shadow-planner

AI-assisted gantt project planning that runs on your machine

Artificial IntelligenceProductivityTask Management

▲ 59 votes3 commentsLaunched Sep 25, 2026

Visit Website

Daily #19Weekly #155

Desktop project planner for Windows, macOS and Linux. Gantt with dependencies, resource utilisation, what-if scenarios, and an AI assistant that knows your plan. Runs on a local Ollama model by default. No account, no cloud, no subscription — €4.99 once.

AI Analysis

📝 Summary

Shadow Planner is a cross-platform desktop project planner for Windows, macOS, and Linux featuring Gantt charts with dependencies, resource utilisation, what-if scenarios, and an AI assistant that understands the user's plan. It runs locally using Ollama models by default with no account, cloud, or subscription required - one-time €4.99 purchase. It solves key pain points such as privacy risks and recurring costs of cloud SaaS tools, lack of offline capability, and absence of intelligent local assistance in traditional project management software. The value proposition is a private, affordable, AI-enhanced planning tool that operates entirely on the user's machine.

📈 Market Timing

In 2025-2026, the surge in local and on-device AI (e.g. Ollama), growing user demand for privacy-focused offline tools, and backlash against subscription fatigue make this highly relevant. Economic pressures favor one-time purchases and local execution reduces cloud dependency. Excellent Timing.

✅ Feasibility

High. Technical integration with Ollama and existing cross-platform desktop frameworks is straightforward. No cloud servers means low operating costs and minimal compliance risks. One-time purchase model supports good scalability for individuals. Main risks are UI/UX polish for Gantt features and AI accuracy. High

🎯 Target Market

Primary segments: freelance project managers, small business owners, and solo consultants in tech, creative, and engineering fields (ages 25-50), with global reach but strong appeal in EU due to privacy focus. TAM for project management software exceeds $8B; SAM for desktop/offline tools around $1B; SOM for local AI niche estimated at tens of millions. Pain points include subscription costs, data security, and rigid cloud tools. Strong willingness to pay for low one-time fee.

⚔️ Competition

Medium. Direct competitors: GanttProject (ganttproject.biz), ProjectLibre (projectlibre.com), Merlin Project (merlinproject.com), TaskJuggler (taskjuggler.org). Advantages: unique local Ollama AI, true offline/no-cloud privacy, very low one-time pricing, integrated what-if scenarios. Disadvantages: potentially less mature ecosystem or enterprise features than long-standing competitors, limited brand awareness as a newer tool.

Upgrade Pro to unlock full AI analysis