Your AI Co-Founder: Building Businesses with Bots and Automation

Jeremy Ryan
Oct 24
3 min read

Intro

What if your next co-founder wasn’t a person—but an AI?In this episode of AI Made Easy for Business, Jeremy and Jim explore how automation and AI tools are reshaping entrepreneurship. From Gen Z side hustles to under-an-hour startups, this conversation dives into how creatives, freelancers, and small-business dreamers can use AI to turn ideas into income—without coding skills or venture capital.

Key Takeaways

AI tools drastically reduce startup time and costs for solo founders.
40% of U.S. professionals want to start their own business—especially in creative fields.
Global AI sentiment differs sharply: optimism in Asia, skepticism in Europe/North America.
Microbusinesses (“one person + AI”) are redefining entrepreneurship.
AI lets you automate newsletters, podcasts, and marketing in minutes.

AI and the New Wave of Entrepreneurship

AI is no longer just a productivity boost—it’s a business partner. Platforms like ChatGPT, Claude.ai, Zapier, and NotebookLM let founders build functional products and marketing systems faster than ever.

As Jeremy notes, “We’re not talking about billion-dollar startups. We’re talking about people who can make $100K a year doing what they love—with almost no capital.” (at 10:24)

This “micro-entrepreneur” model is driving the rise of lifestyle businesses powered by automation.

Global Sentiment: Optimism vs. Fear

AI enthusiasm isn’t universal. According to Futurism, optimism runs high in Asia, while Europe and North America show growing skepticism. Jim calls it “a fragmented worldview,” reminding us that adoption rates will depend on local culture and regulation. (at 05:40)

Despite uncertainty, both hosts agree: fear shouldn’t drive the conversation—action should. Jeremy adds, “If you’re afraid of AI, speak up. Influence lawmakers. But don’t sit it out, or someone else will build what you’re dreaming about.” (at 07:53)

The 49-Minute Startup: Jeremy’s AI Experiment

Tired of inbox overload, Jeremy built PodNews, an automated podcast that turns local newsletters into spoken updates—using ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and Zapier.

“In 45 minutes, I went from concept to first published episode.” (at 19:54)

This project shows how founders can build real-world products fast, solving small problems with scalable AI. It’s a model for solopreneurs who want to move from idea to prototype in under an hour.

From Side Hustles to Self-Reliance

LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence survey shows that 4 in 10 professionals are considering launching their own ventures, with strong interest in creative, hospitality, and recreation sectors. Self-employed workers report higher control (65%) and career confidence (45%) compared to traditional employees.

Jim sums it up: “There’s not a realm that isn’t shifting. Business, government, finance—they’re all in motion. AI just accelerates it.” (at 12:15)

Transcript Highlights

“This isn’t the get-rich-quick podcast. It’s the get-real-fast one.” – Jeremy (at 11:29) “Stop doom-scrolling and start dabbling. AI won’t make you rich overnight—but it can make you productive instantly.” – Jim (at 17:18) “Whether it’s a podcast, blog, or newsletter—your voice can now scale itself.” – Jeremy (at 20:34)

FAQ

How can small businesses start using AI today? Begin with automation: use tools like Zapier or Make to connect your workflows, ChatGPT or Claude.ai for copy, and Canva for visuals.
Is AI replacing creative professionals? No—but it’s changing the creative process. The best outcomes come from humans who direct, edit, and curate AI output.
What’s a “micro-business”? A one-person company powered by AI and automation. Think newsletter creators, coaches, or podcasters who use digital tools to scale.
Can I build an AI-based product without coding? Yes. Platforms like Zapier, NotebookLM, and Transistor.fm enable no-code automation for launching digital products.
Is AI entrepreneurship just a trend? It’s part of a long-term shift toward flexible, portfolio-based careers—especially among Gen Z and mid-career independents.