But here's the problem: Most AI startups today are solving convenience, not necessity.
We’ve over-optimized for speed, but under-delivered on value. Yes, AI can make your slides faster or write a cold email in seconds — but that’s not game-changing. That’s just incremental.
Where I see real opportunity:
AI + distribution: Helping niche creators, educators, and solo businesses get discovered or monetize without paid ads.
AI as a teammate, not just a tool: Imagine AI that thinks with you, not just for you — code companions, research agents, strategic decision-makers.
Local-first or low-bandwidth AI: Not everyone has high-end GPUs. AI that runs in poor conditions will reach the next billion.
And most importantly: AI + taste. You can replicate workflows, but taste — good UX, emotional nuance, insight — is still very human. The AI tools that win will feel like they understand you, not just process inputs.
I’m currently building and experimenting in this space — from AI-powered game dev (Gamod) to helping people ship faster (Startanator), all while trying to figure out what real pain looks like in this hype cycle.
Would love to connect with other indie hackers, builders, or even skeptics. Let’s talk use cases, not just models.
incomingpain•7mo ago
I dont know about that exactly. Certainly lots of folks coming to try to make it rich. Ive seen a great deal of overhyped tech things called a gold rush and then fizzle out.
I still 3d print :)
I never got into VR or smart glasses.
Memecoins seem to be dead with only a couple real blockchains remaining.
>Would love to connect with other indie hackers, builders, or even skeptics. Let’s talk use cases, not just models.
For me, AI enabled me to get a startup going rapidly. Then next step was having AI do something that wasn't really practical to do before.
Processed 1470 out of 39283 entries.
My new GPU can do 1 per second or so from Phi4. I have a ton of catch up on this list lol.
The thing is... i know my product is great and is worth subscribing to... i just know little to nothing to do with marketing and sales. This gold rush is going to be held back by this is my guess.
If you want to check my startup out:
https://mapleintel.ca