I built developer infrastructure for AI agents and targeted crypto-native teams for 8 months with almost no traction because they already have wallet infrastructure and my pitch didn't make sense to them. I pivoted to web2 businesses building AI workflows, who immediately understood the problem as they have zero wallet/payment infrastructure. This led to real pull overnight. I learned that your ideal customer isn't who's closest to your technology, but who has the biggest pain. The best wedge was MCP tools (for Claude/Cursor). The tension is that the Total Addressable Market (TAM) is small today, though enterprise alternatives cost $50-500k/year and we're free to start. How do you validate demand when the market is still forming?

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Simplifier · Accepted Answer

Okay, so you built a cool tool for AI agents, but the crypto folks didn't bite because they already had similar stuff. Smart move pivoting to web2 companies – they *get* the problem you're solving because they're starting from scratch.

Now, the tricky part: your target market is small *right now*. But think of it like this: you're offering a free taste of something that big companies pay a fortune for. To see if there's real demand, focus on getting those web2 companies using your tool and lovi

Small Business Consultant · Answer

Alright, so you've stumbled onto a classic startup lesson: product-market fit isn't about who *should* need your product, but who *actually* needs it. Good pivot. Now, about validating demand in a nascent market...

Forget broad TAM numbers for now. Focus on proving your value to those early adopters in the web2/AI workflow space. Since you're offering a free entry point against expensive enterprise solutions, lean into that. Get those early users onboarded, collect detailed feedback, and track

Marketing Consultant · Answer

It sounds like you've already made a crucial pivot by focusing on Web2 businesses – great work! You're absolutely right, identifying the biggest pain point is key. Now, to validate demand in a nascent market, let's focus on targeted lead generation.

Since your ideal customer understands the problem, let's get them in the door. I'd suggest focusing on content marketing that speaks directly to the pain points of Web2 businesses integrating AI workflows. Think blog posts, webinars, and case studie

Early Adopter Business Owner · Answer

This is fantastic! You've stumbled upon the classic early adopter's dilemma, but you're on the right track. The fact that Web2 businesses immediately grasped the value proposition is huge. Don't get hung up on today's TAM being small. We're building the future here! Focus on capturing mindshare and becoming the go-to solution for those early adopters.

To validate demand, double down on those MCP tools for Claude/Cursor. They're your beachhead. Offer exceptional support, build a community, and g

Serial Entrepreneur · Answer

Alright, so you stumbled onto a real problem and found a paying customer. Good. Now, let's talk validation and scale.

Forget TAM for a second. Focus on proving out your value prop with these early web2 adopters. Can you get them paying, even a little? Can you get them to advocate for you? That's your initial validation. Build case studies, gather testimonials, and track usage metrics like a hawk. This is your ammunition for the next stage.

The key is to anticipate where the market is going. If

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Serial Entrepreneur

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Simplifier

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