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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FIND SHAHED ON SOCIAL
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new character unlocked shahed co-founder of loom sold for a billy. like/comment/subscribe for more of this stuff in your feed
00:03 – Exploring innovative travel ideas to cater to Millennial preferences.
02:43 – Creating a travel app inspired by TikTok for unique local experiences.
07:40 – Utilize TikTok trends to create a location-based guide app.
10:01 – Create niche guides monetized through unlockable content.
14:35 – Create an SEO-focused guide for local coffee shops using TikTok insights.
16:55 – Travel app for millennials and Gen Z can capitalize on the rising travel trend.
21:08 – Create a new micro social network focused on proximity and close friends.
23:08 – SEO strategy can enhance startup visibility and reduce reliance on ads.
27:16 – Consumer social products require strong network effects to succeed.
29:10 – Reimagining Facebook with a fresh design could capture modern interest.
33:34 – Innovative ideas for monetizing shared memories through time capsules.
35:46 – Create an ephemeral, curated time capsule of memories.
39:57 – Create a business around shared photos before they fade away.
This was another fantastic podcast! It all rings so true to me and just feels so right and organic. Thank you again, both of you.
Idea 1 is cool, but can it hit big numbers? 99 cents to unlock more coffee shops and stuff like that doesn’t sound very profitable
Is it clow d or clawd… Greg.. lol