TikTok's Grip on Gen Z Solidifies
Two-thirds of US teens now use TikTok, with 16% saying they're on it "almost constantly," according to new Pew Research data. Overall adult usage has climbed to 33% from 21% in 2021, and support for a US ban has dropped to 38%. This deep engagement makes the platform a key discovery channel for everything from brands to audio content.
NYC's AI startup scene is rapidly expanding, creating a high demand for engineers, particularly those with experience in machine learning and data science. Companies are actively hiring for roles like Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, and AI Product Manager. This growth is fueled by the city's strong connections to major industries like finance, media, and healthcare, providing a unique advantage for enterprise AI applications. For engineers looking to build AI applications, several frameworks are gaining traction. Microsoft's AutoGen and the open-source CrewAI are popular for creating multi-agent applications. LangChain remains a widely adopted option for developing applications powered by large language models, offering a modular approach to building complex chains. Phidata (now known as Agno) and Langroid are other notable frameworks that simplify the process of building LLM applications with multi-agent programming. The indie hacker movement provides a blueprint for engineers wanting to build businesses on the side. Founders like Pieter Levels (Nomad List) and Jon Yongfook (Bannerbear) have successfully bootstrapped profitable Micro-SaaS products. A common strategy is the "build in public" approach, sharing progress and gathering feedback on platforms like Twitter and Indie Hackers to build an engaged user base from day one. For those considering vertical SaaS, opportunities are emerging in traditionally analog industries such as agriculture, construction, and transportation. AI is a key driver in this space, enabling startups to create highly specialized solutions for niche markets. The focus is on identifying high-impact problems within a specific industry and developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that solves one clear issue. In the consumer social space, acquiring Gen Z users often involves leveraging influencer marketing and creating authentic, engaging content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Brands are finding success by collaborating with influencers who align with their values to build trust and drive product discovery. Social commerce features on these platforms also allow for a seamless shopping experience, which resonates with this demographic. NYC's venture capital landscape is actively funding AI and consumer startups. Firms like Lux Capital, Two Sigma Ventures, and Insight Partners have made significant investments in enterprise AI. For early-stage consumer and prosumer apps, investors such as BoxGroup and Greycroft are active in the seed stage. Many successful founders started their ventures while still employed, validating their ideas before making the full-time leap.
