17 Business Ideas For Sci Fi Fans [2024]

Updated: September 26th, 2024

Are you a sci-fi fan with a knack for spotting business opportunities? Imagine blending your passion for futuristic worlds with practical ventures in 2024. This guide explores business ideas that could transform your love for space operas, alien cultures, and high-tech gadgets into profitable enterprises.

From VR experiences that let users step into their favorite sci-fi universes, to creating exclusive merchandise based on epic sci-fi sagas, the possibilities are endless. You could even explore ventures like sci-fi themed cafes or hosting immersive sci-fi conventions. Each idea taps into the ever-growing market of sci-fi enthusiasts like you.

So, get ready to turn your sci-fi dreams into reality. After all, who better to bring these captivating ideas to life than someone who truly understands what it means to be a sci-fi fan? Dive in and discover how you could carve out a niche in this fascinating domain.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other sci-fi fan businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a niche website ($107K/month)

Unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit as a sci-fi fan, starting a niche website can be an exciting way to supplement your income or even build a full-fledged business. By honing in on a specific aspect of sci-fi—whether it's movie reviews, futuristic technology trends, or content on beloved book series—you could create a platform that resonates deeply with like-minded enthusiasts. Leveraging your passion and expertise, you could monetize your content through affiliate marketing, ad placements, or even selling niche digital products like eBooks and merchandise.

Creating a niche website allows you to connect with a dedicated audience, sharing content that you're truly passionate about. You'll have the creative freedom to explore topics that fascinate you while also enjoying the potential for passive income. For more inspiration, you can explore some niche website success stories on platforms like Starter Story here.

Why start a niche website?

  • You could tap into a growing community of sci-fi enthusiasts and provide them with targeted, valuable content.
  • The potential for passive income from various monetization strategies, turning your passion into profits.
  • Enjoy the creative freedom to explore and share sci-fi topics that fascinate you while building a loyal following.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Leveraged My LinkedIn Network To Create A $1.8M/Year Procurement Conference

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.

Read by 3,620 founders

2. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)

Starting a YouTube channel could be your perfect opportunity to showcase your passion for sci-fi and connect with like-minded fans. As a sci-fi enthusiast, you could review films, analyze the latest sci-fi series, or delve into theoretical discussions about futuristic technologies. This platform allows for limitless creativity, from producing episodic content to behind-the-scenes looks at popular sci-fi franchises, all while potentially earning through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Building a successful YouTube channel requires consistency and quality content that stands out. With a good understanding of video SEO and engaging with your audience regularly, your channel could flourish in this niche.

Why create a YouTube channel?

  • Share your unique perspective and deep knowledge of sci-fi with a global audience.
  • Earn income while indulging in your passion through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
  • Connect with a community of sci-fi enthusiasts who share your interests, turning your hobby into a potential business venture.

For more details and success stories on starting a YouTube channel, check out this page.

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 (?)

How A Young Entrepreneur From Nigeria Started A Profitable Blog

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.

Read by 12,324 founders

3. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)

Ever considered launching a mobile app inspired by your passion for sci-fi? As a sci-fi fan, you have a unique vantage point to visualize futuristic concepts and transformative ideas that could resonate with tech-savvy users. Whether you’re developing a game with interstellar adventures or a productivity app with a sleek, futuristic interface, mobile apps offer endless possibilities for both creative expression and financial rewards. For more insights on how to get started, check out these mobile app success stories.

Why venture into mobile app development?

  • Sci-fi fans excel at envisioning groundbreaking technology, perfect for innovative app concepts.
  • The mobile app market is booming, presenting lucrative opportunities for unique, niche applications.
  • Creating an app allows you to blend your love for sci-fi and technology, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with their devices.

How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

We Started A $6M/Year Bachelorette Party App

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.

Read by 11,018 founders

4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)

Starting a niche blog as a sci-fi fan can be a fantastic way to share your passion with a like-minded audience while also supplementing your income. By diving into an underserved niche such as sci-fi reviews, movie analyses, or convention coverage, you could create engaging and unique content that resonates with fellow enthusiasts. This allows you to build a loyal following, which you can monetize through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and other revenue streams.

Engaging with the sci-fi community online can also offer networking and promotional opportunities that help you grow your platform. For more insights, check out some success stories of niche bloggers here.

Why start a niche blog?

  • Sci-fi fans are part of a passionate and engaged community that actively seeks out content.
  • You can monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, or even merchandise.
  • Creating content about something you love makes the work enjoyable and fulfilling.

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 (?)

How I Turned A Crappy Idea Into A $3M/Year Business

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.

Read by 78,304 founders

5. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)

As a sci-fi fan, starting an AI-based business solution makes perfect sense because it aligns with your passion for advanced technology and futuristic concepts. By integrating AI solutions, you could help businesses enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions, while indulging in your interest in cutting-edge technology. With user-friendly platforms and robust support systems available, you don't need a tech background to dive into this exciting entrepreneurial venture.

Explore AI Business Solution Ideas

Why consider launching an AI-based business solution?

  • You could revolutionize business operations by introducing smart, automated processes.
  • You'd position yourself in a rapidly growing market, tapping into the increasing demand for AI solutions.
  • This is your opportunity to merge your interest in sci-fi with a profitable business, turning futuristic dreams into reality.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month

How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)

How We Launched A $120K/Month Audiobook Publishing Course

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.

Read by 21,999 founders

6. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)

As a sci-fi enthusiast, venturing into the realm of AI writing tools could align perfectly with your passion for futuristic technologies. Creating an AI writing tool involves harnessing cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence to produce accurate, error-free, and engaging content, revolutionizing how businesses, bloggers, and students approach writing. This tool's ability to automate content creation and enhance productivity resonates with the innovation-driven spirit of sci-fi fans, offering a chance to be at the forefront of technological advancement.

Why explore the AI writing tool business?

  • You could lead the way in transforming content creation with advanced AI, reminiscent of the intelligent machines in your favorite sci-fi stories.
  • The global demand for quality, efficient content is ever-increasing, providing a substantial market for your innovative tool.
  • Stepping into this venture combines your love for sci-fi and potential for profit, making it both a passion project and a smart business move.

For more insights on starting your AI writing tool business, explore success stories and ideas on Starter Story.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

I Built A Simple AI Writing Tool That Makes $60K/Year

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.

Read by 6,770 founders

7. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

Launch a social media automation business and seamlessly combine your love for technology with your entrepreneurial spirit. As a sci-fi fan, you could harness advanced software to schedule posts, automate interactions, and analyze data, making social media management a breeze for your clients. This side hustle or full-fledged business enables you to work with small businesses, influencers, and startups, helping them save time and grow their online presence.

By leveraging the growing need for effective social media strategies, you could transform your technological prowess into a lucrative venture. Imagine the thrill of integrating futuristic software solutions while staying updated on the latest trends and forming key client relationships that drive success. Explore more about starting a social media automation business here.

Why start a social media automation business?

  • It marries your love for technology and innovation with practical, real-world applications.
  • The demand for automation tools is skyrocketing, promising a profitable market.
  • You can make a meaningful impact by helping others streamline their businesses and boost engagement.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

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.

Read by 15,253 founders

8. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)

As a sci-fi fan, starting an online course sales business could be a stellar way to share your passions and supplement your income. Imagine creating courses on fascinating topics like world-building, character development, or even the science behind popular sci-fi technologies. With the growing e-learning market, your niche expertise could attract a dedicated audience hungry for deep dives into these imaginative subjects.

Why start an online course sales business?

  • You could turn specialized knowledge into passive income, thriving in a multi-billion dollar e-learning market.
  • You could connect with a community of like-minded individuals who share your interests and enthusiasm.
  • Sharing your expertise in engaging sci-fi topics could allow you to make a difference while doing what you love.

Learn more about the pros and cons of starting an online course sales business.

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 (?)

I Make $120K/Year With My Print On Demand T-Shirt Side Hustle

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.

Read by 12,038 founders

9. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)

Starting a subscription box business would make perfect sense for a sci-fi fan because it allows you to curate and share unique, niche products that align with your passion for the genre. The ever-growing demand for exclusive, tailor-made experiences provides an excellent opportunity to monetize your deep knowledge and enthusiasm for sci-fi. By selecting high-quality, themed products for collectors and fans, you could build a loyal customer base and generate a steady stream of recurring revenue.

Why start a subscription box business?

  • You could turn your passion for sci-fi into a profitable venture by sharing exclusive and curated items with fellow enthusiasts.
  • Subscription box businesses have a built-in recurring revenue model, making them a sustainable and long-term income source.
  • You have the chance to create a thriving community around your favorite sci-fi themes, fostering connections among like-minded fans.

Learn more about the profitability of subscription box businesses here.

How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides

Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.

Read by 31,458 founders

10. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)

As a sci-fi fan, starting a podcast offers a unique opportunity to delve into the realms of your favorite galaxies and dimensions while supplementing your income. With the rising popularity of podcasts as an entertainment and information-sharing medium, you could create content around sci-fi books, movies, theories, and trends that captivate an existing, passionate audience. All you need is some basic recording equipment and a chosen niche to get started. For more in-depth tips, check out this guide on how much podcasts make.

Why consider starting a podcast?

  • You'll engage in meaningful discussions and analyses on topics you're passionate about, which resonates with other sci-fi fans.
  • Podcasting allows you to build a dedicated community of listeners who share your interests and enthusiasm for sci-fi.
  • Monetization options like sponsorships and ads give you the potential to turn your love for sci-fi into a profitable venture.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company

A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.

Read by 19,203 founders

11. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

Creating an online survey tool is a fantastic opportunity for a sci-fi fan looking to supplement their income or start a side business. Sci-fi aficionados are often tech-savvy and innovative thinkers, traits that are invaluable when designing a platform that gathers valuable customer feedback. Online survey tools like Typeform have shown incredible growth, with annual recurring revenue surpassing $70 million in 2021. This growing industry is ripe with potential, especially for someone who can infuse a touch of creativity and cutting-edge technology into their offerings.

Why developing an online survey tool?

  • Sci-fi fans are naturally inclined toward technology and innovation, making it easier to develop and enhance an online survey tool.
  • The need for data collection is ever-increasing among businesses, providing a stable market with continuous demand.
  • You could help other companies improve their products and services, fostering a more advanced and user-friendly market environment.

For more information on how to get started, check out successful stories from others who have ventured into the world of online survey tools: Online Survey Tool Success Stories.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

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.

Read by 12,020 founders

12. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)

As a sci-fi fan, you could supplement your income or even start a whole side business by developing a lead generation tool. This business idea blends technology and creativity by building software that helps companies find and capture potential customer leads effortlessly. Imagine using futuristic algorithms and data analytics to transform the way businesses approach lead generation, making it as efficient and automated as possible.

Lead generation tools are in high demand, especially as companies seek to streamline their marketing efforts and expand their clientele. By leveraging your tech-savvy skills and fascination with futuristic solutions, you could create a tool that integrates with various digital platforms to capture essential lead information. Intrigued by this possibility? Explore some practical steps and insights on how to make this idea a reality here.

Why consider developing a lead generation tool?

  • Businesses are eagerly looking for ways to automate their lead generation process, making your tool invaluable.
  • Combining your love for sci-fi tech with a real-world application could lead to a uniquely innovative product.
  • With demand high and your potential to innovate, this could become a highly profitable venture.

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 (?)

How I Created A $5M/Year LinkedIn Marketing Automation Tool

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.

Read by 8,923 founders

13. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)

Picture the future landscape of business communication, where your knack for writing compelling emails and understanding technical tools could bridge companies with their prospects. As a sci-fi fan with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could start a cold email service business that leverages the old-school method of direct emailing with a modern twist, helping businesses reach new clients through well-crafted and targeted email campaigns. Much like orchestrating a starship fleet's communications, this venture involves strategic analysis, creative copywriting, and mastery of email marketing tools to track metrics like open rates and conversions.

If you've got the imagination and a strategic mindset, you could start small by helping local businesses and scale as your success stories grow. With the demand for lead generation ever-present, this business could pulse with opportunity, especially as you master the art and science behind compelling cold emails. Explore more about cold email service businesses here.

Why start a cold email service business?

  • It merges creativity and technology, tapping into your sci-fi love for futuristic solutions.
  • There is a continual demand for effective lead generation, ensuring a steady client base.
  • Helps you develop and utilize strategic thinking and communication skills, essential for an entrepreneurial journey.

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 (?)

How I Launched A $200K/Month Gmail Mail Merge Tool

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.

Read by 13,719 founders

14. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)

Starting an affiliate marketing business is an excellent way for sci-fi fans to monetize their passion for the genre. By promoting sci-fi books, memorabilia, movies, and other niche products, you could earn a passive income while indulging in your interests. Not only does this offer a creative outlet to share your enthusiasm, but it also opens the door to lucrative partnerships with brands and manufacturers within the sci-fi community.

Learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with, taking advantage of your expertise in the sci-fi niche. For example, teaming up with eCommerce stores that specialize in sci-fi merchandise could allow you to market and earn commissions on products you are genuinely passionate about. To see how others are succeeding, check out these affiliate marketing business success stories.

Why starting an affiliate marketing business?

  • You get paid for promoting products you already love and enjoy, making your sci-fi passion profitable.
  • It's one of the most accessible forms of online business, requiring minimal upfront costs and offering the potential for high returns.
  • You could work on your own schedule, turning it into a flexible side hustle or even a full-time endeavor.

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 (?)

My Affiliate Marketing Business Earns $500K/Year Profit [No Employees]

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.

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15. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)

For sci-fi fans looking to supplement their income or start a side business, becoming an ecommerce reseller is a futuristic and exciting way to dive into the entrepreneurial world. You could source and resell sci-fi memorabilia, vintage comic books, or limited edition merchandise, giving fellow enthusiasts a place to find coveted items. Starting with a social media-based platform allows you to build an audience and gather momentum before expanding into a full-fledged website. For more information, check out these success stories about ecommerce reselling businesses.

Why starting an ecommerce reselling business?

  • You could immerse yourself in the sci-fi universe while turning your passion into profit.
  • It's a lower-risk venture since you don’t need to manage production costs and can start small.
  • As you cater to a niche market of fellow sci-fi enthusiasts, you could build a dedicated and loyal customer base.

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 (?)

My Side Hustle Makes $1.2M/Year Selling Car Accessories

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.

Read by 7,387 founders

16. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)

For sci-fi enthusiasts with a knack for technology, starting a WordPress plugin business can be an exciting venture. WordPress plugins offer targeted solutions to specific issues, and leveraging your creativity as a sci-fi fan can help you build innovative and unique plugins that stand out. This business can quickly become a source of extra income, especially if you focus on solving a widespread problem or providing a unique feature that appeals to a specific audience.

You could sell these plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon, on your blog, or even create a dedicated website for them. This way, you are not only turning your tech knowledge into a revenue stream but also tapping into a community that shares your creative passions.

Why start a WordPress plugin business?

  • As a sci-fi fan, your creativity can drive the design of innovative and unique plugins that capture users' attention.
  • Solving a widespread problem with a well-designed plugin can provide a steady source of passive income.
  • This business offers flexibility and scalability, allowing you to expand your offerings or focus on niche markets.

For more tips and success stories, check out our how-to guide on starting a WordPress plugin business.

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

How I Coded A Website Plugin Making $600 Per Month

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.

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17. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)

Embracing your sci-fi fandom in the realm of stock photography can be a thrilling venture, allowing you to blend passion with business. Imagine creating a library of high-quality alien landscapes, futuristic cityscapes, and otherworldly scenes that businesses and creatives can use for marketing and storytelling. This niche not only fulfills a need in the market but also lets you showcase your creativity and geek out on your favorite genre.

Linking this passion with profit, you could build an impressive portfolio and generate passive income from each download of your unique sci-fi imagery. Check out some insights on how to get started with a stock photography business.

Why start a stock photography business?
- There's a growing demand for unique, high-quality stock photos in the sci-fi niche.
- You can turn your passion for sci-fi into a profitable side hustle or full-time business.
- Creating and sharing alternative worlds and futuristic concepts can be incredibly fulfilling and creatively satisfying.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business

Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.

Read by 15,483 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls