MicroConf On Air MicroConf Tactics: 7 Tempting Startup Ideas I’d NEVER Build (And Why)
Aug 13, 2025
Delve into seven alluring yet treacherous startup ideas that could derail even the most enthusiastic founders. The discussion reveals the pitfalls of ad-supported models and the struggles of navigating complex marketplaces. Learn about the high stakes involved in pursuing risky ventures and why some concepts should be avoided altogether. This insightful analysis draws on years of experience, helping aspiring entrepreneurs steer clear of tempting but hazardous paths.
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Tempting Ideas Can Be Traps
- Some startup ideas are seductive but historically burn founders' time, money, and sanity.
- Focus on ideas with realistic paths to profitability and avoid common traps early-stage founders fall into.
Skip Ad-Supported-Only Models
- Avoid building businesses that rely solely on ad revenue unless you plan to raise large venture capital.
- Ads require massive scale and make you beholden to advertisers while users often block or hate them.
Don't Rely On Tiny Transaction Fees
- Avoid percentage-only revenue models that take tiny slices of transactions unless you can process enormous volume.
- Small percentages rarely scale into sustainable revenue for bootstrapped founders without huge GMV.