How two friends used ChatGPT to launch an AI startup worth $150,000

In just four days, using only ChatGPT and a modest US$185 (about BDT 20k) investment, Sal Aiello and Monica Powers transformed a side hustle into a highly profitable AI startup. Fast forward to last month, the duo successfully sold their venture for a whopping $150,000 (about BDT 16 million).

The duo initially used ChatGPT for market research and discovered how to ask the AI chatbot the right questions effectively. Aiello, a tech startup CTO, and Powers, a product designer who runs a branding company called Mascot, decided in March to create an AI-powered research tool. Named DimeADozen, the AI tool optimises input to ChatGPT based on the information the user provides. 

As per their official LinkedIn page, DimeADozen is effective for market research for any kind of business idea, including finding information about competition, acquisition recommendations, and identifying business opportunities. It also enables entrepreneurs to swiftly assess their business ideas' potential success and market viability, making it a valuable resource for those looking to launch in any industry. 

The service offers a comprehensive report at a reasonable $39, delivering results much faster than traditional analytics firms or search engines. In approximately seven months, DimeADozen generated a revenue of over $66,000, according to a recent report by CNBC.

The CNBC report adds that Aiello and Powers finalised an agreement to sell their side venture for $150,000 (about BDT 16 million) to Felipe Arosemena and Danielle de Corneille, a married couple. Felipe is a software engineer, while Danielle is a product designer, and both are eager to transition DimeADozen into their full-time commitment. 

Aiello and Powers intend to continue serving as company advisors, dedicating approximately five hours per week to the venture.