So I turn to the brilliance of the HN collective for ideas. Any and all suggestions welcome!
Do your friends and family understand that they have a very high chance of never seeing that money again? If you value your relationship with them, give the money back.
VC investing is not for the faint of heart. You probably convinced them to invest because you've done it once, and were decently successful -- but not successful enough to have a seed round for your next one.
Examine each pain point, document why it's a pain, who else is likely to have that pain, how it might be fixed by software.
Analyze existing software that attempts to address the pain point. Do any of them address it adequately? If so, strike that pain point (you could compete, but it will be harder). If it's addressed, but not adequately - or not addressed at all, then you have a candidate. If not addressed all, think long on whether there is a reason for that, and what it could be.
Interested in software for a particular group (e.g. bicyclists)? Make friends within the group, then find out their pain points, and repeat the above procedure.
Once you have ten 16 candidates (if you can't come up with 16 using this process, then add a new group or switch), pick the best 8 based on the following:
- how executable your idea is
- how crowded the market space is
- your skillset, or the skillsets of the team you are confident you can put together
- how long it might take you to get a product to market
- how much investment is needed, and what your runway would be
Then do the same for that 8 to pick the best 4, and then the best two.
Do a MVP for each of the best two and see what traction you can get.
It's possible all four of your top ones are viable idea.
As for a Twitter alternative, that's like saying an Office alternative. Pick one facet of Twitter (e.g., doing polls) and analyze as above. You're better off with something else though, as the market for Twitter alternatives is already over-saturated. And in the next two-years it will become even more so. Someone will create the next big social media thing though, so who knows.
Cleantech — sorry, I mean ClimateTech — is big at the moment. YC just posted a fairly comprehensive list of what they see as opportunities.
A service that creates personalized, 3D-printed dolls based on customers' physical appearances.
A platform that connects people with similar allergies, sensitivities, or dietary restrictions to share recipes and tips.
A virtual reality escape room company that allows players to solve puzzles and mysteries in immersive, themed environments.
A social media platform that connects people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or other unique challenges to form supportive communities.
A company that offers custom, made-to-order clothing that's produced using sustainable, eco-friendly materials.
A service that helps people plan and book personalized, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
A startup that provides a subscription service for monthly deliveries of locally-grown, organic produce.
A company that offers personalized, online language classes taught by native speakers.
A platform that connects small business owners with affordable, professional legal services.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch food products.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, one-of-a-kind vintage items.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of handmade, natural beauty products.
A platform that connects people with similar hobbies or interests to form communities and plan group activities.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, handmade home decor items.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch craft beers.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, rare, and collectible books.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch spirits.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, handmade jewelry.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch wines.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, handmade furniture.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch tea blends.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, handmade art pieces.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch coffee roasts.
A company that provides a marketplace for buying and selling unique, handmade musical instruments.
A startup that offers a subscription service for monthly deliveries of artisanal, small-batch sauces and condiments.
Credit to ChatGPT