Plant-based boom, AI adoption in SMBs, quirky side hustles, automated sales, and teen creators
In this edition:
[TRENDS] Plant-based food sales up 20%
[AI IN ACTION] 98% of SMBs use AI tools
[MONETIZATION] Unusual gigs become real businesses
[SALES TACTICS] AI-driven CRM boosts retention
[NICHES] Teens monetizing TikTok and dropshipping
THE NOTE
When one is enough to scale
Tech media loves big teams, big rounds, and big exits. But quietly, another model is taking hold: solo founders using smart tools to build lean, profitable operations. A recent report shows that 98% of SMBs in the U.S. already use some form of AI, and 40% rely on generative AI for tasks like support and content. Teens are launching six-figure brands on TikTok. Side hustles that used to sound like jokes—cat yoga mats, nostalgic mugs—are becoming legitimate income streams. The pattern is clear: a single person, armed with the right idea and software stack, can now achieve scale. The solo era isn’t coming—it’s already here.
THE UPDATE
[TRENDS] Plant-based meat and dairy are just getting started
According to Statista, the global market for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives reached $8.1B in 2023, with a projected 20% growth by 2025. Younger consumers are driving demand, citing health, sustainability, and ethical concerns. That shift is creating room for niche brands targeting specific dietary needs or lifestyle identities—functional snacks, allergen-free desserts, vegan protein products. For solo operators, this market is primed for vertical plays with clear branding and tight communities.
[AI IN ACTION] 98% of small businesses already use AI
A recent survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce found that 98% of small businesses in the U.S. are using AI in some capacity, with 40% relying on generative AI. The top use cases: customer support automation, image generation, and content creation. For founders, this isn’t about hype—it’s a practical way to extend your output without hiring. But oversight still matters: AI saves time and money, but without human review, it can backfire. The real advantage goes to those who combine efficiency with quality control.
[MONETIZATION] Weird side hustles are working—and scaling
A roundup from CareerInTheMaking shows how oddball ideas—cat yoga mats, vintage teacups, grandma-core collectibles—have turned into real revenue streams. What sets them apart? Passion, niche knowledge, and content-driven distribution. These side hustles don’t need to be scalable at first. They just need a small, loyal audience and a founder who can execute well. For solopreneurs, this is a reminder: monetization doesn’t require mass appeal, just smart targeting and low-cost ops.
[SALES TACTICS] AI-powered CRM is leveling the playing field
In a Nucamp case study, a solo founder used AI to automate support, follow-up, and customer segmentation—and saw customer retention rise by 2.5x. Personalized engagement at scale used to be reserved for bigger players, but now, solo founders can run CRM workflows, chatbots, and marketing automation without writing code. This is more than just cost-cutting—it’s the ability to deliver high-touch experiences without a team.
[NICHES] Teens are building $50K/month online businesses
According to the New York Post, Gen Z teens are making serious money with personal brands, TikTok content, dropshipping stores, and sponsorship deals. Some bring in $10K/month, others over $50K/month. This isn’t just a novelty—it’s a growing market segment. Smart founders are already building products, SaaS tools, and services tailored to teen creators. If you’re not tracking this demographic, you’re missing one of the most dynamic creator-led opportunities of the next 5 years.