and development, enabling them to attract new users, increase subscription revenue, and upsell previously unavailable features.

MR: What strategies do you use to maintain focus and productivity, and what is your approach to decision-making and task management?

Dan: For me, the work environment is crucial. When facing deadlines and heavy workloads, I focus best alone in my office with music playing constantly. Music is a constant for me—it helps me stay in the zone.

From a mental standpoint, I’ve learned that we always make the best possible decision based on our current knowledge, experience, and intuition. Regardless of the outcome, the choice was right at the time. I also realize we can’t accomplish everything in a single day. Focusing on 2–3 major tasks and 4–5 smaller ones daily works best for me.

As someone who thrives on multitasking and high performance, I need many tasks to stay engaged. However, I’m working on being more patient, as I tend to want quick results. Managing expectations, practicing patience, and focusing on the quality of my actions and decisions are now key priorities.

MR: How have your past experiences, both successes and failures, shaped your approach to business and resilience?

Dan: I’ve failed many times—more than I’ve succeeded—but I’ve also had some major wins. After each failure, I’d take a hit, but I eventually realized it wasn’t as bad as it initially seemed. After each success, I raised the bar, only to find it was still within reach.

Although I didn’t know about the “fail fast” strategy then, I lived it. Now, I can handle much more stress, and my benchmark for success is higher.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is the absolute belief that anything is possible. I process losses at home with my wife, my biggest supporter, who always helps me find the positive. We celebrate victories with the team, acknowledging everyone’s contributions, and with my family, we celebrate with gifts or trips.

MR: As a serial entrepreneur and parent, what is your philosophy on work-life balance and productivity?

Dan: As a repeat founder who has launched 12 businesses before DoDocs, and as a parent of three, I strongly advocate for work-life balance. I believe in maximizing productivity during the few truly focused hours we have each day.

Spending 24 hours in the office doesn’t yield better results; in fact, it often leads to burnout and decreased performance. I’m convinced that someone who works 4–6 highly focused hours a day, and, more importantly, knows how to delegate to a talented and reliable team, will achieve far greater results than someone who works 10+ hours daily. It’s about working smarter, not longer.

MR: What is your vision for the future of document processing, and how does DoDocs fit into that vision, particularly within the accounting sector?

Dan: I believe all major software products will soon integrate AI-powered document and data processing tools, trained on vast amounts of data. Companies like ours will be key in providing APIs that help others enhance their functionality, reduce development costs, and scale faster.

Specifically, document processing in accounting is ripe for disruption. One key use case for our DoDocs invoice processing automation API is in accounting. It speeds up data extraction, streamlines bulk document processing, and improves overall efficiency. This will enable fractional CFOs to manage more complex clients with large document volumes effectively.

MR: What key advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs based on your own experiences?

Dan: I’ve learned many valuable lessons, but one of the most important is to listen to yourself and figure out early on if you’re truly an entrepreneur. If you are, never give up, and if possible, do what you love. That’s when everything clicks, and work becomes a fulfilling and exciting part of life.

Another key lesson is knowing when to let go of a failing business. As they say, “Don’t kick a dead horse—it’s not going anywhere.” But always stay open to new opportunities. Listen, learn, and try new things. That’s how I discovered most of my truly successful business ideas.

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Also Read: AI Innovators: Solutions in Document Processing and Automation, 2025