The Startup Ideas Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

I’m joined by Adam Robinson who has bootstrapped startups to millions of dollars in revenue, as we deep dive on how we would validate and grow a startup idea.

1) The Yonder Phone Pouch market is exploding
• Locks phones away to create "phone-free spaces"
• Already in schools, concerts, comedy shows
• Huge potential for innovation (charging, remote unlock, etc.)
• Adam predicts 98% of middle schools will require in 10 years

2) How to validate & launch a Yondr competitor:
• Target affluent customers first (Elon approach)
• Have 100s of conversations before building
• Look for "eyes lighting up" as signal
• Prototype only after strong validation

3) Growth strategy: Micro-influencer UGC
• Outreach to 1000s of relevant micro-influencers
• Send free product, ask for honest posts if they like it
• No monetary incentives needed for authentic content
• Aim for breadth of coverage, not mega-influencers

4) Copywriting Framework
• Study successful brands in similar space (e.g. Jolie)
• Use AI (Claude, ChatGPT) to adapt their style
• Remember: Don't copy, but get inspired and make it your own

5) The "third way" of building startups:
• Combine Rework's bootstrapping principles with Y Combinator's focus on product excellence
• Result: Profitable growth without VC dependency
• If product is truly excellent, word-of-mouth drives growth

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 

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Episode Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
02:34 Startup Idea 1: Yondr Phone Pouch 2.0
09:53 How to validate & launch a Yondr competitor
18:41 Growth strategy: Micro-influencer UGC
26:28 Copywriting Framework
30:43 The "third way" of building startups:

I’m joined by Chris Koerner who owns 8 RV parks + 7 companies, as we jam on 5 ideas he would start tomorrow:

1) Content Management for underserved platforms 

• Instagram Reels can be cross-posted to Facebook
• FB Reels get massive organic reach (100k+ views/hr)
• Clickable links allowed in comments (unlike IG)
• Opportunity: Build a tool/agency to automate this for creators

2) Programmatic SEO Franchise

• Use tools like Zapier, TagParrot, Whalesync to create 1000s of local landing pages
• Target undersaturated home services niches
• Sell as a "business in a box" for $10k + monthly fee
• Cheaper than a franchise, potentially huge ROI

3) Viral-Content Finder

• Content often goes viral on one platform, unknown on others
• AI could scan for viral content in your niche across platforms
• Automatically repurpose & post to your accounts
• Bonus: Add viral potential prediction feature

4) "Lifetime Warranty" DTC Brand 

• Inspired by Shady Rays ($130M sunglasses brand)
• Offer lifetime replacements, factor cost into pricing
• Apply to other niches: flip flops, accessories, etc.
• Key: High margins + emotional connection to product

5) Shopify Abandoned Cart Call Center 

• Human outreach converts WAY better than automated messages
• Target high AOV Shopify stores (100$+)
• Offer no upfront cost, take % of recovered sales

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 

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You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

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0:00 Intro
02:16 Startup Idea 1: Content Management for underserved platforms 
10:24 Startup Idea 2:  Programmatic SEO Franchise
19:21 Startup Idea 3:  Viral-Content Finder
27:15 Startup Idea 4:  "Lifetime Warranty" DTC Brand 
30:46 Startup Idea 5:  Shopify Abandoned Cart Call Center 
35:09 Most Valuable Platform for Personal Brand Discussion 
39:42 Greg’s Elon Story

Join us for an engaging conversation with Ben Rubin, Co-Founder and CEO of Here Not There Labs, as we explore a wide range of startup ideas and business opportunities

1) Dating app with on-chain reputation:
• Track user behavior (response time, follow-through on dates)
• Use data to predict compatibility
• Reward good actors, discourage bad behavior

2) Luxury watch marketplace:
• Use RFID & blockchain to verify authenticity
• Create NFTs tied to physical watches
• Enable trusted P2P transactions
• Build exclusive communities for watch enthusiasts

3) Tutoring/coaching platform:
• Match students with teachers based on "fit" not just reputation
• Track engagement & retention to measure success
• Create efficient markets for education

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: gregisenberg.com/30startupideas

🚀 My FREE 5 day email course to learn how to build a business of the future using the ACP funnel:
https://www.communityempire.co/free-course

🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.

You'll get my full course with all my secrets on building businesses, peer-groups to keep you accountable, business ideas every single month and more!

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubinben/

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Episode Timestamps:

0:00 Intro
02:32 Crypto and Blockchain’s value proposition

12:53 Startup Idea 1: Dating app with on-chain reputation

27:28 Startup Idea 2: Luxury watch marketplace

46:10 Startup Idea 3: Tutoring/coaching platform

Are you watching your window of opportunity pass by? Today we share why you need to start now to create success, explore the lessons you will learn the hard way, and unpack how YouTube continues to disrupt industries. Hosts Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg are joined by Harley Morenstein, another member of the “Montreal Mafia,” who created the YouTube sensation Epic Meal Time. Together they discuss how the internet has shrunk the window of acceptability, offer advice on why content creators must check their egos, and share how false starts lead to future success.

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

►► This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens https://athleticgreens.com/wih

AG1 by Athletic Greens is incredible and we have been starting every day with it for several years. It’s just one scoop in 8-12 oz. of water each morning, and you're getting 75 high-quality vitamins, whole-food sourced ingredients, probiotics, and adaptogens to help you start your day right. It's one daily habit that supports gut health, supports the immune system, recovery, energy, and focus!

Right now, Athletic Greens is giving you a free 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Take ownership of your health today by going to https://athleticgreens.com/wih

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

Harley Morenstein: https://twitter.com/HarleyPlays

Epic Meal Time: https://www.youtube.com/epicmealtime

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

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Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_trwih

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Sneak Peek

00:54 Twitter Beef Introductions

04:35 Proposing Tomorrow’s Future

08:08 The Window of Acceptability

10:47 Starting Epic Meal Time

20:30 Monetizing Youtube

26:09 Before the Creator Economy

31:46 The Dark Side of Audiences

36:24 Controlling Your Content

41:18 Choosing Growth Over Clout

44:30 Harley’s Future for Twitch

50:27 Getting “Mom” Approval

53:48 The Future of Reviewing

59:20 The Learning Costs of Success

1:05:20 Thanks for Listening

Are you being honest with yourself? In today’s episode, we get vulnerable while sharing how upbringing impacts entrepreneurship, unpack why mental health is critical for businesses, and share the importance of embracing vulnerability. Host Sahil Bloom is joined by guest Andy Dunn, the co-founder of Bonobos, and the author of Burn Rate. Together they discuss the five buckets of wealth, share why you need to accept when you're wrong, and finally, they place their bets on the future of Direct-to-consumer brands in the bear market.

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

►► This episode is brought to you by Wealthfront, a saving and investing app that can help you earn more on your money and build wealth for your future. The Wealthfront Cash Account grows your savings at 2% APY, and offers unlimited, fee-free transfers to your external accounts — plus, a ton of other features that help you optimize your cash. So, if your money is earning less anywhere else, now might be a good time to make a move.

Wealthfront is offering Where it Happens listeners a free $50 bonus with a $500 initial deposit to a new Cash Account. Go to wealthfront.com/Happens to claim your $50 and start growing your savings.

Cash account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. We convey funds to partner banks who accept and maintain deposits, provide the interest rate, and provide FDIC insurance. Rate is subject to change. Investment management and advisory services--which are not FDIC insured--are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC (“Wealthfront Advisers”), an SEC-registered investment adviser.

THIS EPISODE

Andy Dunn: https://twitter.com/dunn

Burn Rate: https://www.burnratebook.com/

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

FIND US ON SOCIAL

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Sneak Peek 

01:00 Introducing Andy Dunn’s Map of Reality 

05:50 Accepting your “Otherness” 

12:08 Andy’s Entrepreneurship Journey 

16:18 Finding Your True Calling 

20:16 Defining Wealth 

23:26 Happier but Not Happy 

26:19 The Bonobos Story 

33:06 Predicting the Future of D2C

40:38 A Bear Market Creates Focus 

42:45 Burn Rate 

43:43 Embracing Vulnerability 

49:03 Talking About Mental Health 

52:21 High Highs and Low Lows 

56:40 Investing in Mental Health 

1:00:54 A 2-Step Process to Working On Mental Health 

1:03:33 Where to Find Andy Dunn and his new book

1:06:38 Thanks for listening

Are you ready to buy the business that will finance your future? Today we share the secret to generating wealth through acquisitions, explain why you need to invest for the long term, and teach the art of the deal.

Hosts Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg are joined by the founders of Enduring Ventures, Xavier Helgesen and Sieva Kozinsky, who are building the modern Berkshire Hathaway. Xavier and Sieva share the origin stories that shaped them into blue-collar entrepreneurs and explain why QSBS creates limitless economic opportunities in America. Finally, Sahil and Greg share what they believe to be the best businesses in the world and ask for your help to break down their unit economics.

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

THIS EPISODE

Sieva Kozinsky: https://twitter.com/SievaKozinsky

Xavier Helgesen: https://twitter.com/xavierhelgesen

Enduring Ventures: https://www.enduring.ventures/

Better World Books: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/

ZOLA Electric: https://zolaelectric.com/

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

FIND US ON SOCIAL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_trwih

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trwih

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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985

SHOW NOTES

00:21 Xavier’s Origin Story

06:01 Xavier’s 2nd Company

07:58 Better World Books & Zola Electric

12:12 Sieva’s Immigrant Origin Story

15:20 What is Enduring Ventures?

23:44 A Search Fund on Steroids

30:20 Patience is Key

33:58 Where Buffet is Right & Wrong

39:24 Great Companies = Great Narratives

43:21 Buying Businesses that Power America

45:40 Financing the Deal

51:40 QSBS Matters

54:25 Xavier’s Advise

59:30 Sieva’s Scaffolding Story

1:03:06 The Best Business’s in the World

1:06:04 Where to Find Xavier & Sieva

How do you lose millions, hire hundreds, raise millions, and sell companies by 30? Today Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg unpack why VC & PR can both save you and kill you, share why the greatest entrepreneurs live slowly, divulge the secret to winning every negotiation, and unpack Greg's viral tweet around building startups. Later in the episode, our hosts are joined by Tom McLeod, the 5x serial entrepreneur who helped build over 15 profitable iPhone apps. He is now solving the problem of how to bring museums into the Web3 world. Together they explain how to bring the culture and community of art into the future while simultaneously increasing the adoption of Web3 by all generations.

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

►► This episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens https://athleticgreens.com/wih

AG1 by Athletic Greens is incredible and we have been starting every day with it for several years. It’s just one scoop in 8-12 oz. of water each morning, and you're getting 75 high-quality vitamins, whole-food sourced ingredients, probiotics, and adaptogens to help you start your day right. It's one daily habit that supports gut health, supports the immune system, recovery, energy, and focus!

Right now, Athletic Greens is giving you a free 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase. Take ownership of your health today by going to https://athleticgreens.com/wih

LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:

Greg's Guide To Building Startups Tweet: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg/status/1540735241706504192

Tom McLeod: https://twitter.com/tmcleod3

Arkive: https://arkive.net/

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

FIND US ON SOCIAL

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_trwih

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trwih

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_trwih

Web: https://trwih.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Sneak Peek

00:40 Sahil & Sam’s First Meet-Up

05:02 Why IRL Intellectual Chemistry Matters

08:15 Greg’s Guide to Start-Ups

09:43 VC & PR Are Like Drugs

13:50 Great Entrepreneurs Garden

19:42 The Internet has Leveled the Opportunity Playing Field

24:22 The Listener Wins in Negotiations

27:46 No Rejection = No Progress

29:52 Welcoming Tom McLeod and Compartmentalizing Rejection

38:04 What is Arkive?

46:14 How Does a Museum Look in Web3?

54:33 Abstracting Crypto from the Future of Art

1:01:44 How Arkive Actually Works

1:05:50 Earning vs Buying

Do you have what it takes to grow your investments from good to great? Today we share why Web3 will be the best investment in your lifetime, explain how India is the future of the internet, and explore the depth of knowledge needed to trade successfully. Hosts Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg are joined by guest Raoul Pal, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker turned entrepreneur, who founded Real Vision and Exponential Age Asset Management. Raoul divulges the secret to becoming a special investor, explains why you need to stay true to your convictions (especially in a bear market), and shares his vision for the future of the financial world.

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

THIS EPISODE

Raoul Pal: https://twitter.com/RaoulGMI

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

FIND US ON SOCIAL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_trwih

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trwih

Web: https://trwih.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985

SHOW NOTES

01:23 How Raoul Pal Introduced Sahil

05:25 Raoul Pal’s Origin Story & Building His Brand

9:54 Unique Ability Matters for People & Funds

13:22 The Depth of Knowledge Needed to Trade

16:45 Investor Psychology

17:44 The Best & Worst Trade Raoul’s Career

23:51 Trust Your Gut

27:20 How Your Geographic Location Helps or Hurts You

29:26 Investing for the Future

32:33 India is the Future of the Internet

36:06 The Exponential Age

40:26 What does the digital world look like in 20 years?

46:20 Space is Closer Than We Think

52:50 Why Raoul Pal is All-In on Web3

59:36 Can You Tokenize Politics and Religion

Are you stuck creating on the couch? In today's episode, we explain how one small group can change the world, debate whether these people need to meet in real life, and Delian shares why he feels start-ups must hire based on merit. Hosts Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg are joined by guest Delian Asparouhov, principal at the Founders Fund and co-founder of Varda. Delian explains the secret to running a billion-dollar fund while simultaneously launching his first company, shares his take on where the venture world is headed and explains how China is taking control with TikTok.

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

►► This episode is brought to you by Wealthfront, a saving and investing app that can help you earn more on your money and build wealth for your future. The Wealthfront Cash Account grows your savings at 1.40% APY, and offers unlimited, fee-free transfers to your external accounts — plus, a ton of other features that help you optimize your cash. So, if your money is earning less anywhere else, now might be a good time to make a move.

Wealthfront is offering Where it Happens listeners a free $50 bonus with a $500 initial deposit to a new Cash Account. Go to wealthfront.com/Happens to claim your $50 and start growing your savings.

Cash account is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC, Member of FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. We convey funds to partner banks who accept and maintain deposits, provide the interest rate, and provide FDIC insurance. Rate is subject to change. Investment management and advisory services--which are not FDIC insured--are provided by Wealthfront Advisers LLC (“Wealthfront Advisers”), an SEC-registered investment adviser.

THIS EPISODE

Delian Asparouhov: https://twitter.com/zebulgar

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

FIND US ON SOCIAL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_trwih

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trwih

Web: https://trwih.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985

SHOW NOTES

00:00 Sneak Peek

01:11 Welcoming Delian

02:23 How a Small Group Can Change the World

07:54 Hiring Based on Merit

10:14 Did ESG Create Change?

13:40 TikTok Data Rights

17:36 You Can’t Change the World from Your Couch

21:55 Greg's Unique Perspective On Working Hard and a 10-Year Bet

28:33 What is Varda and its Origin Story?

37:31 Separating Design (+) Manufacturing = Innovation

42:51 How to Become a Leader and Expert in Space

45:34 The Secret to Founding a Start-Up and Running a Fund

50:48 Delian’s Origin Story and His Prediction for the Future

56:04 Thanks for Listening

Is your content holding you back? In today's episode, we explain why authenticity is critical to the future of content creation, share how to overcome burnout, and divulge the secret to being the G.O.A.T at everything you do! Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg are joined by guest Tom Green, host of the first real podcast and a world-class comedian. Tom explains how to take your audience on a journey, shares the future of podcasting, and offers insight from his personal experience for the next generation of creators. 

►► Want more community? Learn more here: http://trwih.com

SHOW NOTES

00:53 Welcoming the Canadian Legend: Tom Green

02:34 Embrace Your Authenticity (& Weirdness)

06:52 Media has Changed the Way People Create

08:39 Create Where You Can Be the Best

15:00 Taking Your Audience on a Journey

21:40 Being The Future of Digital Creation

29:32 Talking TO your Audience; not At the Audience

31:54 How Covid Changed Hollywood

35:37 Create in Your Own Pond

39:38 Talking Fishing

40:54 Tom’s Secret to Overcoming Burnout: Nature

45:46 Being Overwhelmed by City Life

48:26 Silence is Scary (But Necessary)

51: 07 Tom’s Creative Future: His Past?

53:30 Tom Green’s Life in Reverse

55:30 Where to Find Tom Green

58:19 Thanks for Listening 

THIS EPISODE

Tom Green: https://twitter.com/tomgreenlive

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

FIND US ONLINE

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_trwih

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trwih

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_trwih

Web: https://trwih.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6aB0v6amo3a8hgTCjlTlvh

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-it-happens/id1593424985