How to build a $1M+ startup using AI (Full Tutorial)

Podcast Summary: My First Million – "How to Build a $1M+ Startup Using AI (Full Tutorial)"

Release Date: May 30, 2025

In this episode of My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and featuring guest Greg Eisenberg from HubSpot Media, the duo dives deep into leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to brainstorm, build, and scale a startup to over $1 million in revenue. Greg shares a comprehensive, step-by-step tutorial on utilizing various AI tools and workflows to automate and optimize different facets of a business. The conversation is rich with actionable insights, practical demonstrations, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of AI in entrepreneurship.

1. Introduction: The Power of AI in Startup Building

Greg Eisenberg begins the episode with an ambitious claim:

“By the end of this episode, Sam, we're going to see me replace a developer, a salesperson, a designer, a marketer, a researcher, a product manager with AI agents.” [00:46]

This sets the stage for a deep dive into how AI can streamline and potentially replace various roles within a startup, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Building a $1M+ AI Startup

Greg outlines a six-step process to build a successful AI-driven startup:

Step 1: Finding the Right Idea and Trend

Greg introduces IdeaBrowser.com, a tool he developed to surface daily business ideas based on emerging trends.

“So every single day, a new idea comes with a trend. So today's idea is to create an AI SEO agency. And it gives you a name, LLM Boost.” [02:36]

The example provided is LLM Boost, an AI-powered SEO agency targeting the growing market of businesses seeking optimization in Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT.

Step 2: Sketching Out the Idea

Using TLDraw, Greg sketches the foundational elements of the business idea:

“I use TLDraw to sketch out what this quiz would look like... it makes it for bad drawers like you and me to just make these boxes.” [09:52]

This visual representation helps in planning the user interaction and flow of the proposed AI SEO quiz.

Step 3: Scoping Out the Minimal Viable Product (MVP)

Greg leverages Manus, an advanced AI agent, to develop a detailed project plan and roadmap for the MVP.

“It's like having a full-on AI product manager that creates a to-do list and executes tasks for you.” [17:04]

Manus assists in defining objectives, developing quiz questions, and drafting actionable steps, effectively replacing traditional project management roles.

Step 4: Vibe Coding the Prototype

Utilizing Bolt New, Greg demonstrates how quickly an AI-generated website can be built:

“I get this webpage, it says... Take the free LLM SEO quiz now.” [27:03]

Within minutes, a functional prototype of LLM Boost is up and running, showcasing AI's capability to expedite the development process.

Step 5: Marketing the Business with Vibe Marketing

Greg introduces Lindy AI to automate and optimize marketing efforts through predefined workflows:

“I'm using Lindy AI to create workflows that automatically engage and qualify leads based on their interactions.” [37:03]

He elaborates on workflows that capture leads from social media interactions, qualify them using AI scoring, and automate personalized outreach, significantly enhancing marketing efficiency.

Step 6: AI Agent Product Manager with Idea Browser

Back to IdeaBrowser.com, Greg discusses using AI to assess and refine new business ideas, ensuring continuous innovation and adaptation.

“If you get to step five, you have a business that's doing hundreds of thousands or millions a year, and you have ideas on where to take it next. Use Idea Browser to validate and enhance those ideas.” [51:44]

This ensures that the startup remains agile and responsive to market trends.

3. Replacing Traditional Roles with AI

Throughout the episode, Greg emphasizes AI's potential to replace various traditional roles:

“We're going to see me replace a developer, a salesperson, a designer, a marketer, a researcher, a product manager with AI agents.” [00:46]

He showcases how tools like Manus and Lindy AI can handle tasks typically managed by multiple human employees, offering significant cost savings and scalability.

4. Automation Workflows and Tools Demonstration

Greg provides live demonstrations of the AI tools, illustrating how they integrate to form comprehensive workflows:

Manus for project management and planning.
Bolt New for rapid website development.
Lindy AI for automating marketing and sales processes.

For instance, using Bolt New, Greg quickly sets up the LLM Boost website while Sam follows along, witnessing firsthand the speed and efficiency of AI-driven development.

“It's absolutely crazy how fast these tools can build a functional website and integrate complex workflows.” [27:44]

5. Scaling the Business and Future Insights

Greg discusses strategies for scaling the AI-driven startup from a service-based model to a tech-focused business, using tools like Cursor, Replit, and Windsurf for advanced development needs.

“Building a startup is hard, but with this framework and the right tools, you can accelerate growth and scalability.” [54:51]

He also touches upon creating specialized AI tools that cater to specific niches, drawing parallels with established players like Ahrefs and Semrush.

6. Notable Quotes

Greg Eisenberg:

“It's like having an AI co-founder that does all the heavy lifting for you.” [05:16]
Sam Parr:

“This is blowing my mind. I have to teach my team how to use AI effectively.” [20:27]
Greg Eisenberg:

“We're saving millions by automating workflows that would otherwise require extensive human resources.” [46:36]
Sam Parr:

“I'm hyped. This is absolutely insane.” [55:03]

7. Conclusion: Embracing AI for Entrepreneurial Success

The episode wraps up with both hosts acknowledging the transformative potential of AI in business. Greg reiterates the importance of integrating AI tools to not only build but also scale a startup efficiently.

“The unfair advantage and the returns that you're going to get by understanding these tools is just worth it.” [20:37]

Sam expresses his enthusiasm and readiness to implement these AI-driven strategies within his own ventures.

“I'm hyped. I have to teach my team how to use AI effectively.” [55:03]

8. Final Thoughts

This episode of My First Million serves as a comprehensive guide for entrepreneurs looking to harness the power of AI in building and scaling a startup. Through practical demonstrations, insightful discussions, and real-time tool walkthroughs, Greg Eisenberg provides listeners with the knowledge and tools necessary to embark on their AI-driven entrepreneurial journey.

For more detailed workflows and tools mentioned in this episode, visit Greg Eisenberg's YouTube Channel - Startup Ideas.