October 16, 2024 • 19min
Meet the 14yo entrepreneur who's already launched 2 businesses
My First Million
Key Takeaways
- Isaac Katayev is a 14-year-old entrepreneur who has already built successful web projects and apps
- At age 12, Isaac created Cookie Duck, a website with embedded games that became hugely popular among students and made up to $1,500 per day at its peak
- Isaac's newest project is Price Satellite, a website that compares luxury goods prices across countries to help travelers save money
- Isaac taught himself coding and web development skills primarily through YouTube tutorials and Google searches
- He uses AI extensively in his projects, including for code generation, product categorization, and writing descriptions
- Isaac's goal is to grow Price Satellite to 1 million views per month and monetize through ads and affiliate partnerships
- His father has been a key inspiration, encouraging Isaac to think long-term about his goals and projects
- Isaac believes the future of AI is integrating it into existing apps and messaging platforms to make it more convenient for everyday use
Introduction
This special episode of My First Million features 14-year-old entrepreneur Isaac Katayev, who has already built multiple successful web projects and apps. Hosts Sam Parr and Shaan Puri interview Isaac about his entrepreneurial journey, which began when he was just 10 years old. Isaac shares insights into his projects, his approach to learning and building, and his thoughts on the future of technology.
Topics Discussed
Cookie Duck: Isaac's First Major Success (02:18)
Isaac explains how he created Cookie Duck, a website with embedded games, when he was around 10 years old:
- Initially built it to play games during computer time at school
- The site spread rapidly when students got Chromebooks during COVID
- At its peak, had over 4,000 users in 30 minutes
- Spread to multiple schools, with up to 90% adoption in some cases
Isaac describes how he monetized Cookie Duck:
- Used Google Ads
- Made up to $1,500 per day at its peak
- Monetization became difficult as links got blocked and new domains couldn't be monetized individually
Learning to Code and Build Websites (06:30)
Isaac shares how he acquired the skills to build Cookie Duck:
- Attended a coding school for some basics
- Built the Cookie Duck website mostly by himself
- Used YouTube tutorials and Google searches to learn specific skills
Price Satellite: Isaac's Newest Project (07:12)
Isaac discusses his latest project, Price Satellite (pricesatellite.com):
- Compares prices of luxury goods across different countries
- Helps travelers save money by showing where items are cheaper
- Idea came from noticing price differences while traveling
- Saw it as a good SEO opportunity due to lack of competitors
Isaac explains how he built and populated Price Satellite:
- Gathered data from official brand websites
- Compiled VAT (Value Added Tax) data
- Currently gets 30-50 visitors per day, mostly from search
- Plans to monetize through ads and affiliate partnerships
Isaac's Approach to Learning and Networking (09:38)
Isaac shares his learning process and networking approach:
- Primarily learns from YouTube tutorials on specific topics like SEO and coding
- Doesn't currently network much with other young entrepreneurs
- His friends know about his projects but aren't deeply involved
Early Tech Interest and Parental Support (10:51)
Isaac discusses his early interest in technology and his father's influence:
- Built his first computer at age 8 for his birthday
- His father encouraged him to build rather than buy a computer
- Watched YouTube tutorials to learn how to build a PC
- His father inspires him to think long-term about his goals
Goals and Future Plans (12:52)
Isaac shares his current goals and approach to progress:
- Aims to grow Price Satellite to 1 million views per month
- Plans to monetize through ads and affiliate partnerships
- Focused on progressing and improving his current projects
Use of AI in Projects (14:18)
Isaac explains how he incorporates AI into his work:
- Uses AI extensively in Price Satellite
- AI assists with code generation for web scraping, backend, frontend, and styles
- Uses AI for product categorization
- Generates product descriptions with AI (for thousands of products)
Ideas for Future AI Integration (15:38)
Isaac shares his thoughts on the future of AI:
- Believes integrating AI into existing apps and messaging platforms is key
- Envisions AI assistants that can be texted for various tasks:
- Finding information
- Booking reservations
- Scheduling appointments
- Thinks this approach will make AI more convenient for everyday use
Conclusion
Isaac Katayev demonstrates remarkable entrepreneurial skills and technical knowledge at just 14 years old. His projects, Cookie Duck and Price Satellite, showcase his ability to identify opportunities, build functional websites, and monetize his work. Isaac's approach to learning - primarily through online resources and self-directed study - highlights the accessibility of knowledge in the digital age.
His extensive use of AI in his latest project, Price Satellite, indicates a forward-thinking approach to development and a keen understanding of emerging technologies. Isaac's vision for the future of AI, focusing on integration with existing platforms to enhance convenience, shows mature insight into user needs and technological trends.
Throughout the interview, Isaac displays a refreshing simplicity in his approach to entrepreneurship, focusing on gradual improvement and clear goals. His father's influence in encouraging long-term thinking has clearly shaped Isaac's perspective on business and personal development.
As Isaac continues to grow and develop his skills, he represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology and the internet to build businesses at an incredibly young age. His success serves as an inspiration and potential model for other young people interested in technology and entrepreneurship.