The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
In-person versions of digital products will consistently command 2-3x higher prices and be easier to sell than their digital counterparts by 2026.
The Reasoning
Physical experiences create natural scarcity, enhance perceived value through tangibility, and satisfy growing human need for authentic connection in an increasingly digital world.
What Needs to Be True
- Remote work continues creating isolation
- AI continues commoditizing digital content
- People maintain higher disposable income for experiences
- Digital fatigue continues growing
Counterargument
Economic downturns could make high-priced physical experiences luxury items, and improved VR/AR could bridge the gap between digital and physical experiences.
What Would Change This View
Breakthrough VR technology creating equally immersive remote experiences, or major economic recession making premium pricing unsustainable.
Implications for Builders
Start converting successful digital products to IRL formats now
Price physical experiences aggressively high from the start
Build operations capability for event management
Create content showcasing physical experiences as social proof
Example Application
“A $500 online copywriting course becomes a $2500 weekend 'Copy Camp' with same content but in-person delivery, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops.”