Breaking Down Two +$1B Companies Hidden In Plain Sight
About This Episode
Shaan and Sam analyze the business models of Clear and Cricut, two billion-dollar companies that dominate their respective niches of identity verification and home crafting. They also discuss the distinction between 'consumable' and 'collectible' merchandise for creators and brainstorm how niche dating apps can succeed by targeting specific underserved communities.
Episode Description
Show Notes
- 0:00Intro
- 0:30Surprise 1: Merch!
- 5:05Surprise 2: New YouTube Clips Channel!
- 8:15Business breakdown 1: Clear ($3b)
- 19:33Business breakdown 2: Cricut
- 25:20The real story behind Native Deodorant
- 29:20Business breakdown 3: Aunt Flow
- 32:52iCracked
- 38:00Business breakdown 5: Cloud Poker Night
- 45:30Products that grow virally (not word-of-mouth)
- 47:20Gamer Dating App
Links
Check Out Shaan's Stuff
Check Out Sam's Stuff
Key Takeaways
Creators should focus on 'collectible' merchandise—limited edition items that signal tribal membership—rather than mass-market 'consumables' which are better suited for massive celebrities.
Boring but highly profitable 'hidden monopolies' are often built by securing long-term contracts for physical infrastructure in high-traffic venues like airports and stadiums.
Market validation for new products can be found by reverse-engineering top-selling items on marketplaces like Etsy to identify high-demand consumables that lack a premium brand version.
Business Ideas Mentioned
Niche Dating App for Gamers
Marketplace
Custom Physical Newspapers for Creators
Content & Media
Advanced Multi-Purpose Home Crafting Machine
E-commerce