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This $50M/Yr Side Hustle Is On Track To Make $1 Billion By 2030

My First Million

Mon Jun 03 2024



Luxury Hobby Magazine Business Model:

  • Craig Fuller expanded his side business by acquiring 44 different magazines, aiming for $50 million revenue this year with 18% EBITDA and projecting $1 billion revenue by 2030 with 30% profit margins.
  • He uses negative CAC where customers pay for the magazine as customer acquisition and then creates commerce products to sell to the audience from these expensive hobby magazines.
  • Fuller acquired Flying Magazine and a 300-acre plot of land in Tennessee to create a flying club neighborhood where residents can own homes around an airplane strip.

AI Camera Technology in Sports Leagues:

  • Ruben Torenberg introduced VEO AI-based camera technology in his basketball league to track the ball and players automatically during games.
  • The AI camera eliminates the need for multiple cameras or manual tracking, providing a comprehensive view of the game without human intervention.
  • This technology enhances the quality of game footage and highlights, improving the overall experience for players and viewers.

Expansion of Games Industry into Media Platforms:

  • YouTube and LinkedIn have ventured into offering instant games on their platforms without requiring downloads.
  • Netflix has also entered the gaming market with various titles available through its app.
  • Companies are leveraging popular games and social engagement to enhance user experience and increase platform stickiness.

Wealth Management Insights from Money Wise Podcast:

  • "Money Wise" podcast features high net worth individuals revealing income, expenses, portfolio details, and financial strategies.
  • Lessons learned include challenges of owning multiple homes being more burdensome than beneficial.
  • Wealthy individuals emphasize intentional spending habits and highlight private jet ownership as a worthwhile luxury investment.

Implications of Print Media Strategy Shifts:

  • Acquiring print magazines involves transitioning them into digital products with separate P&Ls for print and digital operations.
  • Despite initial plans to phase out print media, maintaining printed versions adds perceived longevity and legitimacy to brands like Dwell magazine.

AI Cameras in Sports:

  • AI cameras are transforming the sports industry by enabling live streaming of games, cutting highlights, and tracking stats through identifying significant moments.
  • One European company has raised over $100 million in funding for these advanced AI camera systems, with four or five competitors also securing substantial investments.
  • The objective is to have a camera on every field, court, and venue to enhance the viewing experience for various stakeholders like friends, family, athletes, and coaches.
  • The cost structure for these AI cameras ranges from a $1,000 one-time expense to a monthly fee of $130.

Impact of AI Models on Companies:

  • In the realm of AI technology, companies fall into two categories: those eagerly anticipating new model releases for product enhancement and those concerned about potential obsolescence due to advanced models.
  • Businesses heavily reliant on human transcribers like Rev.com may face challenges as AI transcription capabilities continue to improve and offer more cost-effective solutions.
  • Companies integrating AI advancements into specific workflows stand to benefit from improved product offerings without risking becoming obsolete.

Investing Strategy in AI:

  • A cautious investment approach is recommended when considering startups related to AI due to high pricing and uncertain market traction.
  • Established companies poised to leverage advancements in AI technology present safer investment opportunities compared to early-stage startups with unpredictable outcomes.
  • Marketing technology firms such as Salesforce and HubSpot are expected to capitalize significantly on AI innovations for growth within their respective sectors.