CNBC's Fast Money

by CNBC

10 Episodes Tracked

10 Ideas Found

86 Reach Score

Latest Business Ideas

Niche Online Course Creation

This idea focuses on creating niche online courses that cater to specific professional or personal development needs, leveraging the growing trend of online education. The course can be structured around topics like personal branding, digital marketing, or industry-specific skills. This business model can be implemented by entrepreneurs using platforms like Teachable or Udemy, allowing for easy course hosting and marketing. The target audience includes professionals looking to enhance their careers or individuals aiming to pivot into new fields. By offering detailed guides, video tutorials, and interactive content, entrepreneurs can build a community around their courses, increasing engagement and retention. This solution addresses the need for continuous learning in today's job market and capitalizes on the shift towards online education.

Content Low Score: 8.0/10

From: Market Impact From A Rate Cut, And Nasdaq CEO On Exchanges, IPOs, and More 8/13/25

AI-Driven Job Automation Solutions

The idea revolves around creating AI-driven solutions specifically designed to automate jobs and processes that are currently labor-intensive. As businesses face rising costs and labor shortages, leveraging AI to streamline operations can significantly enhance productivity while reducing the workforce. This platform could serve industries heavily reliant on white-collar jobs that are increasingly at risk due to automation trends. The target audience includes small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking for cost-effective solutions to maintain competitiveness while managing workforce costs. Entrepreneurs can implement this by developing a subscription-based SaaS platform that offers customizable AI tools tailored to specific industry needs, alongside consulting services for integration. This approach not only solves the problem of high operational costs but also addresses the growing demand for efficiency in a rapidly changing job market.

SaaS Medium Score: 8.0/10

From: Market Impact From A Rate Cut, And Nasdaq CEO On Exchanges, IPOs, and More 8/13/25

AI-Based Investment Advisory Platform

The podcast discusses an emerging trend where financial platforms, like Betterment, are combining automated investment strategies with self-directed options to cater to younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials. This demographic seeks more control over their investments while still wanting the support of technology. An actionable business idea for digital entrepreneurs is to create an AI-based investment advisory platform that offers personalized investment strategies, leveraging machine learning to analyze market trends and user preferences. This platform could allow users to select risk profiles, investment goals, and receive tailored investment suggestions. Additionally, integrating social features where users can share strategies and successes could enhance community engagement and attract more users interested in investment. Tools like AI chatbots for real-time support and educational resources can further augment the platform's value.

SaaS Medium Score: 7.8/10

From: Stocks Jump After CPI Data… Plus Perplexity’s Bid To Buy Google’s Chrome Browser 8/12/25

Revolutionizing Software for AI Integration

This business idea focuses on providing specialized consulting and software tools to help companies effectively integrate AI into their existing software ecosystems. Given the concerns about traditional software relevancy amid the rise of AI, businesses need tailored strategies that bridge the gap. Implementing AI requires an understanding of both functionality and integration, which most existing solutions do not address adequately. The target market includes software companies and businesses looking to enhance their processes, particularly in digital transformation. This consulting service would also create custom integrations and modifications, safeguarding businesses' investments in legacy systems.

Service High Score: 7.4/10

From: Chip Giant’s China Deal… And A Software Slump 8/11/25

AI-driven Custom Code Generation Software

The idea revolves around developing a software solution that allows users to generate custom code based on natural language prompts using AI. This would cater to small businesses or individual entrepreneurs who need specific software solutions but lack coding skills. The implementation could leverage existing AI models like GPT-4 to understand user commands and generate code in various programming languages. The target audience would include freelancers, start-ups, and SMEs that cannot afford full-time developers. The business solves the problem of accessibility to tailored software solutions for non-technical users, thus empowering them to automate their processes without high upfront development costs.

SaaS Medium Score: 7.2/10

From: Chip Giant’s China Deal… And A Software Slump 8/11/25

Mobile-integrated AI search/assistant for iOS

This idea is to build a high-quality AI-driven search/assistant product specifically engineered for seamless integration into the Apple/iOS ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Siri/Shortcuts, Safari, and native apps). The podcast discussion centers on Perplexity as an acquisition target for Apple to jump-start on-device/search AI — which validates demand for an integrated AI search layer on iOS devices. Implementation: build an LLM-backed conversational search service with an iOS SDK and privacy-first on-device client. Start with API-first architecture using hosted LLMs (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini) and gradually add client-side models or on-device distillation for latency and privacy. Technical milestones: (1) prototype conversational search with web+app indexing and citation/attribution, (2) ship an iOS SDK and Safari extension, (3) offer integrations for app developers (plugins) and enterprise customers. Monetization options include B2B licensing (OEM/app integration fees), white-labeled SDK subscriptions, and usage-based API pricing. Problem solved and target: addresses the absence of a best-in-class conversational search/assistant tightly integrated with iOS features and apps; target customers are mobile-first app developers, enterprise app vendors, and digital assistant startups seeking iOS-grade integrations. Tactics mentioned or implied in the episode: acquire or partner with existing AI search teams (Perplexity example), prioritize ecosystem integrations, and emphasize rapid acquisition-style product moves to gain parity with hyperscalers.

SaaS High Score: 7.2/10

From: Apple Ripe For A Rebound… And An Economic Outlook Ahead of CPI Data 8/8/25

AI-driven multi-channel ad spend optimizer/dashboard

The episode discusses competitive pressure in programmatic and digital advertising — specifically Amazon encroaching on The Trade Desk and Meta using AI to improve ad targeting. A direct, actionable business opportunity is to build an AI-first ad campaign orchestration and optimization dashboard that aggregates ad channels (Google, Meta, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk, programmatic exchanges) and automates budget allocation, creative testing, and attribution. Implementation: build a SaaS dashboard that ingests campaign APIs and feed data, applies ML models to predict ROI by channel and creative, and provides automated spend reallocation rules. Start with connectors for the largest APIs (Meta/Google Ads, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk) and a clean UX for marketers. Offer prescriptive recommendations (bids, audience segs) and automated rules (shift budget after X days). Monetize via tiered subscription (channel connectors and volume-based fees) and a performance fee model for agencies. Tools/tactics from the episode: emphasize AI to streamline targeting and measurement, provide a unified “one dashboard” for allocating ad spend (addressing the pain The Trade Desk faces), and position as a more transparent alternative to channel-native DSPs. Problem solved and target: solves fragmented campaign management and the need for AI-driven attribution/optimization; target users are mid-market advertisers, performance marketing teams, and ad agencies who want cross-channel automation without vendor lock-in.

SaaS Medium Score: 6.8/10

From: Apple Ripe For A Rebound… And An Economic Outlook Ahead of CPI Data 8/8/25

Corporate Ethereum treasury service

Speakers referenced a growing cohort of firms holding Ethereum on their balance sheets (similar to MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin approach) and highlighted Ethereum’s utility as the underpinning for stablecoins and broader on-chain activity. This suggests a business model: offer a regulated, compliance-focused treasury service for companies that want to hold ETH (and stablecoins) as part of corporate treasury management. Implementation: create a service that combines custody (partner with institutional custodians), compliance and KYC/AML, accounting and tax reporting tools, and an on-chain treasury management dashboard (real-time balances, fiat conversion rails, hedging strategies). Initial steps: form partnerships with qualified custodians (BitGo, Coinbase Custody), integrate accounting software for GAAP/IFRS reporting, and build a dashboard for CFOs/CROs with risk controls. Monetization: recurring subscription for platform access + custody/compliance fees and advisory/implementation services. Problem solved and target: addresses legal, custody, and reporting friction preventing corporations from allocating to ETH/stablecoins; target clients are public and private companies, crypto-native treasuries, and startups with large cash positions seeking yield or exposure. The episode explicitly cites the rise of "Ethereum treasury companies," validating demand; recommended tactics include focusing on regulatory compliance and partnering with established custodians to reduce implementation complexity.

Service High Score: 6.0/10

From: Apple Ripe For A Rebound… And An Economic Outlook Ahead of CPI Data 8/8/25

AI-Driven Shoppable Content Platform

This idea involves building a digital platform that leverages artificial intelligence to transform visual content into shoppable experiences. The platform would enable content creators, bloggers, and e-commerce businesses to integrate interactive image search capabilities on their websites or social media accounts. Users can upload or view images and instantly access similar products available for purchase, making the shopping experience more seamless and personalized. The implementation would require developing robust machine learning models for image recognition and similarity search, along with integrating secure payment gateways and affiliate or commission-based systems. The platform would address common friction points in online shopping by reducing search time and helping consumers discover related products based on visual cues. The primary target audience would be digital content creators, niche retailers, and online brands looking to monetize visual media effectively. Entrepreneurs could begin with a minimum viable product using existing cloud AI services and gradually scale the platform by adding features such as personalized recommendations, user analytics, and partnerships with retailers. Strategic tactics include leveraging API integrations with social media platforms and e-commerce engines to enhance reach and usability.

Platform High Score: 7.0/10

From: Apple’s Sweet Gains… And Eli Lilly Drops After Reporting 8/7/25

Online Personal Branding Course

This business concept focuses on creating an online course dedicated to helping individuals build a standout personal brand. The course would compile insights from industry experts on topics including digital storytelling, social media engagement, and leveraging online platforms for career growth. By offering step-by-step guidance, video tutorials, and actionable frameworks, the course aims to empower entrepreneurs, job seekers, and creative professionals to differentiate themselves in a crowded digital marketplace. To implement the idea, the entrepreneur would develop course content using readily available digital tools like video recording software, course hosting platforms (such as Teachable or Udemy), and social media for marketing. The course could be offered as a one-time purchase or through a subscription model, with potential for upselling personalized coaching or supplementary resources. It addresses a growing need for digital self-marketing skills in an increasingly competitive online environment. The target audience includes aspiring entrepreneurs, freelancers, and professionals looking to enhance their digital presence. Strategic tactics might involve partnering with influencers, leveraging email marketing, and running targeted ad campaigns to reach potential students quickly.

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