Your 2026 AI Business Roadmap Is Here

Sell Time Back, Fast

December 15, 2025

The biggest mistake most people make with AI is thinking they need to build the software; the real money is actually in servicing the people who use it.

Most of us want an opportunity with real longevity. Dan Martell, an investor who has built multiple multi-million dollar AI companies, shares 2026 predictions based on market data, projected growth, and high-income buyers.

He outlines six business models that are positioned to last. To keep it clear, these opportunities fit into three value categories: saving time, generating growth, and mitigating risk.

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The “Service Over Software” Philosophy
Before the models, there’s a key mindset shift: you don’t need to code to win. The sweet spot is a market with (1) a high-income buyer who values time over money and (2) a growing industry. Combine that with AI leverage and you get a scalable, profitable service business. The goal isn’t “use AI,” it’s “use AI to solve expensive problems” for wealthy individuals and large corporations.

The Time Merchants (Creative & Admin Services)
These businesses sell back the resource high earners lack: time.

The AI-Powered Virtual Assistant
High-income professionals want out of email, scheduling, and small tasks. The VA market is projected to pass $30B by 2030, growing ~20% annually. With tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, you can deliver executive-level support without a big team. With 4–5 clients, income can reach $10,000–$20,000 per month by removing daily friction and protecting their attention.

AI Content Repurposing
Businesses know they need TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, but editing is the bottleneck. Using tools like OpusClip or Descript, you can turn one long-form video into dozens of clips. The buyer is a creator or operator with money who hates editing. Because it requires taste and direction, pricing can be strong: roughly $10,000–$30,000 per month with a small client roster.

The Growth Engines (Automation & Leads)
If you like systems and measurable outcomes, these models sell easily because they tie to revenue and efficiency.

AI Implementation & Automation Agency
Companies use many tools that don’t talk to each other. Using Zapier or Make, you automate workflows (e.g., lead form → CRM → calendar invite). You can even ask AI to help write or structure the integrations. Since you’re solving complex efficiency issues, retainers can be high: often $20,000–$50,000 per month.

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AI Lead Generation Agency
The pitch is simple: generate revenue. Using tools like Clay or Apollo, you identify leads, qualify them, and automate outreach. Because you’re driving pipeline, businesses pay a premium. Lead gen is growing ~17% year over year, with income potential cited at $30,000–$80,000 monthly. If you consistently bring customers in, demand stays steady.

The Corporate Guardians (Risk & Compliance)
Less creative, more protective and often the biggest budgets.

Managed Cybersecurity & Detection
Attackers use AI to clone voices, create deepfakes, and run social engineering. Companies pay for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) to reduce this risk. Startup costs are higher due to specialized tools and expertise, but monthly revenue can be substantial: $40,000–$80,000. It’s high-trust work with high stakes.

Responsible AI Governance & Compliance
With regulations like the EU AI Act, enterprises must prove compliance. They need governance frameworks, documentation, and controls to reduce legal exposure. If you can navigate privacy and compliance requirements and implement governance, pricing can reach $50,000–$100,000 per month. “Boring” work, large checks.

If you want to dive deeper into the specific tools mentioned or grab the executive assistant playbook the author offered, check out the full breakdown in the link.

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