Entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang has proposed that the next wave of startup potential lies in reducing the cost of living. Yang, inspired by Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs, believes that startups can create value by returning money to customers rather than extracting it. He outlined a list of essential services, including wireless, and launched Nobile Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator, in September 2025. The company provides cell service at a fraction of traditional carrier prices and refunds customers for reduced data usage. Yang argues that as AI threatens to compress wages and displace workers, there is an emerging opportunity to meet basic needs more affordably. This approach aligns with his advocacy for Universal Basic Income, which he first promoted during his 2020 presidential campaign. Yang believes that the value generated by AI companies should be redistributed to average Americans, either through government policy or market incentives. He is less certain about the role of government in this redistribution, suggesting that market forces could play a critical role. Nobile Mobile, his latest venture, has attracted thousands of customers and generated millions in revenue since its launch. Yang emphasized that the average monthly savings of $50, compounded over 40 years, could amount to $24,000, potentially serving as a retirement down payment. He encourages founders and investors to pursue problems they are passionate about and build valuable enterprises around them. The challenge, however, lies in securing investment for consumer-facing businesses with thin margins and a social mission. Yang noted that some investors are hesitant to support such ventures unless they are rebranded as AI companies. Despite these challenges, Yang remains optimistic that the current economic landscape, where even the most extractive companies require consumer buying power, may be shifting in favor of such initiatives. The value concentrated in the hands of a few is, according to Yang, detrimental to the broader economy. He believes that there are opportunities for founders and investors to tackle significant problems and build meaningful enterprises. The broader implications of this approach are still unfolding, but Yang's vision suggests that the future of startups may lie in making everyday life more affordable for everyone.

Source: techcrunch