tutorial
May 9, 2023

Best Business to Launch in 2023 (Based on $1.4M TTM Companies from Acquire.com)

How to analyze the SMB tech market to construct a $1M ARR Business Plan in 2 hours with ChatGPT.
How to analyze the SMB tech market to construct a $1M ARR Business Plan in 2 hours with ChatGPT.

We asked Affogato to scrape all businesses on Acquire.com and analyze the business-models, strategies and verticals of the companies that are grossing $1M or more in ARR. There were a total of 1566 companies in the data-set.

Best Verticals to Make $1M ARR in 2023:

  • eCommerce: Niche products that appeal to a passionate and engaged audience can drive strong revenue growth with the right branding, marketing, and distribution channels. Look for verticals where there is a gap in the market, and customers are willing to pay a premium for a unique or high-quality product.
  • SaaS: Software-as-a-Service businesses with high recurring revenue models and low customer churn can be highly lucrative. Look for verticals where there is a clear pain point for businesses, and your software can help them solve it. Focus on delivering an excellent user experience and building strong customer relationships to drive growth and retention.
  • Marketplace: Online marketplaces can generate significant revenue by facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers in a specific vertical or niche. Look for markets that are underserved or fragmented, and where there is a clear opportunity to build a better, more efficient platform. Focus on building a strong brand and providing exceptional customer service to attract and retain users.

Best Companies to Start in 2023 to make $1M ARR:

  • AI-powered photo title, description, and keyword generator for fast and easy labeling: This SaaS product solves a clear pain point for content creators, marketers, and businesses. With the growing importance of visual content, this tool has significant potential to attract a large and diverse customer base.
  • Feminine Hygiene Brand: This eCommerce business has already generated impressive revenue and profit margins in its first year. With increasing demand for sustainable, high-quality feminine hygiene products, there is an opportunity to scale the business and expand its product offerings.
  • NFT Club with Perks: This crypto business is at the forefront of a rapidly growing industry. With a loyal and engaged community, there is potential to expand the business into new verticals and generate significant revenue through partnerships and collaborations.
  • Talent on Demand in Latin America: This marketplace solves a clear pain point for businesses looking to hire skilled professionals in Latin America. With the increasing demand for remote work and a growing talent pool in the region, there is significant potential to scale the business and expand into new markets.
  • Online Platform for Planning Funerals: This marketplace addresses a sensitive but critical need for families and individuals. With a comprehensive platform and strong partnerships in the funeral industry, there is potential to scale the business and expand into new verticals.

How to Use ChatGPT Cheat Codes to Scrape Data and Analyze It:

  • Using ChatGPT to scrape data: To use ChatGPT to scrape data, you can input a specific prompt that defines the type of data you want to scrape, along with any relevant parameters. For example, you could prompt ChatGPT to scrape eCommerce businesses with annual revenue over $1M and profit margins over 20%.
  • Analyzing scraped data: Once you have scraped the data, you can use ChatGPT to analyze it and identify trends, patterns, and insights. For example, you could prompt ChatGPT to identify the most common verticals for businesses with annual revenue over $1M, or the most common pricing strategies for SaaS businesses with high customer retention rates.
  • Generating business insights: By combining scraped data with ChatGPT's natural language processing capabilities, you can generate powerful insights that can inform your business strategy. For example, you could prompt ChatGPT to analyze customer reviews for a specific eCommerce product and identify common pain points or areas for improvement.

The data displayed based on the top companies (full dataset available for download for Members) as part of this post.

Table 1: Top Companies by Vertical

Company TTM Revenue (on average) Vertical GTM
An Amazon Business Selling Supplies to Professionals $6.7M eCommerce Online Marketplace
Full-service family sports event management company $5.2M Other Online Platform/Events Management
Organic skincare line with biodegradable packaging $300k eCommerce Social Media Marketing
Remote Support platform for industrial engineering companies $300k SaaS Direct Sales
Digital loyalty platform for blockchain-based rewards $300k SaaS Content Marketing
Cost-effective, no-code platform for SMBs $300k SaaS Inbound Marketing
SaaS IT Service Desk with Cyber Security Focus $12k SaaS Direct Sales/Partner Network
Talent on demand in Latin America $1.4M Marketplace Inbound Marketing
Established Zero-Nicotine Caffeine Vape Brand $1.4M eCommerce Social Media Marketing/Influencer Marketing
Viral DTC eCommerce Supplement Brand for Gen Z $1.4M eCommerce Influencer Marketing
SaaS based business with a growing base $1.4M SaaS Inbound Marketing
Shopify site for parents with baby and toddler transportation $1.4M eCommerce Social Media Marketing/Influencer Marketing
High-quality, ethical, and global proxy lists $1.4M SaaS Direct Sales
Feminine Hygiene Brand Over $3.4M Revenue 2022 $1.4M eCommerce
Events platform including streaming, monetization, matchmaking $1.4M SaaS Inbound Marketing
Lead generation & analytics subscription platform $1.4M Agency Direct Sales/Partner Network
Lo Carb U foods is a keto, Low Carb, and sugar-free focused business. $1.4M eCommerce Social Media Marketing/Influencer Marketing
Leading privacy, risk, and compliance SaaS for companies $1.4M SaaS Direct Sales/Partner Network
Successful NFT brand - sold out 10k collection with utility $1.4M Crypto Social Media Marketing/Influencer Marketing
Growth-oriented Hosting Company in Bangalore $1.4M SaaS Direct Sales/Partner Network
Dehydrated raw dog food for UK-based four-legged friends $1.4M eCommerce Social Media Marketing/Influencer Marketing
Your private Fiverr/Upwork platform $1k SaaS Direct Sales/Partner Network

Table 2: Best Possible Ideas based on Invented Companies

Invented Companies TTM Revenue (Projected) Vertical GTM (Strategy to Go to Market)
AI-powered photo title, description, and keyword generator for fast and easy labeling $2.8M SaaS Enterprise sales, content marketing
Wellness products, powered by micro-algae, that are good for you & the planet $2M eCommerce Social media, influencer marketing
Leading privacy, risk, and compliance SaaS for companies $2M SaaS Enterprise sales, content marketing
Successful NFT brand - sold out 10k collection with utility, working App and active community $2M Crypto Social media, NFT collectors
Growth-oriented Hosting Company in Bangalore with a vision to help a million SMBs to get online. $2M SaaS Content marketing, referral program
Advanced portrait photo editing app to make your social media posts more popular. $1.8M Mobile Social media marketing, influencer marketing
Revolutionary productivity platform. Loved by small businesses and freelancers. $1.8M SaaS Content marketing, referral program
Full-service family sports event management company based in AUS & CAN $1.5M Other Social media, event sponsorships
Organic skincare line with biodegradable packaging $1.5M eCommerce Social media, influencer marketing
AI copywriting tool with 70+ templates for creating high quality content $1.5M SaaS Content marketing, referral program

Note: TTM Revenue (Projected) refers to the estimated revenue that the invented company can generate over the next 12 months. GTM (Strategy to Go to Market) refers to the approach that the invented company can use to acquire and retain customers.

These invented companies have been chosen based on their potential to disrupt the market and create value for their customers. Each of these ideas has a unique value proposition and can leverage different marketing strategies to reach their target audience. The rankings are based on a combination of projected revenue, market potential, and feasibility of execution.

Members' Only
Cheat Codes

ChatGPT Cheat Codes Prompt:

analyze this data, column names are based on sales data from Acquire.com the micro-acquire website

your job is to respond as an A16Z analyst and create these sections

1. Table ranking the top companies by vertical, columns: Company, TTM Revenue (on average), Vertical, GTM (strategy to go to market based on what the company does)

2. Table ranking the best possible ideas based on Invented Companies, TTM Revenue (projected), Vertical, GTM (strategy to go to market based on what the company does)

data:
Company, Type, TTM Revenue, TTM Profit, Asking Price

Talent on demand in Latin America Marketplace $1.4M $103k $6M
Established Zero-Nicotine Caffeine Vape Brand Doing $1.4M TTM Revenue and $236k TTM Profit eCommerce $1.4M $236k $315k
Viral DTC eCommerce Supplement Brand for Gen Z eCommerce $1.4M $220k $100k
SaaS  based business with a growing base SaaS $1.4M $1.2M $8M
Shopify site for parents with baby and toddler transportation needs eCommerce $1.4M $90k $2M
High-quality, ethical, and global proxy lists for scraping websites SaaS $1.4M $150k $1M
Feminine Hygiene Brand | Over $3.4M Revenue 2022 In 1st Year|28% Net Profit Margin| eCommerce $1.4M $401k $551k
Events platform including streaming, monetization, matchmaking, analytics, mobile apps SaaS $1.4M $0.00 $2.5M
Lead generation & analytics subscription platform for B2B sales teams Agency $1.4M $72k Open to offers
Lo Carb U foods is a keto, Low Carb, and sugar-free focused business. eCommerce $1.4M $0.00 $2M
Leading privacy, risk, and compliance SaaS for companies SaaS $1.4M $475k $9M
Successful NFT brand - sold out 10k collection with utility, working App and active community Crypto $1.4M $1.4M $400k
Growth-oriented Hosting Company in Bangalore with a vision to help a million SMBs to get online. SaaS $1.4M $175k $4M
Dehydrated raw dog food for UK-based four-legged friends eCommerce $1.4M $0.00 $4.5M
Your private Fiverr/Upwork platform SaaS $1k $0.00 $4k
Get rewarded for purchasing your favorite Hostin, Themes, Plugins, and many more. Other $1k $600.00 $20k
AI-powered photo title, description, and keyword generator for fast and easy labeling SaaS $1k $1k $19k
Wellness products, powered by micro-algae, that are good for you & the planet eCommerce $1k $1k $5k
Shopify App for growing communities Shopify app $1k $956.00 $7k
Pixel Tracking apps for Shopify owners to measure social channel conversions Shopify app $1k $1k $13k
Proven Productivity & Personal Growth Blog: Empowering Millions to Achieve More in Life Other $1k $0.00 $9k
Women clothing eStores which sells dress for all occasions eCommerce $1k $360.00 $3k
App for notifying those with meteoropathy of sudden forecast changes Mobile $1k $1k $20k
EU-based Applicant Tracking System for supporting companies needing to hire SaaS $1k $1k $38k
SaaS that can detect if a student has used ChatGPT to plagiarize their essay. SaaS $1k $1k $30k
The most capable storefront builder for NFTs, Token Gates, Services & Products. SaaS $1k $0.00 $10k
A screen recorder that lets you rewind & rerecord over mistakes in real time! SaaS $1k $920.00 $22k
In-Person Experiences to Connect Distributed Teams SaaS $1k $843.00 $5k
Risk-free (100% free) sports betting app and community Mobile $1k $500.00 $25k
ChatGPT app & browser ext. for bringing AI capabilities to users' iPhone keyboard Mobile $1k $800.00 $30k
CodeCanyon Running Software package featuring 11 projects Marketplace $1k $797.00 $3k
Platform that lets anyone be a coach with a no-code website builder and easy payment processing. SaaS $1k $894.00 $13k
ManyChat chatbot add-on for small businesses that increases website engagement and conversions SaaS $1k $454.00 $6k
Tech talent discovery and introductions platform for software engineers SaaS $1k $0.00 $10k
AI email personalization tool SaaS $1k $700.00 $10k
VPN App for Android | 12k organic install/month Mobile $1k $1k $3k
Cron monitoring and alert system for scheduled jobs within Laravel SaaS $1k $1k $4k
An app that creates upsell & cross-sell offers. Offers are shown as drawer, popup, and embedded. Shopify app $1k $800.00 $5k
Platform for building an online catalog and taking orders through WhatsApp SaaS $1k $1k $8k
AI-created personalized postcards for customizing & sending mail SaaS $1k $700.00 $10k
Platform for creating screenshots & posts without needing designing skills SaaS $1k $1k $7k
VPN App for iOS with 4k organic install/month Mobile $1k $1k $5k
AI-powered Tweet Generator SaaS $1k $1k $15k
Privacy-focused and simple web analytics SaaS $1k $984.00 $5k
An AI-powered email prospecting tool for B2B sales companies SaaS $1k $1k $25k
Revolutionary productivity platform. Loved by small businesses and freelancers. SaaS $1k $0.00 $20k
AI copywriting tool with 70+ templates for creating high quality content SaaS $1k $1k $9k
AI test generator for creating personalized quizzes on specific texts or subjects SaaS $1k $1k $15k
Easy, professional-grade app for PDF files and photos to be easily scanned Mobile $132k $106k $160k
e-Learning platform for STEM higher education and workforce with $132,000 in TTM revenue SaaS $132k $0.00 $150k
Advanced portrait photo editing app to make your social media posts more popular. Mobile $132k $114k $528k
eCommerce Startup with Unique Product eCommerce $12k $-74k $70k
First of its kind NFT club with perks Crypto $12k $12k $8k
Shopify apps for supporting shipping & delivery for store owners Shopify app $12k $10k $72k
A browser-based platform for statistical analysis and education SaaS $12k $6k $68k
Tool for helping Twitter users convert comments to likes and follows SaaS $12k $12k $55k
Patented race tracking software. No course cutting. Verifiable results. Create a course anywhere. Mobile $12k $0.00 $150k
Digital business card with App, Company Dashboard and in-house production pipeline SaaS $12k $0.00 $80k
Rental service for all types of household items that eliminates consumer waste. Marketplace $12k $3k $10k
Community for experienced operators and investors running online businesses. Other $12k $11k $14k
Pickleball tournament administration software. Other $12k $120.00 $60k
SaaS IT Service Desk with Cyber Security Focus SaaS $12k $4k $45k
B2B training company delivering digital skills training for universities Other $12k $6k $5k
Tool for users to access to GPT-4 for use on any textbox across the internet SaaS $12k $12k $30k
Online programming classes for kids under 18 Marketplace $12k $5k $25k
Expertise Marketplace Platform - Create Sites Providing On-Demand Video Mentoring & Project Posting Marketplace $12k $1.00 $12k
Shopify app designed for upselling with a popup when clients click "add to cart" Shopify app $12k $11k $80k
Telegram chatbots to search for accommodations and track prices for stays. Mobile $600.00 $550.00 $15k
Chrome extension that save changes made using inspect element Other $600.00 $600.00 $500.00
UTM link/Shortlink creator + management tool for marketing brands and growth agencies. SaaS $600.00 $520.00 $4k
Curated Remote Jobs in multiple categories Marketplace $600.00 $500.00 $20k
SEO automation tool for Shopify stores to use AI to write and publish blog posts Shopify app $350.00 $280.00 $9k
Anonymously track the activity of any Instagram account. SaaS $95k $89k $420k
Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing business. Best-selling cookbooks fulfilled by Amazon Other $95k $58k $200k
Award-winning Software to track (hidden) employee skills | Skills Management Software | B2B SaaS $95k $0.00 $466k
Comprehensive online platform for planning funerals and handling end-of-life logistics Marketplace $865k $0.00 $2M
Full-service family sports event management company based in AUS & CAN Other $5.2M $1.8M $5.5M
Software for transit systems in public transport, university, airports, and large corporate spaces SaaS $300k $0.00 $470k
Established Natural Cosmetics Company - Great Opportunity eCommerce $300k $125k $165k
Organic skincare line with biodegradable packaging eCommerce $300k $177k $700k
Remote Support platform for industrial engineering companies to support customers and field service SaaS $300k $0.00 $1.5M
Digital loyalty platform for blockchain-based rewards like tokens and NFTs SaaS $300k $0.00 $1.2M
Cost-effective, no-code platform for SMBs to create, publish, & monetize apps SaaS $300k $100k $1.5M
Patented novelty rolling papers and wraps for stylish smokes eCommerce $300k $150k $450k
Source code management for centralized control of distributed repositories SaaS $300k $150k $400k
Rapidly growing automated, AI-powered Digital Agency Agency $300k $30k $600k
Multi-day travel Marketplace with the highest amount of vetted industry partners in Africa Marketplace $300k $50k $300k
B2B Data Platform for Sales People, Marketers, and Developers. SaaS $300k $125k $2.5M
Platform designed for adding video chat features to any app or website. SaaS $272k $6k $500k
An outbound sales agency with a proprietary cold outbound analytics SaaS product. Agency $830k $29k $3M
Platform for businesses to build community, loyalty, rewards perks, & more SaaS $830k $25k $1.5M
AI-powered tool revolutionizing communication through personalized conversations SaaS $524.00 $439.00 $4k
Digital sourcing platform for connecting fashion brands to verified suppliers Marketplace $500.00 $0.00 $10k
AI-generated profile pictures in 30+ styles for dating apps and other social media SaaS $500.00 $450.00 $10k
Luggage Storage SaaS for Streamlined Travel Experience SaaS $500.00 $105.00 $7k
Ride the AI Wave with this Niche AI Service tool SaaS $500.00 $420.00 $12k
Personalized children's stories - global B2B and B2C opportunity with multiple revenue streams. Other $134k $87k $500k
An Amazon Business Selling Supplies to Professionals Making $6.6M TTM Revenue. eCommerce $6.7M $661k $2.1M
Subscription-based iOS app for making stickers out of any photo Mobile $5k $4k $30k
All-in-one web-based CRM for performance, sales, & productivity tracking SaaS $5k $5k $50k
Low cost, safe storage in your local community Marketplace $5k $500.00 $28k
Empowering Language Generation and Image Synthesis in One Platform SaaS $5k $3k $6k
Marketplace for hiring verified professionals in thousands of categories Marketplace $5k $5k $10k
Android-based parental controls for shielding children from harmful content Mobile $5k $5k $21k
Student engagement platform for young people in primary, middle and secondary school. SaaS $5k $0.00 $30k
Premium Quality Custom-Engraved Dog Collars and Harness eCommerce $5k $602.00 $5k
Women's beauty eCommerce product w/ great branding eCommerce $5k $500.00 $10k
Personalized vitamin and nutrient plans eCommerce $5k $0.00 $30k
Generative Music Platform for Productivity Market SaaS $5k $4k $30k
Corporate wellness platform for engaging teams and helping people get active SaaS $109k $62k $510k
Ed-Tech platform providing courses in AI and computer vision SaaS $109k $12k $650k
Mobile app to cast web, videos, images, and audio to all smart Chromecast devices Mobile $120k $92k $180k
Kill the password SaaS $120k $-183k $850k
Home services marketplace for connecting users with verified taskers Marketplace $120k $9k $100k
A comprehensive walled-garden marketplace for qualified buyers and suppliers. Marketplace $120k $110k $300k
Turn a boring exercise bike into a VR fitness cycling Other $120k $60k $150k
No-code power business intelligence (BI) integration apps for Shopify users Shopify app $120k $97k $950k
eCommerce Business Selling Digital Items in the PC Gaming Niche eCommerce $120k $30k $128k
Licensed Amazon seller of FILA watches eCommerce $120k $12k $55k
Hybrid office efficiency solutions with more than 100 clients SaaS $120k $0.00 $1.3M
iOS and Android AI Avatar Generating app Mobile $120k $60k $600k
Automated eCommerce brand with 80% YoY growth and $0 PPC. Marketer's dream. eCommerce $120k $70k $750k
The platform that looks for/finds the best bargains deals. Other $120k $12k $250k
Admissions and funding Agency for students to get Master's degrees in the United States Agency $120k $110k $150k
Platform for connecting entrepreneurs & businesses to clients & customers Mobile $120k $10k $250k
Online platform to book cleaning services with a MRR of 31 K € and forecast turnover of 400K. Marketplace $331k $20k $500k
Marketing automation company for generating data-driven strategies SaaS $122k $86k $550k
SaaS education platform teaching coding to ages 9 to adult SaaS $122k $71k $575k
Canvas Print Store That Did $121,000 In TTM Revenue Focused On European and US Market. eCommerce $122k $60k $104k
Your fundraising sidekick SaaS $122k $115k $1M
Mobile app for helping customers buy, sell, & calculate the value of used cars Mobile $40k $40k $200k
Peer-to-peer marketplace for buying and selling unloved items. Marketplace $40k $0.00 $196k
Explainer video creation agency with $450,000 revenue in 4 years Agency $40k $20k $40k
Alignment sticks and training aids for improving all parts of your golf game eCommerce $40k $34k $200k
Custom Made eCommerce products eCommerce $40k $8k $15k
CRM and referral platform for digitizing business logic within online stores & carts SaaS $40k $30k $250k
Abandoned cart Recovery app SaaS $40k $5k $200k
Agency for developing plans on how to add loyal users to their SaaS portfolio Agency $40k $21k $53k
DTC Zero Waste Laundry Detergent Brand (30M+ views on TikTok) + Retail at Urban Outfitters & The Bay eCommerce $40k $20k $20k
Shopify Based outsourced e-commerce web development agency Agency $248k $161k $80k
Trademark approved eCommerce Marketplace for IT, Industrial Equipments & MRO products Marketplace $700k $99k $2M
A professional team that designs and builds innovative SharePoint web parts Other $700k $200k $2.5M
Marketplace connecting global businesses with local caterers in UK, NL, & DE Marketplace $700k $0.00 $3M
Platform for connecting home owners with high-quality contractors to finish renovation projects Marketplace $700k $70k $1M
Enable grocers and merchants to offer same day delivery Marketplace $700k $0.00 $1M
CRM Software (Saas) with Email and Whatsapp automation for SMBs in Latin America and Spain SaaS $850k $360k $4.3M
Mobile apps development company with user base of 1.5 million monthly active users. Agency $850k $100k $1.6M
One-stop tool for events tracking and analytics integrated with GPT-4 SaaS $232.00 $215.00 $19k

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