19 Business Ideas For Futurists [2024]
In 2024, the business world will be teeming with opportunities for those who look towards the future. As a futurist, you could find new possibilities in emerging technologies, shifting societal needs, and innovative applications of data and AI. The changing landscape provides fertile ground for forward-thinking entrepreneurs ready to harness these trends.
From biotech breakthroughs to advancements in renewable energy, many fields could offer promising ventures. You could explore businesses that tap into sustainable living, personalized health solutions, or even space tourism. The only limit is your vision and willingness to venture into the unknown.
With rapid advancements in technologies such as blockchain, quantum computing, and virtual reality, you could create solutions that define future markets. By anticipating the needs of tomorrow and acting today, you position yourself at the forefront of these inevitable changes. Welcome to a world brimming with potential and opportunities waiting to be seized.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other futurist businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
As a futurist, diving into the realm of AI writing tools makes perfect sense; you could harness the power of rapidly evolving technology to redefine content creation. AI-driven tools can generate precise and engaging content, easing the workload for businesses, bloggers, and students. This innovation isn't just about staying ahead; it's about transforming the writing process for greater productivity and efficiency.
Imagine providing a solution that offers automated, error-free, and time-efficient content at the click of a button. If you want to delve deeper into the profitability and potential of this venture, check out these insights on profitability.
Why start an AI writing tool? - You could revolutionize the writing industry by offering a transformative tool for content creation. - The demand for high-quality, constant content is ever-growing, positioning your tool as an essential resource. - As a futurist, you could make your mark by developing technology that's ahead of its time while providing practical solutions to modern writing challenges.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
2. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing.
By integrating AI solutions, companies can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. AI tools can automate repetitive tasks, provide valuable customer insights, and predict market trends with impressive accuracy. You could tap into this expanding market with a solid implementation plan and a focus on high-impact areas. For detailed guidance, explore this page on how to start an AI-based business solution.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- The demand for AI solutions is rapidly growing, providing a ripe market for new entrants.
- AI enables companies to optimize operations and reduce costs, making your service indispensable.
- You could drive innovation and give businesses a competitive edge with data-driven insights and automation.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
3. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Have you ever envisioned turning your visionary concepts into a mobile app? As a futurist, developing a mobile app aligns perfectly with your forward-thinking mindset. Creating a mobile app involves bringing to life a software application that can run on smartphones and tablets, addressing user needs in areas ranging from productivity to entertainment. This venture requires a clear vision, some coding knowledge or hiring a skilled developer, and meticulous planning of the user experience.
Consider the immense potential mobile apps hold in today's tech-driven world. From planning sleek designs to marketing your app for widespread adoption, with dedication, your app could solve problems, entertain users, or even revolutionize the way people interact with technology. For ideas and inspiration, explore various mobile app success stories here.
Why creating a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are integral to everyday life, providing limitless opportunities for innovative solutions.
- You could tap into a broad market, offering your unique futuristic insights to millions of users globally.
- The flexibility of mobile app development allows you to innovate and scale your solutions seamlessly.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
4. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Creating a health and wellness app allows you to leverage technology to address the growing demand for personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, mental well-being exercises, and progress tracking. By launching this digital tool, you could build a platform that acts as a virtual coach, offering expert advice directly to users' devices, helping them achieve their health goals one step at a time. The process involves market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and strategic marketing. But with the potential to significantly impact lives and tap into a booming market, this venture could be incredibly rewarding for a futurist looking to blend health and innovation.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- Tap into a growing market. The health and wellness industry is expanding rapidly, offering substantial business potential.
- Leverage technology to make a positive impact. As a futurist, you could use cutting-edge technology to improve people's health and well-being.
- Combine passion with profit. If you're passionate about health and technology, this business idea allows you to make a meaningful contribution while building a thriving business.
For more insights and success stories about starting a health and wellness app, click here.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
5. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Developing a lead generation tool could be an ideal venture for a futurist looking to make a profitable impact. With businesses constantly seeking innovative ways to attract and engage potential customers, your expertise can help automate and streamline this crucial process. Imagine providing companies with a seamless way to gather valuable customer data, such as email addresses and interests, from various digital touchpoints.
The rise in demand for efficient lead generation solutions presents significant opportunities for those with a knack for technology and marketing. By harnessing your futurist insights, you could create a tool that revolutionizes how businesses find and convert leads. For more ideas about starting a lead generation tool, check out this link to Starter Story.
Why developing a lead generation tool?
- Businesses are always in need of effective ways to attract and convert new customers, making lead generation tools highly valuable.
- Automating the lead generation process saves companies time and resources, allowing them to focus on other crucial aspects of their business.
- As a futurist, you can predict and integrate emerging trends and technologies, offering a cutting-edge solution that stands out in the market.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
6. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Creating an email marketing tool business aligns perfectly with the visionary mindset of a futurist. As the global email marketing tool market is projected to reach $2.53 billion by 2028, there are limitless opportunities to pioneer innovative solutions, cater to a diverse array of industries, and leverage AI advancements. Entrepreneurs, startups, and even real estate agents are constantly seeking better tools to manage and automate their email campaigns, making this a lucrative and future-forward business venture.
Discover more tips on starting an email marketing tool business here.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- Constant demand for improved communication tools offers continuous growth opportunities.
- You could harness AI and data analytics to create smarter, more intuitive email marketing solutions.
- Entry barriers are low, making it accessible to initiate with just a domain and hosting account.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
7. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business would make sense as a futurist because it aligns with your forward-thinking vision of leveraging technology to streamline processes and deliver impactful results. By creating or integrating tools that automate content scheduling, interactions, and data analysis, you could help clients save time and maintain a robust online presence in an increasingly digital world. The demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement will continue to grow, making this a lucrative opportunity for those with a blend of technological acumen and marketing savvy. Learn more about the profitability and tips for a social media automation business on Starter Story here.
Why starting a social media automation business?
- There's a growing demand for consistent social media engagement, which automation can efficiently meet.
- You could capitalize on your skills in technology and marketing to build innovative solutions.
- It's an opportunity to help clients enhance their online presence while generating a steady income stream.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
8. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
If you have a flair for writing and a strategic mindset, starting a cold email service business could be a smart move as a futurist. You'd be tapping into a time-tested marketing method with a modern twist, helping companies reach prospective clients directly through expertly crafted email campaigns. Essentially, you're providing businesses with the tools to generate leads and grow their customer base through targeted outreach.
Getting started in this field requires an understanding of email marketing tools, the ability to research and analyze client needs, and the knack for writing compelling emails that convert. The potential for scaling your business is significant: begin by working with small businesses and, as your success rate climbs, so will your client roster. For more insights and to see real-world success stories, click here.
Why start a cold email service business?
- The demand for effective lead generation techniques is constant and growing.
- This business combines creative writing skills with data-driven marketing strategies.
- The scalability allows for significant growth, expanding your client base as your success increases.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
9. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business would make sense as a futurist because it allows you to leverage emerging e-commerce trends with minimal upfront investment. By tapping into niche markets, you could curate a selection of futuristic products that coincide with your vision of the future. Moreover, the low-risk nature of dropshipping gives you the flexibility to experiment with different products and strategies, pivotal in anticipating market shifts.
Why consider dropshipping?
- You could capitalize on future trends without holding inventory, reducing financial risk.
- Quick adaptability allows you to test various products, aligning with market evolution.
- Platforms like Shopify make it easy to set up and manage, freeing up time to focus on innovation.
For more information on how to get started, visit Starter Story's dropshipping business page.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
10. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website could be an incredible opportunity for futurists interested in monetizing their unique perspectives and insights. You could focus on emerging technologies, trends, or forward-thinking solutions, providing valuable content to an audience eager for futuristic insights. With your specialized knowledge, you could attract a dedicated following, allowing you to generate income through ads, affiliate marketing, or digital product sales.
Explore successful examples and gather inspiration from niche website success stories.
Why create a niche website?
- You could leverage your futuristic expertise to engage a dedicated and curious audience.
- Monetizing your passion through multiple avenues like ads, affiliate marketing, and product sales could provide a steady income stream.
- Building a niche website allows you the creative freedom to share your unique perspective on future trends and innovations.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
11. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
As a futurist, venturing into a print-on-demand business could align perfectly with your forward-thinking mindset and eye for emerging trends. By leveraging this business model, you could create customized, cutting-edge products such as apparel, home goods, and phone cases without the need for upfront inventory. Platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy enable you to focus on innovative designs that captivate the imaginations of a global audience, all while running your operations from the comfort of your home with minimal startup costs. This scalable business model empowers you to monetize your creativity and stay ahead of market trends in a flexible way.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could harness your creative vision to develop unique, futuristic product designs.
- Operating with minimal startup costs allows for a low-risk entry into entrepreneurship.
- You could easily scale your business and reach a global audience through online marketplaces.
For more insights on launching a print-on-demand business, check out the pros and cons on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
12. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business would make sense for a futurist due to the ongoing and ever-growing demand for website customization and enhanced functionality. By identifying gaps or inefficiencies in the WordPress ecosystem, you could create innovative plugins that offer unique solutions and improvements. This venture allows you to leverage your foresight and tech-savvy skills to generate income while contributing to the evolution of digital experiences.
To delve deeper into the possibilities of starting a WordPress plugin business, you could explore specific startup costs and tips on Starter Story.
Why consider a WordPress plugin business?
- The demand for WordPress plugins is continuously rising, creating opportunities for growth.
- You could generate passive income by selling plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon.
- Your innovative solutions could address specific needs, making web development more efficient and user-friendly.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
13. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Creating a YouTube channel offers futurists a versatile platform to share their vision, explore emerging trends, and discuss innovative solutions for a rapidly changing world. As a futurist, you could captivate audiences by discussing technology advancements, societal shifts, and speculative scenarios, while monetizing through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. This dynamic approach not only amplifies your reach but also aligns with your expertise in foreseeing and analyzing future possibilities.
Building a thriving YouTube channel requires consistency, engaging content, and a strategic approach to SEO and social media marketing. However, the potential rewards, both financially and in terms of influence, make it a compelling endeavor for anyone willing to invest the effort. If you're passionate about sharing your insights and envisioning future trends, starting a YouTube channel can be a path worth exploring.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- Showcase your expertise in futuristic trends and technologies to a global audience.
- Generate multiple income streams through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
- Build a community of like-minded individuals and expand your professional network.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
14. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a futurist could be a highly rewarding venture, allowing you to share your foresight on specific topics and engage with a passionate online community. By identifying an underserved niche and creating unique and informative content, you could establish yourself as a thought leader in areas like future technologies, sustainable living, or digital transformation. Monetization can come from affiliate links, YouTube channels, brand collaborations, and public speaking events.
Check out this page for additional insights on starting a niche blog.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could build a dedicated following by offering insightful commentary and future trends, keeping your audience engaged.
- Monetization opportunities abound with affiliate links, sponsored content, and collaborations with forward-thinking brands.
- Starting a niche blog allows you to influence the conversation around your area of expertise and share your vision for the future.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
15. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business as a futurist could be an excellent way to share your knowledge and foresight about emerging trends and technologies. The e-learning market is booming, projected to be worth over $645 billion in the coming years, creating massive opportunities for those who can deliver valuable and forward-thinking content. As a futurist, you could create courses about predicting future trends, leveraging emerging technologies, or even navigating specific sectors like AI, blockchain, or sustainable energy.
Why consider an online course sales business?
- Position yourself as a thought leader: Showcase your expertise and unique insights to a global audience, establishing your credibility in the field of futurism.
- Capitalize on a growing market: Benefit from the surging demand for online education, tapping into a multi-billion dollar industry.
- Monetize your knowledge and passion: Turn your predictions and understandings of future trends into a sustainable and scalable source of passive income.
For more insights about starting your own online course sales business, check out the success stories of others in this industry.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
16. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
As a futurist, starting an ecommerce reselling business could align perfectly with your forward-thinking mindset. By leveraging your ability to anticipate trends and consumer behaviors, you could identify popular and upcoming products to resell, maximizing your profit margins. With the minimal initial investment required—no need for immediate website creation—you could kickstart your venture through social media platforms and scale up as your business grows. For inspiration, take a look at some real-life success stories of ecommerce resellers.
Why consider an ecommerce reselling business?
- Lower startup costs allow you to enter the online business market without significant financial risk.
- Your future-focused skills could help predict and capitalize on emerging product trends.
- Social media-based reselling simplifies initial operations, allowing you flexibility and growth potential.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
17. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
As a futurist, starting an affiliate marketing business aligns seamlessly with your forward-thinking mindset. By leveraging technological advancements and predictive analysis, you could identify emerging trends and high-performing products to promote, thereby maximizing your earning potential. Furthermore, the passive income generated through affiliate marketing would provide a financial cushion, allowing you to focus on exploring and investing in future innovations.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- The initial time investment pays off with long-term passive income opportunities.
- You could utilize your expertise in identifying emerging trends to promote cutting-edge products.
- This venture allows you to diversify your income streams, supplementing your primary work as a futurist.
For more on profitability and how much affiliate marketers make, check this affiliate marketing business page.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
18. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm could be a strategic move for a futurist. This venture integrates forward-thinking trends in property investment and smart technologies to scout, acquire, and manage profitable real estate. By leveraging foresight and innovative financial methodologies, you could maximize returns and capitalize on market opportunities, making this a rewarding and lucrative endeavor.
For more insights, you might find this success stories section useful for real estate investment firms.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- You could harness future market trends and smart technologies to identify high-potential properties.
- Real estate often appreciates over time, providing substantial returns on your investments.
- Rental properties can create a steady, passive income stream, ensuring long-term financial stability.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
19. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
As a futurist, starting an online survey tool aligns with your forward-thinking mindset by leveraging data collection to predict and shape future trends. Online survey tools are increasingly popular as they allow businesses to gather crucial customer feedback efficiently and cost-effectively. With the demand for data analytics on the rise, this venture offers a lucrative opportunity to help companies make informed decisions while securing a steady income stream.
Why consider developing an online survey tool?
- High demand for data collection: Businesses need accurate data to make better decisions, ensuring a consistent market need.
- Scalability and automation: With features like survey builders and reporting systems, you could automate processes, saving time and increasing efficiency.
- Revenue potential: The market is growing rapidly; for instance, Typeform’s annual recurring revenue surpassed $70 million, showcasing significant earning possibilities.
To learn more about starting your own successful online survey tool, visit this page.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
