Podcast Episode Details

I challenged Manus AI to find $1M+ AI Startup Ideas - It Actually Delivered

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Episode 213

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In this episode, host I test Manus AI's ability to function as an AI co-founder by asking it to develop a million-dollar business idea focused on AI. The system analyzes Y Combinator startups and Reddit trends to identify opportunities, ultimately recommending an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses. Manus delivers a comprehensive business proposal including market validation, pricing strategy, and even designs a functional landing page.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:41 - Initial Prompt: Ideas for $1M Startup in 18 Months
03:24 - Manus AI Processing Prompt
06:25 - Alternative Use Cases of Manus AI
13:14 - Results from First Prompt
15:19 - Prompt 2: Focus on Niche Startup Opportunities 
17:46 -  Results from Second Prompt
23:15 - Prompt 3: Validate Ideas with data and trend analysis
27:00 - Prompt 4: Refining data and trend analysis
29:0` - Prompt 5: Creating a Landing Page with Manus
34:23 - Reviewing results from Business Proposal
37:35 - Results from Fifth Prompt
39:25 - Final Thoughts on Manus AI and Startup Ideas

Key Points:

• I explore Manus AI's multi-agent capabilities to generate a viable startup idea that could make $1 million in 18 months
• Manus AI analyzes YC's latest batch, Reddit trends, and market opportunities to identify niche AI business concepts
• The AI recommends "AI-powered micro-consulting for SMBs" as the most promising opportunity
• Manus creates a complete business proposal including landing page design, pricing strategy, and go-to-market plan

1) I challenged Manus AI (a multi-agent AI system) to develop a complete business plan for an AI startup that could make $1M in 18 months.

The goal: See if AI can identify REAL market trends and opportunities better than humans can.

2) What makes Manus different from ChatGPT?

• Multi-agent capabilities (can browse while chatting)
• Can analyze multiple sources simultaneously
• Performs complex research tasks independently
• Creates actual code/designs, not just concepts

3) The COOLEST use cases Greg discovered while testing Manus:

• Converting unstructured data into organized tables
• Analyzing financial reports like a JP Morgan analyst
• Contract review (saving $1500+ lawyer fees)
• Creating highlight reels from podcast audio
• Building websites from scratch

4) The AI identified these KEY TRENDS in the AI startup landscape:

• Vertical-specific AI solutions for regulated industries
• AI agents for specialized workflows
• Infrastructure tools helping others deploy AI
• No-code/low-code AI accessibility solutions

5) The WINNING IDEA Manus proposed: "Spark Console AI" - an AI-powered micro-consulting platform for small businesses.

The problem it solves? SMBs need expert consulting but can't afford $150-500/hour traditional services.

The solution? $49-500/month AI consulting agents.

6) What impressed me most: Manus VALIDATED the idea with ACTUAL DATA:

• 47% growth in r/smallbusiness subscribers
• Direct quotes from Reddit showing pain points:
"I'd love expert advice but can't justify $200 consultants"
"Generic AI tools don't understand my industry challenges"

7) Manus even built a COMPLETE landing page with:
• Eye-catching design
• Lead generation forms
• Interactive business assessment
• Pricing tiers

All without Greg needing to write a single line of code! 

8) The LIMITATIONS Greg found:

• You still need to ask the right questions
• It's more like a "junior employee" than a true co-founder
• Takes 10-15 minutes for complex tasks
• You need to push back on some recommendations

9) My takeaway: We're entering an era where the COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE isn't coding ability - it's knowing which QUESTIONS to ask AI.

The winners will be those who can identify trends and direct AI to build solutions that ride those ta

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Published on 8 months, 4 weeks ago