In this episode, I am joined by Shahed Khan, co-founder of Loom, as we explore innovative startup ideas, and his frameworks for finding and building startups
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide
19:12 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network
33:53 Startup Idea 3: Time Capsules of Shared Memories
1) The Anti-TripAdvisor Traveler
Problem: Millennials & Gen Z hate cookie-cutter travel experiences
Solution: TikTok-inspired travel app with curated, local gems
Key features:
• City-specific guides (coffee shops, bookstores, etc.)
• Video carousels showing vibes
• Monetize by unlocking full guides ($0.99)
How to build MVP:
1. Use TikTok API to pull trending local videos
2. Transcribe with Descript or Google Speech-to-Text
3. Clean up with ChatGPT
4. Auto-post to WordPress via Zapier
Pro tip: Start hyper-niche (e.g., coffeesnobs.xyz) then expand
2) The New "Path" – Dunbar’s Social Network
Problem: We’ve lost connection with our REAL friends
Solution: Reinvent Path for 2024 – ultra-private social network
Key features:
• Max 150 connections (Dunbar’s number)
• Location-based updates
• Simple, minimalist design
Why it could work:
• People crave intimate, ad-free spaces
• AI makes building faster & cheaper
• Charge $20-30/year subscription
Marketing angle: "The anti-social social network"
3) Time Capsules of Shared Memories
Problem: "Shared albums are where memories go to die"
Solution: Physical, ephemeral time capsules of shared experiences
Key features:
• Pull from connected social accounts
• Curate personalized memory boxes
• Make it EASY to send as gifts
Monetization:
• Subscription for curation
• Charge per physical time capsule sent
Inspiration: Remember Klout? Leverage nostalgia!
Bonus insight: People don’t change. Our needs stay the same.
Products evolve, but human nature is constant. Study the past!
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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BoringAds — ads agency that will build you profitable ad campaigns http://boringads.com/
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Startup Empire – a membership for builders who want to build cash-flowing businesses https://www.startupempire.co
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedkhan/
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