Idea Filters: Lessons for AI SaaS Founders

Five lessons recurring across AI SaaS teams.

Lesson 1: Capability Is the Cheapest Part

Most teams over-weight capability. Filter for distribution and defensibility instead.

Lesson 2: Token Economics Surprise You

Run the math at 100 customers before you launch. Most ideas die when you do.

Lesson 3: Wrappers Lose to Workflows

Thin wrappers commoditize. Workflow products survive. Filter for embedding depth.

Lesson 4: Brand Trust Beats Demo Wow

Buyers commit when they trust. Wow is not trust. Filter for buyer-side seriousness.

Lesson 5: Re-Filter at Each Major Model Release

Releases change defensibility math. Re-score quarterly minimum.