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My First Million

My First Million

The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.

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Automated FMCG Brand Incubator

For: Retailers seeking higher margin alternatives to P&G/Unilever products

Buildability

The Problem

Major FMCG companies have duopolies, deliver low margins to retailers, slow to innovate, dominated by TV advertising

The Solution

Automated manufacturing + digital marketing to create better products at better prices with higher retailer margins

Why Now?

Digital advertising more targeted than TV, automation technology advanced, retailers want alternatives to supplier concentration

Build MVP in 7 Days

Day 1

Research margin structures in target FMCG categories

Day 2

Identify categories with highest price-to-materials ratios

Day 3

Map major retailer buying contacts and decision makers

Day 4

Test digital advertising effectiveness vs established brands

Day 5

Calculate automation ROI for high-volume products

Day 6

Survey consumers on brand switching motivations

Day 7

Interview retailers on supplier relationship pain points

How to Validate

Launch single product in single geography with one retailer
Test digital marketing conversion vs traditional brands
Validate automation cost savings with pilot production
Measure retailer satisfaction with margin improvements
Track consumer adoption and repeat purchase rates

Revenue Model

Higher wholesale margins shared with retailers, direct-to-consumer through digital channels

Competitive Moat

Automation manufacturing, speed of innovation, retailer relationships, digital marketing expertise

Risks to Consider

Retaliation from established brandsHigh capital requirements for automationConsumer loyalty to established brandsRetailer relationships with existing suppliersComplexity of managing multiple categories