The Startup Ideas Podcast

By: Greg Isenberg
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  • Summary

  • 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
    © The Startup Ideas Podcast
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Episodes
  • How he built 4 iOS Apps with 2,000+ paying users using AI (Solo Developer Blueprint)

    How he built 4 iOS Apps with 2,000+ paying users using AI (Solo Developer Blueprint)
    Apr 28 2025
    Join me as I chat with Chris Raroque, who demonstrates how to use AI tools to build sophisticated mobile apps as a solo developer. Chris walks through adding an AI chat feature to his budgeting app, showing his workflow with Cursor and Claude 3.7. He explains how to implement function calling to create an intelligent agent that can access transaction data and answer questions about spending patterns. Timestamps: • 00:00 - Introduction to Chris Raroque and his portfolio of apps • 02:32 - Overview of Cursor workflow for native iOS development • 09:54 - Demo of adding AI chat to a budgeting app • 17:50 - Connecting AI Chat Feature with Open Router • 25:55 - Improving prompts using Claude for better responses • 34:19 - Implementing tool/function calling for efficient data access • 45:13 - Adding token usage and cost tracking to the app • 48:34 - Techniques for AI-generated app assets and illustrations Key Points: • Chris Raroque demonstrates how to use Cursor with Claude 3.7 to build native iOS apps with AI features • Shows a workflow for adding an AI chat feature to an existing budgeting app using OpenRouter • Explains tool/function calling implementation to create an AI agent that can access transaction data • Shares techniques for generating high-quality app assets using ChatGPT 4.0 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 CHRIS ON SOCIAL Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raroque X/Twitter: https://x.com/raroque Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris.raroque/
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    Less than 1 minute
  • He shares his 5-Step Framework to build $1M/Month Mobile App

    He shares his 5-Step Framework to build $1M/Month Mobile App
    Apr 23 2025
    Join me as I chat with Hunter Isaacson, a successful mobile app builder who has created apps with hundreds of millions of downloads. Hunter shares his playbook for building million-dollar mobile apps, emphasizing the importance of simple experiences, strong branding, and creating effective growth loops. He discusses how to identify opportunities by adapting existing ideas to new channels and technologies.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:56 - Examples of Viral Consumer Apps04:35 - Hallow Deep dive 10:14 - Locket Deep dive13:51 - NGL’s Deep Dive15:08 - Don’t reinvent the wheel17:27 - Hunter’s $1M/Month App Playbook21:28 - Building a Brand People Love24:44 - Creating a simple experience25:26 - The importance of core action and North Star Metric26:33 - How to create growth loops31:28 - Additional Good Practices 33:13 - Opportunities in AI-enhanced app experiences36:38 - Future technology trends Hunter is excited aboutKey Points:• Hunter Isaacson shares his framework for building successful mobile apps, including NGL (250M downloads) and Bags• The importance of creating simple experiences with strong branding that people can understand and resonate with• How to identify core metrics and growth loops that drive user engagement and viral sharing• Leveraging new platform features (like widgets, live activities) to create innovative app experiences1) Hunter's framework for building viral, profitable apps is SURPRISINGLY simple:• Build a brand people love• Create a simple experience• Get users on quickly (even just 100)• Select ONE core action• Maximize % of users completing that actionLet's dive deeper...2) On building a BRAND PEOPLE LOVE:"Keep it short and find a slang term" - Hunter's secret sauce for naming apps.NGL = "not gonna lie" (obvious to Gen Z)BAGS = crypto slang for holdingsThe best names are OBVIOUS, resonate with your audience, and set the right vibe.3) Creating a SIMPLE EXPERIENCE is crucial!Hunter designs ALL his apps himself (started with PowerPoint, now Figma)His approach: "What's the bare bones MVP that solves the problem?"Don't overcomplicate. ONE user flow is better than branching journeys.4) The NORTH STAR METRIC changes everything.For each app, Hunter picks ONE metric that matters above all:• Wink: % of users getting a match on day 1• NGL: % sharing link + replies• BAGS: % funding account + making first tradeAim for 90%+ completion!5) GROWTH HACK: Build sharing into your core experience!"If you drop in 1000 people and 50% share, that's 500 people who've now shared your app"Hunter spent less than $10K marketing NGL to get 250M downloads! The key? Seed it just enough to activate the viral loop.6) You DON'T need to reinvent the wheel!Hunter on NGL: "Anonymous messaging apps have been around forever"The innovation? Using Instagram's new link feature as a growth channel.Look for EXISTING IDEAS that could work in NEW CHANNELS.7) On SEEDING your app:• Test content formats before launch• Work with creators in different niches• Pay small amounts ($50-100) to influencers• Look for that ONE viral video to ignite growth• Build an authentic voice on social8) TRENDS to watch according to Hunter:• Live Activities on iPhone (underutilized)• Lock screen widgets (not fully explored)• AI + consumer apps (CalAI's approach)• Crypto going mainstream• AR glasses (future)Massive opportunities in each!9) For YOUNG FOUNDERS, Hunter recommends:"Take a lot of swings. Have a lot of at-bats."Consumer mobile apps over B2B/SaaS when starting out:• More fun• Reach global audience• Better psychology understanding• Tools getting better every dayNotable Quotes:"I think that it's more about looking for frameworks than it is for looking for ideas. The framework, I feel like, is more important because now it's really easy to just framework X with audience Y." - Hunter Isaacson"You don't really need to reinvent the wheel... it's a new channel, right? If anonymous messaging has worked on the internet, it's worked on apps, it's worked on different platforms, why wouldn't it work with Instagram as the growth lever?" - Hunter IsaacsonLCA 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 HUNTER ON SOCIALX/Twitter: https://x.com/hunterjisaacsonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hunterjisaacson/
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    43 mins
  • He's built multiple $1M+ funnels, Here's What Works In 2025

    He's built multiple $1M+ funnels, Here's What Works In 2025
    Apr 21 2025
    Join me as I chat with Niels Klement, CMO of Perspective, we discuss how agencies are building highly profitable productized services using AI. He explains that the most successful approach involves focusing on a specific industry niche, creating a repeatable funnel template that delivers consistent results, and using AI to automate fulfillment. The discussion covers funnel optimization techniques, the importance of mobile-first design, and how interactive elements like quizzes significantly improve conversion rates.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:44 - Overview of productized services and funnel building03:21 - How to build a niche-focused service07:59 - Implementation of funnel templates and ads11:10 - Funnel Strategies in 202514:43 - How to make a great VSL18:54 - Funnel Strategies in 2025 pt221:05 - Where to use funnels23:51 - Demonstration of Perspective funnel building29:48 - Using funnels to validate startup ideasBuild your next sales funnel: https://try.perspective.co/4i8i3dkviavyKey Points:• Agencies are building highly profitable productized services ($10K-100K/month) by focusing on specific niches and using AI and funnel tools like Perspective• The most successful agencies target industries that aren't tech-savvy and focus on business-critical services like recruiting and lead generation• High-converting funnels use interactive elements, personalization, and quiz formats to achieve 26-28% conversion rates on cold traffic• AI can automate much of the service delivery, allowing small teams or solo founders to scale to significant revenue1) The Productized Service RevolutionAgencies are shifting from service-heavy to product-heavy models using AI + automation.Some are scaling to $1M/MONTH with 80% profit margins by:• Targeting specific niches (bakeries, lawyers, etc)• Delivering business-critical results• Using ONE killer funnel templateThe best part? You can run this with just 1-2 freelancers + AI agents.2) The Two Most Profitable Service ModelsAcross thousands of agencies using Perspective, two business models consistently outperform:A) RECRUITING FUNNELSHelp businesses find talent through automated systemsB) LEAD GENERATION FUNNELSDeliver qualified prospects to businesses3) The "One Funnel, Sell Twice" StrategyThe most successful agencies:• Pick ONE industry (preferably not tech-savvy)• Create ONE funnel template that delivers results• Use AI to customize it for each client• Automate fulfillment with AI agentsTop agencies in Perspective convert at 26-28% on COLD traffic! 4) What Makes High-Converting Funnels Work?The best performing funnels focus on:• SPEED: Pages loading less than 1 second convert 2.5X better• INTERACTIVITY: Quiz elements that create engagement• PERSONALIZATION: Tailoring content based on responses• CONSISTENCY: Matching ad messaging to landing pageThese elements create a "dopamine hit" similar to social feeds.5) The VSL (Video Sales Letter) FrameworkFor creating high-converting video content:• Focus intensely on the HOOK (first 5 seconds)• Provide genuine EDUCATION and value• Show PROOF that builds credibility• Create a natural progression to the OFFER6) How To Build Your First FunnelThe process is simpler than you think:1. Start with a mobile-first approach (95% of paid social traffic is mobile)2. Use quiz elements to qualify leads3. Personalize follow-up based on responses4. A/B test continuously (Perspective makes this easy)7) The Startup Validation Strategy1. Build an audience on social2. Create a funnel to test messaging3. Send organic traffic to validate4. Collect quiz data to understand pain points5. THEN build your productKEY TAKEAWAY:The future of services is PRODUCTIZED.With tools like Perspective + AI, you can build a highly profitable, low-overhead business by:• Focusing on one niche• Delivering one critical result• Using one killer funnel• Automating with AILCA 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 NIELS ON SOCIALInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nielsklementLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nielsklement/
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    33 mins

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