3 startup ideas from the co-founder of Loom (make $120k/mo)

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Nov 25, 2024

In this conversation, Shahed Khan, co-founder of the billion-dollar company Loom, shares innovative startup concepts. He introduces a TikTok-inspired travel app that offers curated experiences for the modern traveler, a minimalist social network emphasizing intimate connections, and physical time capsules to preserve shared memories. Shahed dives into how to leverage social media trends for business ideas and the emotional power of nostalgia in our digital lives. His insights reveal how startups can create genuine engagement in today's fast-paced market.

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INSIGHT

Modern Travel Preferences

Millennials and Gen Z dislike generic travel experiences, preferring unique local finds.
An app featuring curated local gems, like those showcased on TikTok, could cater to this preference.

ADVICE

Building a Travel App

Start by researching trending categories on TikTok and Instagram to identify popular travel interests.
Build a simple directory-based app with city guides, focusing on a specific niche like coffee shops.

ADVICE

Content Creation

Leverage existing content from TikTok and Instagram to populate the app initially.
Create original content to supplement and personalize the app's offerings.

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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

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FIND ME ON SOCIAL
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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/