In this episode, Sari Azout, Founder and CEO of Sublime, explores various startup ideas and business concepts. The discussion centers on the evolving nature of startups in the AI era, emphasizing the importance of focusing on specific, well-defined problems rather than broad solutions. Sari shares multiple business ideas, from parental control services to creative tools, while discussing the philosophy behind building successful products in today’s market.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and setup
00:57 – Startup Idea 1: DrScreenTime
06:39 – Startup Idea 2: Business-in-a-box ideas
13:34 – What becomes scarce in an AGI world?
14:38 – Founders and Their Approaches
16:10 – Akio Morita Simplicity Principle
17:01 – Startup Idea 3: Podshot
22:10 – Discussion on micro-startups
25:53 – Testing Ideas and Positioning
29:03 – Feedback and Intuition
33:04 – Startup Idea 4: Meme generator
Key Points:
• Discussion of several innovative startup ideas including "DrScreenTime" (parental control franchise), PodShot, and meme generator
• Exploration of business-in-a-box concepts and the future of trades/crafts
• Analysis of micro-startups vs. traditional startup approaches
1) The "Franchise for Parental Controls" Idea
Parents are desperate for help managing screen time. Current solutions = messy.
Opportunity: In-home screen time consultants who:
– Set up controls
– Create family rules
– Recommend apps/tools
Revenue model:
• $2K setup fee
• Recurring affiliate revenue
• Think "Dr. Screen Time"
2) The "Business in a Box" Trend
Big insight: What becomes scarce in an AI world?
Answer: People doing things with their hands!
Opportunity: Modern craft business franchise
• Partner with local artists
• Supply chain + education
• Target: offline-first experiences
• Status = disconnecting from screens
3) The Trade School Revolution
Huge opportunity in modernizing trade education:
• Lambda School model for trades
• Zero upfront tuition
• Revenue share after job placement
• Bundle with business tools/marketing
• Focus: plumbing, electrical, etc.
Why? Trades becoming MORE valuable in AI era
4) The Micro-Startup Strategy
Modern startup playbook:
1. Have a 10-year vision
2. Unbundle into micro-products
3. Start with easiest/viral pieces
4. Build distribution first
Key insight: "Nobody searches for an inspiration engine"
5) Product Development Philosophy
Two types of founders:
• Artists (creative vision driven)
• Scientists (iteration driven)
Choose your path but stick to it.
Sari’s 2024 goal: "Take less feedback, trust intuition more"
6) The Meme Generator Opportunity
Final killer idea: Long-form to meme converter
• Input: articles, presentations, links
• Output: culturally relevant memes
• Train on curated meme library
• Potential $10M+ SaaS business
Why? No idea goes mainstream without memes
Key Takeaway:
2024 startup strategy:
1. Build close to OR far from AI
2. Focus on what becomes scarce
3. Start micro, think macro
4. Distribution not Product
Notable Quotes:
"No idea will become mainstream if it’s not captured in a meme." – Sari Azout
"Screenshots are the new bookmarks." – 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 SARI ON SOCIAL
Sublime: https://sublime.app
X/Twitter: https://x.com/sariazout
Substack: https://sublimeinternet.substack.com
