Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
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
00:50 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide
19:25 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network
34:06 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
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 SHAHED ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/_shahedk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedkhan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shahedk/
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:50 Startup Idea 1: The Modern Travel Guide
19:25 Startup Idea 2: The anti-social social network
34:06 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
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 SHAHED ON SOCIAL
X/Twitter: https://x.com/_shahedk
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahedkhan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shahedk/
Creators & Guests
What is The Startup Ideas Podcast?
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