2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights into what people might pay for that hasn't been built yet:

  1. Solutions to Real Problems: Products or services that solve a tangible, pressing issue tend to have the most value. For example, a startup idea mentioned in the WSO threads focuses on creating a trading exchange that addresses inefficiencies in the current regulatory and brokerage models. This type of innovation targets a specific gap in the market, making it inherently valuable.

  2. Prototypes That Outperform Alternatives: A recurring theme is the importance of building a prototype or demo that does one thing significantly better than existing solutions. This approach not only attracts attention but also demonstrates the potential for scalability and profitability.

  3. Unique and High-Margin Experiences: While scaled businesses dominate, there’s also demand for high-margin, unique client experiences. However, combining scale with uniqueness is challenging and often unsustainable, so focusing on one aspect is key.

  4. Incremental Improvements: Engineers and innovators often emphasize the value of incremental improvements to existing solutions. Even small enhancements can create significant value if they address inefficiencies or improve user experience.

  5. Big Market Opportunities (TAM): Products or services targeting a large Total Addressable Market (TAM) are inherently attractive. For instance, the trading exchange idea mentioned in the threads highlights a $20 billion/year TAM, making it a compelling opportunity for investors.

  6. Idea Generation and Testing: Writing down 10 ideas daily, as suggested in one thread, can help identify gaps in the market. Micro-testing these ideas through small, quick wins can validate their potential before scaling.

Ultimately, the key is to focus on execution rather than just the idea itself. As one WSO thread emphasizes, "Your idea has almost no value. Execution is everything."

Sources: VC startup idea - PE or VC interest? Are these numbers viable?, How various professionals see the world, Bootstrapped Entrepreneur Netting 7 Figures @ 25 - Q&A, What is the secret sauce? Feel like I don't know anything, Idea Generation... and Why Wall Street Sucks at It

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Perferendis sed nihil iure nihil a dolores ducimus. Consequatur est quia voluptatem quasi commodi. Qui ut quos eveniet optio inventore sint.

Alias alias sunt tempora reprehenderit. Deserunt consequuntur odio asperiores ipsam. Sed dolores asperiores ut deleniti illum at dolores quia. Repudiandae dolores pariatur maiores.

Soluta hic expedita quia mollitia mollitia. Sint quas error eum voluptatibus. Quis sunt quidem cumque soluta.

Unde facere dolore cum quia iure laudantium. Aut dolor id ut sapiente id hic in non. Ratione molestias sit suscipit inventore eligendi quisquam in.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”