The Startup Ideas Podcast

The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.

Themed IRL Learning Camps

For: Digital professionals craving in-person connection and accelerated learning

Buildability

The Problem

Digital learning has become commoditized and lacks the deep connections and accelerated learning that comes from immersive experiences. Professionals feel isolated working remotely and crave authentic community.

The Solution

Create themed weekend or week-long 'camps' that take popular online learning topics and deliver them through intensive in-person experiences with strong community elements.

Why Now?

Social media usage declining, AI making digital content feel less valuable, remote work creating desire for human connection, and successful digital products proving market demand exists.

Build MVP in 7 Days

Day 1

Pick a proven digital topic (copywriting, marketing, design)

Day 2

Choose specific dates 3 months out

Day 3

Find free location through business relationships

Day 4

Message 10 potential attendees directly

Day 5

Create simple landing page with location photos

Day 6

Get 3-5 soft commitments

Day 7

Launch to network with limited spots

How to Validate

Survey existing digital community about interest in IRL version

Run webinar proposing the concept and gauge response

Direct message warm prospects with specific offer

Pre-sell tickets before securing final location

Revenue Model

High-ticket event fees ($3k-15k per person), 20-50 attendees per event, 2-4 events per year, plus upsells to consulting/coaching

Competitive Moat

Personal relationships with attendees, reputation for exceptional experiences, physical logistics complexity as barrier to entry

Risks to Consider

Weather or logistics disrupting eventsDifficulty scaling beyond personal involvementSeasonal demand fluctuationsHigher operational complexity than digital products