The Startup Ideas Podcast

• I challenged Manus AI to find $1M+ AI Startup Ideas - It Actually Delivered

  In this episode, host I test Manus AI's ability to function as an AI co-founder by asking it to develop a million-dollar business idea focused on AI. The system analyzes Y Combinator startups and Reddit trends to identify opportunities, ultimately recommending an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. Manus delivers a comprehensive business proposal including market validation, pricing strategy, and even designs a functional landing page.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:41 - Initial Prompt: Ideas for $1M Startup in 18 Months03:24 - Manus AI Processing Prompt06:25 - Alternative Use Cases of Manus AI13:14 - Results from First Prompt15:19 - Prompt 2: Focus on Niche Startup Opportunities 17:46 -  Results from Second Prompt23:15 - Prompt 3: Validate Ideas with data and trend analysis27:00 - Prompt 4: Refining data and trend analysis29:0` - Prompt 5: Creating a Landing Page with Manus34:23 - Reviewing results from Business Proposal37:35 - Results from Fifth Prompt39:25 - Final Thoughts on Manus AI and Startup IdeasKey Points:• I explore Manus AI's multi-agent capabilities to generate a viable startup idea that could make $1 million in 18 months• Manus AI analyzes YC's latest batch, Reddit trends, and market opportunities to identify niche AI business concepts• The AI recommends "AI-powered micro-consulting for SMBs" as the most promising opportunity• Manus creates a complete business proposal including landing page design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan1) I challenged Manus AI (a multi-agent AI system) to develop a complete business plan for an AI startup that could make $1M in 18 months.The goal: See if AI can identify REAL market trends and opportunities better than humans can.2) What makes Manus different from ChatGPT?• Multi-agent capabilities (can browse while chatting)• Can analyze multiple sources simultaneously• Performs complex research tasks independently• Creates actual code/designs, not just concepts3) The COOLEST use cases Greg discovered while testing Manus:• Converting unstructured data into organized tables• Analyzing financial reports like a JP Morgan analyst• Contract review (saving $1500+ lawyer fees)• Creating highlight reels from podcast audio• Building websites from scratch4) The AI identified these KEY TRENDS in the AI startup landscape:• Vertical-specific AI solutions for regulated industries• AI agents for specialized workflows• Infrastructure tools helping others deploy AI• No-code/low-code AI accessibility solutions5) The WINNING IDEA Manus proposed: "Spark Console AI" - an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses.The problem it solves? SMBs need expert consulting but can't afford $150-500/hour traditional services.The solution? $49-500/month AI consulting agents.6) What impressed me most: Manus VALIDATED the idea with ACTUAL DATA:• 47% growth in r/smallbusiness subscribers• Direct quotes from Reddit showing pain points:"I'd love expert advice but can't justify $200 consultants""Generic AI tools don't understand my industry challenges"7) Manus even built a COMPLETE landing page with:• Eye-catching design• Lead generation forms• Interactive business assessment• Pricing tiersAll without Greg needing to write a single line of code! 8) The LIMITATIONS Greg found:• You still need to ask the right questions• It's more like a "junior employee" than a true co-founder• Takes 10-15 minutes for complex tasks• You need to push back on some recommendations9) My takeaway: We're entering an era where the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE isn't coding ability - it's knowing which QUESTIONS to ask AI.The winners will be those who can identify trends and direct AI to build solutions that ride those tailwinds.Notable Quotes:"In a world where anyone could create software... figuring out what is the brand, what is the landing page, what is the product, and what is the trend... is gonna help you actually build a business, not just build a product." - GregLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

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  43:01
• If I wanted to build $1M+ AI startup in 2025, I'd do this

  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 - Intro01:25 - Business building in AI08:13 - Media Business Opportunities and AI 18:18 - The future of GPT wrappers21:20 - Automation and AI tools we use29:14 - Startup Idea 1: MCP and Financial Analysis34:49 - Startup Idea 2: AI Web Design Agency 37:06 - Startup Idea 3: Message Maxing43:43 - Startup Idea 4:  AI-Based Lending Solutions49:43 - 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 models1) 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 Southwest3) 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 SECONDS4) 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 neglectingPerfect 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 automationLow-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." - GregLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND ANDREW ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/awilkinsonNever Enough: https://www.neverenough.comTiny: https://www.tiny.com

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  52:59
• How he finds $1M+ CPG startup ideas before anyone else using Ahrefs and Manus AI

  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 - Intro03:45 - Ahrefs tool for keyword research15:08 -  Particl for analyzing competitor sales data18:52 - Why start a CPG brand21:05 - How to stand out in crowded categories24:57- Opportunities in Branding for Older Adults28:40 - Bootstrapping Your Product Idea33:56 - Researching Your Market and Competitors36:52 - Manus AI for automating market research39:58 -  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 versa1) 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 distributionThis 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, PhilippinesThis 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 competitorsThis tool shows:• E-commerce sales data for brands• Best-selling SKUs• Category trendsCrucial 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 demographics7) 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 preferences8) 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 directlyNotable 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." - AshwinnLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND ASHWINN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/ShwinnabegoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/shwinnabegobrandBrand Brothers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wgTQ7mXBngdiNzcJ2cUJZ

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  42:32
• The best way to build an audience in 2025 (My 4-Step System)

  How to build an audience in 2025: https://www.startupempire.co/build-an-audienceI’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 - Intro01:58 - The ACP Framework04:06 - Step 1: Identify Who You're Creating For10:05 -  Step 2: Find Your Format19:43 -  Step 3: Build Systems That Stick24:52 - Step 4: Pick ONE Primary Goal28:08 - Where to Begin? The Reply Guy Strategy31:08 - WHY Building an Audience MattersKey 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 opportunities1) The ACP Framework: Your FoundationA = 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 ForDon'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 nicheExample: 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 FormatYour 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 youRemember: Formats have lifecycles! What works today might not work in 6 months.4) Step 3: Build Systems That StickThe 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 GoalDon'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 assetThe BEST advice: Just start! Don't get stuck in analysis paralysis.6) Where to Begin? The Reply Guy StrategyFeeling 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 solo7) WHY Building an Audience MattersAn 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 neededNotable 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." - GregWant 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/30startupideasLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND JONATHAN ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicecreamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-courtney-4510644b/AJ&Smart: https://ajsmart.com/

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  51:54
• Model Context Protocol (MCP), clearly explained

  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 - Intro02:39 - The Evolution of LLMs: From Text Prediction to Tool Use07:51 - MCPs explained11:11 - MCP Ecosystem Overview13:59 - Technical Challenges of MCP15:18 - Conclusion on MCP's Potential16:00 - Startup Ideas for Developers and Non-Technical UsersKey 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 services1) 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 UseStage 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 things3) The Current State: LLMs + ToolsStage 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 NIGHTMAREThis is why we don't have Jarvis-level assistants yet! 4) Enter MCPs: The Game-ChangerMCPs 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 ExplainedThe 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 BuildersFor technical folks:• Opportunity to build tools like MCP app stores• Easier integration between services• Less engineering headachesFor 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 appsNotable 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 MikeLCA 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.coFIND ME ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenbergInstagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/FIND MIC ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/rasmickyyYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@rasmic

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  20:31

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