My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Most AI startups will get steamrolled by OpenAI model improvements, only workflow-embedded companies will survive
The Reasoning
OpenAI releases increasingly capable models that commoditize AI features, companies without deep workflow integration lose their differentiation
What Needs to Be True
- OpenAI continues rapid model improvement pace
- API access makes AI capabilities broadly available
- Workflow integration creates meaningful switching costs
- Enterprise customers prefer integrated solutions over point tools
Counterargument
Specialized models outperform general ones, regulatory requirements favor smaller providers, OpenAI focuses on consumers not enterprise workflows
What Would Change This View
OpenAI development pace slows significantly, specialized AI companies create sustainable moats, enterprise adoption favors best-of-breed over integrated solutions
Implications for Builders
Build 90% workflow, 10% AI rather than AI-first products
Embed deeply in specific use cases rather than general tools
Create switching costs beyond model performance
Assume AI capabilities will commoditize quickly
Example Application
“Healthcare AI company focuses on integration with specific EHR systems and regulatory compliance rather than just building better diagnostic models”
Related Knowledge
Fire Crown will reach $1 billion revenue by 2030 through magazine acquisitions and commerce developm
Dying magazine industry provides cheap acquisition targets, expensive hobby audiences have high purchasing power, negati
Negative Customer Acquisition Cost Model
A business model where customers pay you to become customers, then you sell them higher-value products or services
Content-Informed Commerce Strategy
Using content engagement data to identify and validate high-value commercial opportunities before building them
Acquire and consolidate dying magazines into profitable commerce-driven media business
Portfolio of 20+ magazines generating $50M+ revenue with 18%+ EBITDA margins by selling high-value products to engaged a
Risk Perception Changes with Experience
Experienced entrepreneurs perceive less risk in activities they've done repeatedly, while others see the same activities
Patient capital enables better business building than venture timelines
Entrepreneurs should seek capital sources aligned with their business development timeline rather than accepting standar