Get 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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The step by step guide to starting a business from $0
Episode 151
Thursday, August 29, 2024 • Duration 39:50
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:
5 validated startup ideas to get you paid (steal these $1M+/year ideas)
Episode 150
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 • Duration 43:33
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
🎯 To build your own portfolio businesses powered by community you might enjoy my membership.
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)
📬 Join my free newsletter to get weekly startup insights for free:
How To Monetize On YouTube With Harley Morenstein
Episode 49
Thursday, September 15, 2022 • Duration 01:05:45
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.
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Investing in Mental Health & Embracing Vulnerability with Andy Dunn
Episode 48
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • Duration 01:10:21
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.
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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.
Building a Mini Berkshire Hathaway
Episode 47
Thursday, September 1, 2022 • Duration 01:08:59
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.
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.
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
Investor Psychology & Trading on the Future With Raoul Pal
Episode 45
Thursday, August 18, 2022 • Duration 01:06:47
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.
How Building in Space Will Improve Life on Earth with Delian Asparouhov
Episode 44
Thursday, August 11, 2022 • Duration 59:46
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.
►► 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
Creativity Unlocks with Tom Green
Episode 43
Thursday, August 4, 2022 • Duration 58:34
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.
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
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