Business idea · Agency
DIY Investment Banking
DIY Investment Banking is a service that empowers companies to manage their own investment banking processes, reducing reliance on traditional banks and lawyers. It was pitched on My First Million in the episode "How to find your arbitrage (from the guy who’s done it 3x) ft. Nick Kokonas" (aired October 26, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | How to find your arbitrage (from the guy who’s done it 3x) ft. Nick Kokonas |
| Aired | October 26, 2026 |
| Category | Agency |
| Real companies on the episode | Talk, A Restaurant (Unnamed), Uber, Nobu, Strange House, Alinea |
The problem it solves
This business addresses the high costs and inefficiencies associated with traditional investment banking, which often involves lengthy processes and high fees.
How it makes money
Subscription-based model where companies pay a monthly fee for access to the platform and tools necessary for managing their investment banking tasks.
Skills you need
Knowledge of finance, investment banking principles, software development for platform creation, and strong project management skills.
The market, and why this works now
Manufacturers with over $5M in revenue often face high investment banking fees for capital raises. The SEC's Regulation Crowdfunding allows these companies to solicit investments directly from the public, making DIY Investment Banking viable now. A first revenue move could involve advertising on the Equity Crowdfunding subreddit, targeting businesses interested in self-managed fundraising. A constraint in the first 12 months will be the platform dependency on reliable data integration for due diligence processes, which may require extensive development time and resources.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Talk
Talk was a company that aimed to improve the restaurant reservation process by understanding customer preferences and offering dynamic pricing for table reservations.
- A Restaurant (Unnamed)
A high-profile restaurant started by the speaker, which gained recognition as one of the best in America.
- Uber
Uber is a ride-hailing platform that connects passengers with drivers through a mobile app, utilizing dynamic pricing models to manage supply and demand.
- Nobu
Nobu is a high-end restaurant chain known for its Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine.
- Strange House
A unique immersive experience that combines elements of magic and narrative arc, aiming to create human connections through awe and wonder.
- Alinea
Alinea is a fine dining restaurant in Chicago known for its innovative cuisine and unique dining experiences.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Episode: How to find your arbitrage (from the guy who’s done it 3x) ft. Nick Kokonas
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.