Stay ConnectedGet your creative juices flowing with The Startup Ideas Podcast. Published twice a week, we bring you free startup ideas to inspire your next venture. Hosted by Greg Isenberg, CEO of Late Checkout and former advisor to Reddit and TikTok. Subscribe so you don’t miss out.
For more startup ideas, we created a database of 30+ startup ideas you can take at https://gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
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Join me as I chat with Andrew Wilkinson, Co-Founder of Tiny, as we discuss investment and startup ideas in the current AI landscape. We explore how AI is simultaneously lowering barriers to entry while increasing competition, making it easier to build "million-dollar businesses" but harder to create sustainable long-term ventures. We share specific startup ideas leveraging AI, including secure data integration platforms, automated web design services, and AI-powered lending.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:25 - Business building in AI
08:13 - Media Business Opportunities and AI
18:18 - The future of GPT wrappers
21:20 - Automation and AI tools we use
29:14 - Startup Idea 1: MCP and Financial Analysis
34:49 - Startup Idea 2: AI Web Design Agency
37:06 - Startup Idea 3: Message Maxing
43:43 - Startup Idea 4: AI-Based Lending Solutions
49:43 - Andrew's Stealth Startup
Key Points
• AI is making it easier to build businesses but harder to maintain competitive advantages as tools become widely accessible
• Distribution, data advantages, and network effects are becoming the primary moats in the AI era
• Media businesses with high-value niches present opportunities for entrepreneurs to build audiences before layering AI tools
• Secure AI applications (particularly around financial data and personal communications) represent potential sustainable business models
1) The AI Paradox: It's never been EASIER to build a $1M business, but never HARDER to build sustainable value.
Why? Because anyone can "vibe code" your product in a weekend.
Distribution and network effects are the new moats. Tools alone won't cut it anymore.
2) Where are the ACTUAL opportunities?
Andrew & Greg agree: Buy or build MEDIA businesses first, then layer AI on top.
• Focus on High-value niches not mass audiences
• Build community BEFORE tools
• Example: Buy TechCrunch or event series like South by Southwest
3) AI tools they're actually using RIGHT NOW:
• Gumloop - For sales lead intelligence
• Lindy - Email processing & calendar management
• Manus AI - For candidate screening (saved Andrew hours!)
• Vercel V0 - Rebuilt Andrew's pressure washing website in 30 SECONDS
4) Startup Idea 1: "Secure MCP"
Model Context Protocol (MCP) lets LLMs access your data securely.
Andrew built a custom system to analyze his company finances across multiple businesses.
Opportunity: Build the "1Password of MCP" - where security is the selling point.
5) Startup Idea 2: "Message Maxing"
An app that analyzes your text messages to identify:
• Which friends exhibit toxic traits
• How YOU come across in messages
• Who you're neglecting
Perfect for viral TikTok marketing. Could be the next CalAI!
6) Startup Idea 3: AI-powered web design agency
• Use V0 to auto-redesign ugly local business websites
• Reach out with "I already built you a better site"
• Charge $500 + $20/mo hosting
• Scale with automation
Low-hanging fruit for your first million!
7) Startup Idea 4: "Bank of Vibe Coding"
AI-powered lending platform for vibe coders:
• Quick approval for developers with traction
• Take % of profits instead of interest
• Criteria: X followers, Stripe integration, etc.
Sahil Lavingia's $100K offer proves demand!
8) The BIG question: Are these Cal AI businesses (make $1M then die) or sustainable?
Andrew's take: "Almost all these businesses will be zeros in 5 years."
Greg's counter: "It's so hard to predict even 5 months from now!"
What do YOU think? Are you building for the short or long term?
The MOST VALUABLE insight: The businesses that are easiest to start are often the worst businesses to be in long-term.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't start one! Making your first million with a "Cal AI business" is still a win.
Notable Quotes:
"It's never been easier to build a million dollar business and it's never been easier to lose all your equity value." - Andrew
"Distribution is the new moat, anyone could create anything." - Greg
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND ANDREW ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinson
Never Enough: https://www.neverenough.com
Tiny: https://www.tiny.com
I’m joined by Ashwinn Krishnaswamy, an expert in launching and growing consumer brands, where we discuss how he evaluates market opportunities and creates unfair advantages. We discuss various tools for market research including Ahrefs for keyword analysis, Particl for competitor sales data, and AI tools for product design. Ashwinn emphasizes that entrepreneurs should work backward from distribution channels rather than focusing solely on product development.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:45 - Ahrefs tool for keyword research
15:08 - Particl for analyzing competitor sales data
18:52 - Why start a CPG brand
21:05 - How to stand out in crowded categories
24:57- Opportunities in Branding for Older Adults
28:40 - Bootstrapping Your Product Idea
33:56 - Researching Your Market and Competitors
36:52 - Manus AI for automating market research
39:58 - Distribution is everything.
Key Points:
• Ashwinn shares tools and strategies for evaluating market opportunities for physical products and brands
• Tools like Ahrefs and Particle provide valuable data on search volume, competition, and sales trends
• AI tools like Manis can now automate much of the market research process that previously cost thousands
• Distribution strategy should come before product development, not vice versa
1) First, understand that DISTRIBUTION is everything.
"First-time founders focus on product, second-time founders focus on distribution."
The hard truth? Many subpar products CRUSH IT because they nail distribution and operational excellence.
Always work BACKWARDS from how you'll acquire customers!
2) Use Ahrefs to evaluate category demand and competition
Type any keyword to see:
• Monthly search volume (market size)
• Keyword difficulty (competition level)
• Seasonal trends
• Geographic distribution
This helps you VALIDATE demand before building anything!
3) Look for geographic OPPORTUNITIES in the data
When Ashwinn checked "electrolytes" he found:
• 74% of searches from English-speaking Western countries
• Only 3% from India, Philippines
This reveals potential to build "Element for Germany" or other untapped markets where trends haven't diffused yet!
4) For physical products, use Particle to spy on competitors
This tool shows:
• E-commerce sales data for brands
• Best-selling SKUs
• Category trends
Crucial insight: Often 90% of revenue comes from just 4 SKUs!
5) The REAL opportunity in physical products?
They force you to become EXCEPTIONAL at marketing.
"The bleeding edge of marketing happens in consumer products because it's SO HARD to get attention and convince someone to part with their dollars."
It's a marketing masterclass in real-time.
6) How to stand out in crowded categories:
Study the competition obsessively! Ashwinn showed how most magnesium supplements look generic and medical.
But brands like Moon Juice and Lemme differentiate through:
• Distinctive packaging
• Custom bottles
• Clear positioning
• Targeting specific demographics
7) The BIGGEST opportunity right now?
Find UNDERSERVED demographics!
Most brands target coastal millennials or Gen Z because that's who creates them.
But what about products for older adults with:
• More disposable income
• Less saturated marketing channels
• Different aesthetic preferences
8) AI is your UNFAIR ADVANTAGE for research
• Competitor analysis
• Market sizing
• Customer needs
• Design trends
"It's putting together a report Nielsen would charge $20K for!"
99% of people aren't using AI this way yet.
9) Before building ANYTHING, become a "relentless researcher":
• Study every competitor's positioning
• Read all the 1-2 star reviews in your category
• Visit stores and talk to owners
• Contact potential customers directly
Notable Quotes:
"First time founders focus on product, second time founders focus on distribution." - Ashwinn
"Building a physical product business is very hard and by most people probably just shouldn't be done on a whim. But if you can do it in a somewhat low stakes way or low risk way... I think it is a phenomenal way to get really good at marketing." - Ashwinn
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND ASHWINN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Shwinnabego
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwinnabegobrand
Brand Brothers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ
How to build an audience in 2025: https://www.startupempire.co/build-an-audience
I’m joined by Jonathan Courtney to jam on how to build an audience in 2025. We explore various tactics including finding your unique format, implementing consistent systems, and measuring progress against clear goals.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:58 - The ACP Framework
04:06 - Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For
10:05 - Step 2: Find Your Format
19:43 - Step 3: Build Systems That Stick
24:52 - Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal
28:08 - Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy
31:08 - WHY Building an Audience Matters
Key Points:
• ACP framework for building an audience in 2025: Audience (people passionate about your niche), Community (hardcore followers), and Product (what you sell)
• The four-step playbook includes identifying your audience, finding your format, creating systems, and setting goals
• Starting as a "reply guy" on platforms like X (Twitter) is recommended as a low-pressure way to begin building an audience
• Building an audience serves as an "insurance policy" that provides options for future business opportunities
1) The ACP Framework: Your Foundation
A = Audience (people passionate about your topic)
C = Community (your hardcore followers)
P = Product (what you sell to them)
The KEY insight: Start with audience FIRST, then community, then product.
Why? Because audience-first gives you OPTIONS and CONFIDENCE when you launch.
2) Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For
Don't just create random content. Be strategic!
• Focus on people interested in YOUR specific niche
• Understand what they're NOT getting from others
• Find your unique "sauce" (Greg gives away ALL his startup ideas)
• If not getting engagement, start one level broader than your niche
Example: Jonathan's company wanted to be known for design sprints, but started with broader UX content to build audience first.
3) Step 2: Find Your Format
Your format is HOW you deliver your content. This is CRUCIAL but often overlooked!
• Test one format each business day
• Look for formats OUTSIDE your niche (don't copy what's saturated)
• Consider what's working platform-wide (short-form video in 2025)
• Focus on what feels NATURAL (or you'll quit)
• Test for 90 days and let data guide you
Remember: Formats have lifecycles! What works today might not work in 6 months.
4) Step 3: Build Systems That Stick
The difference between creators who quit and those who succeed? SYSTEMS.
System breakdown:
• Build a "creative faucet" routine (what gets your ideas flowing?)
• Create an ideas capture system (Greg uses Apple Notes)
• Schedule weekly time to turn ideas into content
• Be strategic with timing (post when your audience is active)
5) Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal
Don't try to do everything at once!
• Choose ONE metric (100K followers? 25K email list? $1M in sales?)
• Measure your formats against this goal every 90 days
• Optimize for your goal, not vanity metrics
• Remember: attention is SCARCE - build it as an asset
The BEST advice: Just start! Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.
6) Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy
Feeling overwhelmed? Start as a "reply guy" on X:
• Less pressure than posting on your own profile
• Lets you experiment with formats
• Builds connections with established creators
• Gives you confidence before going solo
7) WHY Building an Audience Matters
An audience is your INSURANCE POLICY:
• Gives you clarity into your niche
• Creates a pool of potential customers/users
• Provides job opportunities during recessions
• Allows you to monetize when needed
Notable Quotes:
"The audience first approach gives you so many options, also gives you so much confidence when you release something and people actually use it." - JC
"I think the number one reason why anyone should create an audience is to have something to fall back on, period. It's like an insurance policy." - Greg
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/
I’m joined by Ras Mic to explain MCPs. Mic breaks down how MCPs essentially standardize how LLMs connect with external tools and services. While LLMs alone can only predict text, connecting them to tools makes them more capable, but this integration has been cumbersome. MCPs create a unified layer that translates between LLMs and services, making it easier to build more powerful AI assistants.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:39 - The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use
07:51 - MCPs explained
11:11 - MCP Ecosystem Overview
13:59 - Technical Challenges of MCP
15:18 - Conclusion on MCP's Potential
16:00 - Startup Ideas for Developers and Non-Technical Users
Key Points:
• MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard that creates a unified layer between LLMs and external services/tools
• LLMs by themselves are limited to text prediction and cannot perform meaningful tasks without tools
• MCP solves the problem of connecting multiple tools to LLMs by creating a standardized communication protocol
• The MCP ecosystem consists of clients (like Tempo, Windsurf, Cursor), the protocol, servers, and services
1) What are MCPs and why should you care?
MCPs are NOT some complex physics theory - they're simply STANDARDS that help LLMs connect to external tools and services.
Think of them as universal translators between AI models and the tools they need to be truly useful.
This is HUGE for making AI assistants actually capable!
2) The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use
Stage 1: Basic LLMs can only predict text
• Ask ChatGPT to send an email? "Sorry, I can't do that"
• They're glorified text predictors (if I say "My big fat Greek..." it knows "wedding" comes next)
• Limited to answering questions, not DOING things
3) The Current State: LLMs + Tools
Stage 2: LLMs connected to tools
• Companies like Perplexity connect LLMs to search engines
• This makes them more useful but creates problems
• Each tool = different "language" the LLM must learn
• Connecting multiple tools = engineering NIGHTMARE
This is why we don't have Jarvis-level assistants yet!
4) Enter MCPs: The Game-Changer
MCPs create a UNIFIED LAYER between LLMs and external services.
Instead of your AI speaking 10 different "languages" to use 10 different tools, MCPs translate everything into ONE language.
Result? LLMs can easily access databases, APIs, and services without massive engineering headaches.
5) The MCP Ecosystem Explained
The MCP system has 4 key components:
• MCP Client: User-facing apps like @tempoai, Windsurf, Cursor
• Protocol: The standardized communication method
• MCP Server: Translates between client and services
• Service: The actual tool (database, search engine, etc.)
Brilliant move by Anthropic: SERVICES must build MCP servers!
6) Why This Matters For Builders
For technical folks:
• Opportunity to build tools like MCP app stores
• Easier integration between services
• Less engineering headaches
For non-technical folks:
• Watch closely as standards evolve
• When standards finalize, new business opportunities will emerge
• Think of MCPs as Lego pieces you'll stack to build powerful AI apps
Notable Quotes:
"LLMs by themselves are incapable of doing anything meaningful... The only thing an LLM in its current state is good at is predicting the next text." - Ross Mike
"Think of every tool that I have to connect to make my LLM valuable as a different language... MCP, you can consider it to be a layer between your LLM and the services and the tools." - Ross Mike
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire — a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND MIC ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/rasmickyy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rasmic
I’m joined by Min Choi to test if Manus AI can replace your AI tech stack. Throughout the episode, we test Manus AI's capabilities by asking it to create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO.
Timestamps:
• 00:00 - Intro
• 02:18 - What is Manus AI?
• 03:58 - Project 1: DocuSign clone
• 16:54 - Project 2: Research Greg’s top startup ideas
• 27:09 - Security concerns with Manus AI
• 30:16 - Manus bug and reboot
• 32:06 - Deploying DocuSign Clone
• 39:42 - Project 3: SEO Optimization
• 44:14 - Discussion of Manus’s Limitations and Scaling issues
• 48:23 - Project 4: Build a Flight Simulator Video Game
• 49:48 - AI companies facing scaling issues
• 52:05 - Where does Manus excel?
• 53:48 - What Manus was able to accomplish during the episode
Key Points:
• Testing Manus AI by asking it to autonomously research, plan, and execute complex tasks
• Having Manus create a DocuSign clone, research startup ideas, and analyze website SEO
• Manus AI functions as a multi-agent system that can browse websites, write code, and deploy applications with minimal prompting
• The tool has limitations including context windows, deployment issues, and daily usage limits
1) What makes Manus AI different?
Unlike ChatGPT or Claude, Manus is a TRUE AGENT system that:
• Researches, plans, and executes simultaneously
• Controls browsers to gather information autonomously
• Creates full applications from simple prompts
• Deploys working code with minimal guidance
"It's the closest thing to AGI yet" - Min Choi
2) The DocuSign Clone Experiment
With just a 4-WORD PROMPT ("create a DocuSign clone"), Manus:
• Researched DocuSign's core features
• Created a complete project structure
• Built login, document upload & e-signature functionality
• Generated deployable code
All without templates or boilerplate code!
3) Human-in-the-loop capabilities
One of the MOST IMPRESSIVE features:
• You can interrupt Manus WHILE it's working
• Refine requirements mid-process
• Add constraints or pivot direction
When they narrowed focus to "just e-signature features," Manus immediately adjusted its plan without starting over.
4) Multi-agent workflow
Manus feels like having MULTIPLE EMPLOYEES working simultaneously:
• A researcher gathering information
• A PM creating specifications
• A developer writing code
• A marketer analyzing opportunities
It's like an entire team in one tool!
5) Beyond coding: Marketing & Growth
Manus can also:
• Analyze websites for SEO improvements
• Target specific audiences (like executives)
• Create content strategies
• Scrape data for market research
It's not just about building - it's about GROWING your business too.
6) Current limitations
Manus isn't perfect (yet):
• Context length limitations on complex tasks
• Deployment issues with sophisticated apps
• Daily usage limits (currently ~10 sessions)
• Server load causing errors as popularity grows
It's still beta, but even with limitations, it's REVOLUTIONARY.
7) Security considerations
Since Manus is a Chinese company, there are valid concerns:
• Be mindful of what data you share
• Don't connect personal accounts or payment systems
• Use for learning & experimentation
Min's advice: "Always be careful with the data you share online."
The BIG TAKEAWAY: We're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses will be built.
What used to take weeks now takes MINUTES.
What required TEAMS now needs just ONE PERSON with AI.
This is just the beginning of the agent AI revolution.
Notable Quotes:
"I think that we're getting closer and closer to sort of the glimpse into what the AGI is gonna look like." - Min Choi
"It feels like we have like four employees working at the same time... We've got this marketing person. We've got this researcher. We've got this cracked PM slash developer." - Greg Isenberg
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND MIN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/minchoi
Im joined by Cody Schneider to jam on 3 trends/business ideas that will blow your mind. We analyze three main trends: the "buy it for life" movement (anti-consumerism focused on quality products), AI landing page builder for marketers, and TikTok templates. For each trend, we outline specific business models, monetization strategies, and tactical approaches to implementation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:51 - Trend 1: The Buy It For Life
22:59 - Trend 2: AI Landing Page Builder
29:49 - Trend 3: TikTok Template Aggregator
34:48 - Why we are in the Golden Age of Online Business Opportunities
Key Points:
• We discuss the "buy it for life" trend and how to build a directory website monetized through affiliate marketing
• We explore opportunities in AI landing page builders for digital marketing agencies
• We analyze the TikTok template trend and potential for creating a newsletter sharing viral formats
• We emphasize how easy it is to build online businesses in the current environment using AI tools
• We discuss strategies for building audiences on different platforms
1) The "Buy It For Life" Trend
69,000 monthly searches for people seeking products that LAST FOREVER instead of cheap disposables.
The subreddit r/BuyItForLife is EXPLODING with consumers sharing durable products across categories.
Here's the opportunity:
Build a directory website with:
• Beautiful UI (unlike Reddit's clunky interface)
• Filters by category
• Price drop alerts for premium products
Monetize through:
• Affiliate commissions
• Newsletter with exclusive deals
• Premium membership for instant alerts
Marketing strategy? Create value-packed Reddit posts with subtle domain signature.
2) AI Landing Page Builders
Digital marketers DESPERATELY need landing pages that match ad keywords.
Current tools are clunky and time-consuming.
The opportunity:
Create an AI tool where you:
• Input brand aesthetics
• Generate landing page templates instantly
• Deploy to subdomains with one click
• Modify with point-and-click
Target audience? Digital marketing agencies running paid ads who need SPEED.
"But what about Webflow and Shopify adding AI?"
Cody: "That's VALIDATION! Lead Pages does $50M/year. It's a MASSIVE category with room for many players."
3) TikTok Template Trend
98,000 monthly searches from creators hunting for viral TikTok formats.
The opportunity:
Create a newsletter showing:
• This week's viral TikTok templates
• How brands can adapt them
• One-click editor access
Acquisition? Twitter threads breaking down viral formats with newsletter CTA.
Monetization:
• Free weekly version
• Premium daily version
• Eventually build video editor tech
BONUS IDEA: Reinvent Scott's Cheap Flights as a simple email newsletter with flight alerts from specific airports.
Cody's FINAL WISDOM:
"This is the GREATEST time ever to start online businesses. In an hour, you can have a company live with people on the website."
"Don't buy a laundromat during the greatest gold rush of all time."
Notable Quotes:
"I don't think people understand the moment that we're in right now. Like this is the greatest time ever to start online businesses." - Cody
"In an hour, you can have a company live and people on the website... We had it live in an hour. And then I put a tweet out and we drove, I think so far over like 20,000 people have gone to the website and we validated the idea." - Cody
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND CODY ON SOCIAL
Cody’s startup: https://www.landingcat.com
X/Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/5fjdn8d7
LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/28e89f5r
In this episode, I test Polymet AI, an AI product designer tool, by creating a YouTube analytics prediction SaaS concept inspired by a viral tweet about predicting tweet performance. I compare Polymet AI with V0, keep in mind that while Polymet required multiple prompts and offered less feedback during the design process, both tools ultimately produced usable designs.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:33 - First Impressions of Polymet
03:57 - Startup Idea: Predicting YouTube Engagement
05:03 - Initial Design Prompt
10:11 - Polymet’s First Design Output: TubePredict
11:04 - UI and Functionality Issues and Debugging
16:08 - Polymet’s Second Design Output
17:44 - Debugging pt 2
20:48 - Prompting v0
22:30 - v0’s Design Output
23:41 - Polymet’s Third Design Output
24:49 - Comparing v0 and Polymer and Final Thoughts on Design Outputs
27:36 - Conclusion and Recommendations for AI Design Tools
Key Points
• I test Polymet AI, a new AI product designer tool, that claims to help non-designers create production-ready designs
• I compare Polymet AI with v0 by having them design a YouTube analytics prediction tool
• Both tools produced functional designs, but with different user experiences and output quality
1) First impressions of Polymet AI:
• Clean interface similar to ChatGPT
• Includes voice input (huge plus!)
• Image upload capability for reference designs
• Credit-based system (250 free credits to start)
• 50 credits per page generation
2) The design process with Polymet was... interesting.
PROS:
• Named the product "TubePredict" automatically
• Created decent landing page copy
• Saved version history
CONS:
• Slow generation (2+ minutes)
• No progress indicator (frustrating!)
• Initial designs missed the mark completely
3) After 3 attempts with increasingly specific prompts, Polymet finally delivered:
• Clean, modern interface
• Detailed A/B testing dashboard
• Statistical confidence indicators
• AI suggestions for optimization
But the communication was ONE-WAY. No feedback loop!
4) Meanwhile, v0 showed its strengths:
• Real-time reasoning as it designed
• Conversational approach ("I'll create a SaaS that...")
• Faster FEELING process (transparency helps!)
• Ability to ask clarifying questions
The difference in experience was NIGHT and DAY.
5) The final designs were surprisingly similar in quality!
Polymet's strengths:
• More detailed product features
• Hover states built in
• Actual code generation
v0's advantages:
• Slightly more polished visually
• More "glassy" as requested
• Better feedback loop
6) MAJOR INSIGHT: The future isn't about finding ONE perfect AI design tool.
It's about using MULTIPLE tools strategically:
• Generate initial concepts in one
• Refine in another
• Mix and match their strengths
Just like we do with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.
7) The REAL lesson? Knowing design terminology matters!
When I specifically requested "glassmorphism" instead of just saying "glassy," both tools performed MUCH better.
The more precise your design vocabulary, the better your AI design results.
8) Would I recommend these tools? YES - but with expectations in check.
Two years ago this would have been MIND-BLOWING.
Today, our standards are higher.
But for quick prototyping or inspiration, both tools deliver value in different ways.
Notable Quotes:
"Two years ago, if I would have seen this, I would have been like, 'Oh my God, everything has changed.' And now our bar for all these AI products is so high that the output needs to be incredible for you to really use it in your workflow."
"How do you get the most out of them is just you use all of them, you realize what's best for each individual product... There's these nuances that make these products better."
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
In this episode I share my exact framework for identifying profitable AI SaaS business opportunities by focusing on manual workflows that could be automated. We focus on export buttons and other manual processes in enterprise software as indicators of workflow breakdowns that AI could solve. The framework breaks down to solving niche problems, charging immediately for solutions, and focusing on quantifiable ROI.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:50 - The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity
04:03 - Step 1: Identifying Repetitive Pain Points
08:31 - Step 2: Adding Intelligence to Manual Processes
10:53 - Step 3: Identifying Data Silos that Need Bridging
12:47 - Step 4: Finding Missing Connections Between Tools
14:12 - Step 5: Start Small, Grow Naturally
16:55 - Exploring Additional Manual Buttons for Startup Ideas
19:03 - The QuickBooks Export Gold Mine
20:43 - Your First 30 Days: Getting Started with Your AI SaaS Startup
24:02 - Final Thoughts on AI Startup Opportunities
Key Points:
• The "Export Button Theory" - Every export button in software represents a business opportunity worth $10,000-30,000/month
• Five-step framework for finding AI SaaS opportunities
• Manual buttons in software (like "generate report," "schedule meeting," "upload CSV") represent AI automation opportunities
1) The Export Button Theory of AI Opportunity
Every time a user clicks "export" in software, they're signaling:
• A workflow breakdown
• Manual labor that could be automated
• A potential $10-30K/month feature
2) The 5-step framework for finding these opportunities:
Step 1: Identify repetitive pain points
Watch how people use enterprise software daily:
• Exporting data to reformat it (Salesforce → Excel → PowerPoint)
• Copying between tools (Jira → Slack)
• Building the same reports weekly
• Maintaining spreadsheets manually
3) Step 2: Add intelligence to manual processes
Every manual task is an LLM opportunity:
• Turn Stripe exports into AI-powered revenue analysis ($50-100K MRR)
• Convert CRM data into AI-formatted presentations ($80-120K MRR)
• Generate sentiment trends from support tickets ($30-70K MRR)
4) Step 3: Bridge data silos
Look for phrases like:
"I need to pull this data every week"
"I wish I could see this alongside that"
"We keep this in a separate spreadsheet"
5) Step 4: Find missing connections between tools
Watch for "I wish these two things worked together":
• HR system + Payroll → AI opportunity: automatic sync with anomaly detection
• CRM + Marketing automation → AI opportunity: bi-directional sync with AI prioritization
6) Step 5: Start small, grow naturally
The MOST successful AI SaaS businesses:
• Pick a specific niche big players ignore
• Focus on ONE painful workflow
• Make it 10x better with AI
• Let AI suggest next actions
• Charge immediately (if solving real pain, people will pay day one)
7) Beyond the export button, look for these manual buttons in software:
• "Generate Report" → AI opportunity: automatic insight generation ($2.5B market)
• "Schedule Meeting" → AI opportunity: context-aware scheduling ($1.8B market)
• "Upload CSV" → AI opportunity: intelligent data processing ($3.2B market)
8) The QuickBooks goldmine
• 250M financial reports exported annually
• Each export = 45-90 mins of manual work
• Value of time: $75-150 per export
• Total addressable market: $12-18B annually
This is just ONE platform with massive opportunity!
9) Your first 30 days roadmap:
Days 1-5: Select software with high export volume, research communities
Days 6-10: Interview power users about export habits
Days 11-20: Build minimal prototype (using V0, Lovable, Bolt, etc.)
Days 21-30: Get 3-5 PAYING beta users
Notable Quotes:
"Every export button in software represents a business opportunity. When a user clicks export, what are they saying to us? They're basically saying this software doesn't do what I need to, so I'm taking my data elsewhere to do manual work."
"The best AI opportunities aren't where everyone is looking. They're hiding in these mundane, repetitive tasks that knowledge workers are doing every single day."
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
David Park, founder of Jenny AI, details his step-by-step approach to building a profitable AI startup that reached $10 million in annual recurring revenue. He emphasizes starting with organic short-form content and influencer marketing before moving to SEO and paid advertising. Park attributes much of Jenny AI's success to finding viral content formats that could be repeated with variations, working with the right influencers regardless of follower count, and focusing on retention metrics as the company scaled.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
03:00 - Organic Short Form Content
08:25 - The Power of Fresh Accounts in Influencer Marketing
11:17 - Case Study: MengMengDuck and Influencer Partnerships
18:01 - New Creator Guidelines
25:57 - Order of Virality: Steps to Achieve Success
30:55 - Finding Influencers
36:21 - Outreach Strategies
40:34 - Negotiating with Influencers
44:50 - Content posting strategy
49:15 - Final UGC Tips
51:52 - SEO Strategy
57:00 - Paid Ads Playbook
59:53 - David's final advice:
01:02:08 - From $5M to $10M
1) ORGANIC SHORT-FORM CONTENT
David's shocking truth: Fresh accounts with 1 follower can OUTPERFORM accounts with millions!
The algorithm rewards quality, not history.
2) The "Fresh Account" Strategy:
• Create new accounts specifically for your product
• Find creators to be the face of these accounts
• Pay them to create consistent content
• Focus on hooks that resonate with your audience
3) The Viral Series Formula
Find ONE format that works, then repeat it with slight variations.
Example: "POV: You have an essay due" videos for Jenny AI generated 300M+ views and $500K+ in revenue!
4) INFLUENCER MARKETING
Don't waste time with mega-influencers charging $20K per post.
Instead:
• Find creators whose audience matches your users
• Create a new account with them as the face
• Pay for consistent content (not one-offs)
• Let them maintain their authentic style
5) How to find the RIGHT influencers:
• Ask your users which creators they follow
• Create a "scout" account that only follows relevant creators
• Let the algorithm suggest similar accounts
• Look for creators with high engagement (not just followers)
6) Outreach hack that WORKS:
Send money via Venmo to influencers you want to work with!
They'll get a push notification and respond out of curiosity.
7) Negotiation strategy:
• Start by asking for their HIGHEST price point (all features)
• Remove elements you don't need to lower the price
• Negotiate bulk deals (20% off for multiple videos)
• Split payment between upfront and performance-based
NEVER pay based on follower count - that's outdated!
8) Content posting strategy:
• Post 1+ videos DAILY to test different hooks
• Trust creators to maintain their authentic style
• Create systems that let influencers work autonomously
• Don't be afraid of videos looking like ads - they convert BETTER
Scale to a video every few hours!
9) David's final advice:
"I'm a non-technical founder, a college dropout, not from Silicon Valley. If I can build this, YOU CAN TOO." - David Park
"The truth? Only 1% of people reading this will implement these strategies for a full year." - David Park
Notable Quotes
"We had one video that got 20 million views that had almost a negligible effect on conversions that day for Jenny. It was as if we got zero views, like nothing really happened that day. And yeah, it's just important to create content for people that actually want to convert and want to actually use your product." - David Park
"I'm a non-technical person. I'm a non-technical founder doing an AI startup. I am a college dropout. I would not say I'm like one of those cracked people. I'm not from Silicon Valley... and I was able to kind of build this company." - David Park
Want more free ideas? I collect the best ideas from the pod and give them to you for free in a database. Most of them cost $0 to start (my fav)
Get access: https://www.gregisenberg.com/30startupideas
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND DAVID ON SOCIAL
Jenni AI: https://jenni.ai
X/Twitter: https://x.com/Davidjpark96
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paviddark/
Today’s episode features Jake Knapp (creator of the Design Sprint), Jonathan Courtney (Founder and CEO of AJ & Smart). We explore how to evaluate and build successful AI products. They use Jake's Foundation Sprint framework to analyze JC's concept for an app that helps entrepreneurs balance content consumption with creation. The conversation demonstrates how to move from initial idea to clear differentiation strategy, emphasizing the importance of first principles thinking before technical implementation.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:36 - Startup Idea: Hit Me App
04:28 - The Foundation Sprint Overview
05:16 - Step 1: Customer
07:50 - Step 2: Problem
12:25 - Step 3: Capability
15:20 - Step 4: Insight
23:34 - Step 5: Motivation
31:44 - Step 6: Competitors
38:57 - How to use AI in the Development Process
41:55 - Differentiation Analysis
51:58 - Reviewing Foundation Sprint
Click Book: https://www.theclickbook.com
Key Points:
• Introduction to the Foundation Sprint framework for evaluating startup ideas
• Discussion of building AI wrappers and product differentiation
• Exploration of a case study: “Hit Me” - an app for controlling digital consumption
• Detailed walkthrough of the basics canvas: customer, problem, capabilities, insights
• Analysis of differentiation strategies and competitive positioning
1) The Foundation Sprint Framework:
• Start with the basics
• Define clear differentiation
• Map possible product forms
• Test & validate assumptions
Key insight: Most founders skip this critical planning phase!
2) The Basics Framework includes:
• Customer identification
• Problem definition
• Special capabilities
• Key insights
• Core motivation
• Competitor analysis
Pro tip: Write these down BEFORE touching any code!
3) Real Example Breakdown:
JC pitched his “Hit Me” app idea:
• Target: Entrepreneurs (25-40)
• Problem: Digital overconsumption
• Insight: Consumption vs Creation balance
• Motivation: Personal struggle with anxiety
• Competition: Self-control & existing blockers
4) Key Differentiator Exercise:
Plot your product on scales:
• Speed (not important)
• Intelligence (basic)
• Ease of use (very easy)
• Price (free)
• Focus (targeted)
The goal: Find your unique position in the market
5) Major Insight:
Most digital wellness apps focus on REMOVING distractions
The opportunity: Build tools that REPLACE consumption with creation
This is the kind of differentiation that makes marketing easy!
6) Framework Benefits:
• Clarifies fuzzy ideas
• Forces first principles thinking
• Reveals hidden opportunities
• Saves time & resources
• Prevents building "Homer's Car"
Notable Quotes:
"It's hard to build when your hands are on fire." - Greg
"If you don't have clear differentiation, you need to be a god tier marketer to sell something." - JC
LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/
BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
BoringMarketing — SEO agency and tools to get your organic customers http://boringmarketing.com/
Startup Empire - a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
FIND ME ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/
FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jicecream
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/
AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com
FIND JAKE ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/jakek
Website: https://jakeknapp.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-knapp/
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