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”