What Business Should I Start? Find Ideas Real Founders Started (Filter by Budget and Skills)
Pick your budget, your hours and your skills. You get ten ideas that founders described on startup podcasts, ranked for you, each with the show, the episode and the date so you can hear it from the founder.
By Startup Seeds Editorial Team. Tags updated 2026-10-20.
Matched using AI-estimated tags; open the source episode to verify. Budget, time, skills and online/local are estimated by claude-haiku-4-5 (2026-10-20) from each idea's stored summary, not stated by the founder. 1,724 ideas are tagged so far. How we tag.
Your top 10 matches
1.AI-Powered Directory Automation Tool
A software tool that leverages AI to automate the process of creating and updating directory listings, including scraping data from various sources and formatting it for web presentation.
Problem it solves: Keeping directory listings up to date can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. This tool would save time by automating data retrieval and formatting.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development, data and analytics; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $1K to $10K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development, data and analytics
Source: The Side Hustle Show, 692: $2500/mo with Online Directories, aired (listen)
Founder example: Indeed
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Focuses on using sponsorships to boost job listing visibility and employs powerful matching algorithms to connect employers with suitable candidates.
Founder example: Mediavine Grow
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Mediavine Grow focuses on optimizing ad placements and strategies for better monetization of content.
2.Automated Trade Execution Bot
A software tool that automates the execution of trades based on predefined criteria and signals from AI-driven analysis, enabling users to capitalize on market opportunities without constant monitoring.
Problem it solves: Investors often miss trading opportunities due to time constraints or indecision, leading to potential losses or missed profits.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development, data and analytics; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $1K to $10K; full-time (40+ hours); online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development, data and analytics
3.Jules: AI Coding Assistant
An AI-driven coding assistant that can automatically identify and fix bugs in software projects by integrating with platforms like GitHub.
Problem it solves: This business solves the issue of slow bug fixes and enhances coding efficiency by automating the debugging process, allowing developers to focus on feature development instead.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; full-time (40+ hours); online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development
Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, 5 New Tools from Google AI to make money/be productive (INSANITY), aired (listen)
Founder example: Project Jules
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Leverages AI to automate tedious debugging tasks, allowing developers to focus on higher-level programming challenges.
Founder example: Stitch
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Focus on user-driven design with features that allow for easy customization and export to design tools like Figma.
4.Online Arbitrage Deal Finder Tool
This tool automates the search for profitable online arbitrage deals by scanning multiple e-commerce sites for price discrepancies against Amazon listings.
Problem it solves: Online retailers often spend excessive time searching for arbitrage opportunities, which is inefficient and tedious. Existing solutions may lack comprehensive coverage of multiple sites, leading to missed opportunities.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development, data and analytics; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $1K to $10K; full-time (40+ hours); online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development, data and analytics
Source: The Side Hustle Show, 567: 20 Ways to Make Money on Amazon, aired (listen)
5.YouTube to Blog Post Automation
Develop a tool or service that automatically converts YouTube videos into SEO-optimized blog posts. This would save creators time and increase their content reach.
Problem it solves: Content creators often struggle to repurpose their video content for blogs to attract more organic traffic. This service would automate the entire process, making it easier for creators to leverage their video content.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development, marketing and seo; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 10 to 20 hours a week; online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development, marketing and seo
Source: Koerner Office, Forget Apps. Sell These Tiny AI Tools Instead - Ep. #299, aired (listen)
Founder example: Jasper AI
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Focus on creating a user-friendly interface for complex AI technologies, allowing marketers to easily generate content.
Founder example: Stripe. Stated on the episode: Ryan mentioned using Stripe for payment processing, which incurs a 3% fee.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Provides a seamless payment integration experience for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to focus on their core operations.
6.Email Subscriber Growth Tool
A platform designed to help businesses efficiently grow their email subscriber lists through streamlined tools for subscription management, engagement tracking, and content delivery.
Problem it solves: This addresses the challenge businesses face in building direct relationships with audiences amidst changing social media algorithms, ensuring sustained engagement and sales.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in software development, data and analytics, marketing and seo; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $10K to $20K; full-time (40+ hours); online; software; skills: software development, data and analytics, marketing and seo
Source: My First Million, I went bankrupt...now I own a billion dollar portfolio, aired (listen)
Founder example: Gold's Gym. Stated on the episode: Typical Gold's Gym locations can generate revenue in the range of $8 to $10 million per store.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Gold's Gym's model focuses on attracting bodybuilders and serious fitness enthusiasts, providing specialized equipment and environment tailored to this demographic.
7.MCP Compatibility Testing Tool
This startup would develop a software tool that automatically tests and verifies the compatibility of various MCP servers with LLMs, ensuring seamless integration.
Problem it solves: Developers face challenges in ensuring that their MCP servers work correctly with multiple LLMs, leading to potential failures and downtime. Existing testing solutions are often manual and time-consuming, making it ha...
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development, data and analytics; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $10K to $20K; full-time (40+ hours); online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development, data and analytics
Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, Model Context Protocol (MCP), clearly explained, aired (listen)
8.IncomeBuilder Software
A software tool designed to help real estate investors analyze properties and manage their investment portfolios effectively. It includes features like a deal analyzer that uses AI to ensure properties meet specific financial criteria.
Problem it solves: Many new investors struggle with analyzing deals and managing their properties efficiently. This software provides a structured approach to property investment, guiding users through each step of the process.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development, data and analytics, marketing and seo; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $10K to $20K; full-time (40+ hours); online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development, data and analytics, marketing and seo
Source: The Side Hustle Show, 691: 10 Year Path - 1 House A Year: Your Simple 10-Year Path to Financial Flexibility, aired (listen)
Founder example: Akron Turnkey
How they started, per the episode summary:
- The business model focuses on renovating properties and ensuring they are tenant-ready, providing a smooth investment experience for buyers.
9.Better Inbox Email Response Tracker
A simple SaaS application that tracks and reports email response times for individuals and teams.
Problem it solves: Businesses struggle to monitor and improve email response times, which directly affects sales and customer satisfaction. Existing solutions are often overly complex and expensive, making them inaccessible for smaller...
Why it fits you: uses your skills in software development, data and analytics, marketing and seo; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $250 to $1K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; software; skills: software development, data and analytics, marketing and seo
Source: Koerner Office, Part 2/3: Every Business I've Ever Started. Ep. #021, aired (listen)
Founder example: Texas Smokes. Stated on the episode: The founder mentioned selling smokers at a markup from $100 to around $160-$170, but ultimately the venture was abandoned as it proved to be a distraction from the core business.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Identify trending products within your existing business or market that show high demand.
- Create a dedicated e-commerce site for the product, ensuring it has a user-friendly design.
- Use paid ads (like Facebook Ads) to drive traffic to the new site, particularly targeting existing customers.
Founder example: Fast Tree Care. Stated on the episode: While specific revenue figures weren't provided, the business operates with 40-50% gross margins and has shown consistent growth, including hosting bootcamps to teach others about the model.
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Identify a service-based business with high demand and low competition (like tree trimming).
- Develop a detailed operational playbook outlining processes, pricing, and customer service strategies.
- Hire and train a team of reliable subcontractors for the physical work, ensuring quality control.
10.Automated Proposal Generator
A tool that leverages AI to draft business proposals based on user input and past preferences, streamlining the proposal creation process for professionals.
Problem it solves: It solves the problem of time-consuming proposal drafting by automating the process and ensuring consistency in branding and formatting based on user-defined preferences.
Why it fits you: uses your skills in ai and automation, software development; is run online; is a software business.
Estimated tags: start-up cost $1K to $10K; 20 to 40 hours a week; online; software; skills: ai and automation, software development
Source: Startup Ideas Podcast, AI Agents Full Course 59 Minutes (for beginners), aired (listen)
Founder example: Anti-Gravity
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Integrates with user files and provides a structured environment for task management, enhancing the user experience.
Founder example: MCP (Model Context Protocol)
How they started, per the episode summary:
- Acts as an intermediary for AI agents to interact with different applications without needing extensive custom developments.
Founders who built something like this
Real businesses from the same podcasts whose estimated tags also match your filters. Revenue is only shown when the episode summary states it.
Founded by Blake Anderson, Plug AI is an AI-driven mobile application that originally focused on giving users tips on how to text girls. The app has since evolved into a broader AI solution, now serving a wide audienc...
Stated on the episode: Plug AI boasts over 3 million downloads and generates approximately $200,000 in monthly revenue. At its peak, the app reached about $700,000 in monthly revenue.
- Identify a niche: Start by focusing on a specific audience, like young adults seeking dating advice or career guidance.
- Leverage AI technology: Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to create personalized experiences for users without significant upfront costs.
- Develop a minimum viable product (MVP): Quickly build a simplified version of your app to test the market and gather user feedback.
Founded by J.E.N., Drippy AI is a software platform that enables users to send personalized bulk direct messages on Twitter. The tool is designed for businesses looking to engage with their audience effectively withou...
Stated on the episode: In just three months, Drippy AI has sent approximately 861,000 DMs, demonstrating significant traction in the cold outreach space. They've also secured around 350 users, showcasing their early growth potential.
- Set up a landing page describing your version of Drippy AI to gauge interest.
- Run small-scale ads to drive traffic to your landing page and collect email signups.
- Reach out to people who signed up to understand their specific needs.
Source: In The Pit with Cody Schneider, sliding into 861,000 DMs to convert twitter connections into cash
An e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create online stores, manage products, and handle transactions easily.
- Utilizes proven templates for storefront design and built-in AI for product photography, making it easier for businesses to focus on sales and marketing.
Source: The Side Hustle Show, 744: $11k MRR from our 1-Year-Old Side Hustle
Our Baby AI - A creative AI tool that generates realistic baby images based on uploaded photos
Founded by eFan Go, Our Baby AI is a digital service that allows users to upload their and their partner's photos to generate AI-created images of what their future baby might look like. Launched in April 2023, it pro...
Stated on the episode: Within six months of launching, eFan generated over $10,000 in revenue and later sold the business for an undisclosed five-figure sum.
- Create valuable content addressing the problem Our Baby AI - A creative AI tool that generates realistic baby images based on uploaded photos solves.
- Build an audience through consistent content creation and distribution.
- Survey your audience to understand their specific needs and pain points.
Source: The Side Hustle Show, 638: 10 Scary-Good Side Hustles That Make Real Money
PriceSatellite.com is a website designed by Isaac to help users save money on luxury items while traveling. It compares prices in different countries, factoring in currency conversion rates and VAT savings.
Stated on the episode: Currently, the site is attracting around 30-50 visitors a day, with a goal of reaching one million views per month through SEO and affiliate marketing.
- Research the market to identify pricing gaps for luxury products in different countries.
- Gather data from official retail websites to create a database of prices while considering currency conversions and taxes.
- Build a user-friendly website that presents this data clearly and attractively.
Source: My First Million, Meet the 14yo entrepreneur who's already launched 2 businesses
How to choose a business to start
Start with the constraint you cannot change
For most people it is money or time, not imagination. If you have a job and ten hours a week, a business that needs forty hours and a warehouse is not a real option, however good it sounds. Set budget and hours first and let the list shrink.
Use skills you already have
An idea that needs sales when you have only ever written code will cost you months. The skills filter keeps ideas where most of the needed skills are ones you picked, and shows you which ones matched.
Check the source before you commit
A summary of a podcast episode is not a business plan. Open the episode, hear how the founder described the costs and the first customers, and treat our tags as a way to shortlist, not as a verdict.
How we tag the ideas
- We read each idea and founder example from our database that is released and has enough text to judge.
- An AI model (see the tag date above) assigns fixed-vocabulary tags: estimated start-up cost band, weekly hours band, up to four skills, business model, online or local, whether it can be run from home, and whether it fits a side income or needs full-time focus. It also reports a confidence score and may answer "unknown".
- Only ideas with a confidence of at least 70% can appear in results. Unknown answers never satisfy a filter.
- Ranking uses the number of filters an idea meets, how many of its skills you have, and the confidence score. If fewer than ten ideas meet every filter we relax one filter at a time and tell you which.
- We spot-check a random sample by hand and fix the prompt when a pattern of errors shows up.
Frequently asked questions
- What business should I start if I have no experience?
- Start from your constraints, not from a trend. Pick the most money you can spend and the hours you can give, then keep only the ideas whose required skills you already have or can learn quickly. The finder does that filtering across ideas that founders described on startup podcasts, and every result links to the episode so you can hear the details before you decide.
- What business can I start with $10,000?
- Ideas with an estimated start-up cost of $10,000 or less are mostly service businesses, content and media businesses, and small software or ecommerce projects. Set the budget filter to "Up to $10,000" to see them, then open the source episode for each one to check the real costs.
- Can I start a business while keeping my job?
- Yes, many of the ideas can run alongside a job. Choose "Side income" as your goal and set the hours you can give each week. The finder hides ideas that look like they need full-time focus and shows what each match was estimated to need.
- Where do these business ideas come from?
- Every idea was pulled from a real episode of a startup podcast we cover, such as My First Million, The Side Hustle Show, The Startup Ideas Podcast, Koerner Office and In The Pit with Cody Schneider. Each result names the show, the episode and the air date and links to it. Nothing on this page is invented.
- How are the budget, hours and skills determined?
- They are estimates. An AI model read the stored summary of each idea and assigned a start-up cost band, weekly hours, skills, and whether the business is online or local, with a confidence score. Only ideas above a confidence threshold appear in results. The estimates can be wrong, so open the source episode to verify before you commit money or time.
- Is the idea finder free?
- Yes. It is free to use, with no sign-up. Results and the URL you share are generated from the filters you pick.