Business idea · E-commerce
Cat Labs - Retro Tech Products
Cat Labs - Retro Tech Products is a brand focusing on the revival of retro tech products, such as Bluetooth-enabled rotary phones and other nostalgic devices that serve modern needs. It was pitched on My First Million in the episode "We found 7 business ideas that will blow up in 2026" (aired June 2, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | We found 7 business ideas that will blow up in 2026 |
| Aired | June 2, 2026 |
| Category | E-commerce |
| Real companies on the episode | CatGPT, The Fun Day Press, Other Ship, Pet Chat, Endpoint Arena, Flow Alarm Clock |
The problem it solves
Provides an alternative to modern technology by offering products that evoke nostalgia while addressing current technological needs.
How it makes money
One-time purchase for each product, with potential for limited edition releases.
Skills you need
Product design, branding, market research, and customer engagement.
The market, and why this works now
Pet owners aged 30-50 who appreciate vintage aesthetics are likely to buy retro tech products. The revival of interest in nostalgia, driven by platforms like TikTok, creates a favorable environment for Cat Labs. A practical first-revenue move is to promote products on r/ecommerce, targeting users who enjoy unique gadgets. Initial challenges will include sourcing quality components for retro designs, which may lead to longer production times and increased costs.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- CatGPT
An educational platform on AI that expanded to create a physical landline-style Bluetooth phone.
- The Fun Day Press
A company that produces quirky physical newsletters.
- Other Ship
A high-end sauna and breathwork experience in Manhattan that combines wellness practices with social interaction.
- Pet Chat
A Chinese startup that has developed a dog collar using AI to translate pets' barks into human language.
- Endpoint Arena
A prediction market platform focused on clinical trials that allows users to bet on the outcomes of pharmaceutical research.
- Flow Alarm Clock
An innovative alarm clock that requires users to interact with it physically to turn it off.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Episode: We found 7 business ideas that will blow up in 2026
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.