The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
“What is the hardest thing I can build”
What It Means
When AI removes traditional constraints, start with most ambitious version rather than building incrementally
Why It Matters
AI capabilities enable attempting previously impossible projects, creating differentiation
When It's True
When AI tools reliably handle complex tasks that would require teams manually
When It's Risky
When AI capabilities are overestimated or maintenance becomes impossible without AI
How to Apply
Ask what's hardest in your domain as starting point
Use AI capabilities to attempt ambitious scope
Validate that complexity adds user value
Example Scenario
“Taylor built complete video editor from scratch instead of simple trimming tool, winning $100K first place”
Related Knowledge
Build Hardest Thing First
When AI tools enable new capabilities, start with the most ambitious/difficult version of what you want to build rather
You have to have surface area and brand mentions
Success in AI search requires mentions across many pages that AI references, not just single high-authority placements
you want to find underserved opportunities
Success comes from targeting markets with demand but few competitors rather than obvious popular markets
And I love unfair advantages
Actively seeking tools, platforms, or opportunities that provide disproportionate competitive advantages over others in
Clarity is going to drive everything
Having precise understanding of target customers and their problems is more critical for startup success than product qu
if something is working, then probably you can copy it and put your own spin on it
Success patterns can be replicated and improved rather than starting from scratch