## A Coffee Controversy That's Brewing Debate

A simple **€2.50 cappuccino** from LAP Coffee has sparked intense discussion about **venture capital** and innovation culture in Germany. The founder's bold statement that this price point is "apparently too disruptive for Berlin" highlights the tension between traditional business models and **disruptive startups**.

### The Core Conflict

This coffee pricing controversy isn't just about beverages—it's become a **symbolic battle** representing how Germany views and values innovation. The situation puts the country's entire approach to **venture capital** and startup support under the microscope.

### What This Means for Entrepreneurs

The reaction to LAP Coffee's pricing strategy reveals deeper questions about:
- **Risk tolerance** in German business culture
- What truly constitutes "disruption" in established markets
- How **venture capital** decisions reflect broader economic attitudes
- The challenges facing **food and beverage startups** seeking to innovate

This case study demonstrates how even small-scale innovations can trigger important conversations about **entrepreneurship ecosystems** and investment philosophies.

LAP Coffee’s €2.50 cappuccino is ‘apparently too disruptive for Berlin’, says one founder 

The €2.50 Cappuccino That Shook Berlin's Startup Scene

In early 2023, a social media experiment set out to test whether **artificial intelligence** could launch a viable business with just **$100**. It quickly became a viral sensation. Within 24 hours, the project reportedly turned a modest investment into **over $1,300 in revenue**. Days later, it attracted investors and was briefly valued at **$25,000**.

The story, led by digital creator *Jackson Greathouse Fall* and powered by *OpenAI’s GPT-4*, captured the imagination of tech optimists and casual observers alike. Onlookers hailed it as a bold demonstration of **generative AI’s potential** to fuel low-cost entrepreneurship. But within months, the buzz faded. The business shuttered quietly. And the founder disappeared from public view.

> I gave GPT-4 a budget of $100 and told it to make as much money as possible. 
> I'm acting as its human liaison, buying anything it says to. 
> Do you think it'll be able to make smart investments and build an online business? 
> Follow along 👀 [pic.twitter.com/zu4nvgibiK](https://t.co/zu4nvgibiK)
> — Jazz Fall (@JazzFall) March 15, 2023

Two years later, Greathouse Fall has resurfaced, offering a more complex picture of what unfolded behind the viral headlines. In a [personal reflection posted on X](https://x.com/JazzFall/status/1900930785588207660), he described the experience as “one of the darkest periods” of his life, citing the psychological toll of **rapid internet fame**, investor pressure, and his own unpreparedness.

## Viral Success Built on Borrowed Credibility

The venture, dubbed *Green Gadget Guru*, was entirely conceived by GPT-4. Greathouse Fall gave the system a $100 budget and instructions to generate maximum profit. The AI’s recommendations were strikingly detailed: build a **sustainability-themed affiliate marketing site**, generate a logo using *DALL·E*, and spend $40 on social media ads to drive traffic.

The idea wasn’t new—**affiliate marketing** has long been a low-barrier entry point for online entrepreneurs—but the speed at which the project gained traction was. Posts documenting the experiment on [his official X profile](https://x.com/JazzFall) went viral, with followers growing by the tens of thousands. Within a day, the site claimed to have generated four figures in revenue, though no independent financial data was provided.

> Exactly two years ago, I posted a thread that went so viral, it changed my life forever. I got over 25 million views, more than 100,000 new followers in a few whirlwind days, and until recently I actually thought it was the worst thing that ever happened to me.
> Looking back, it…
> — Jazz Fall (@JazzFall) March 15, 2025

What followed was a digital gold rush. **Venture capitalists** and angel investors reportedly expressed interest, and *Green Gadget Guru* was valued at $25,000 in a matter of days, largely based on social engagement metrics. But the excitement was short-lived.

## Flash in the Pan, or Glimpse of the Future?

The company’s decline was as swift as its rise. Updates slowed. Revenue streams dried up. And Greathouse Fall, overwhelmed by the scale of attention, eventually went offline for nearly three years. His recent post suggests the emotional and logistical strain far outweighed any financial gains.

> Spin it back to March 15, 2023.
> I have no idea what’s about to happen.
> GPT-4 has just dropped, the internet is *abuzz*, and I want to explore an idea that wasn’t just another riff on text generation. A shower thought’s worth of inspiration, I log into Twitter and…
> Tick. Boom.
> — Jazz Fall (@JazzFall) March 15, 2025

This isn’t an isolated case. Research into the **psychological effects of virality** has consistently pointed to increased anxiety, burnout, and identity destabilization. A 2021 study published in *Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking* found that individuals who experienced rapid online visibility reported higher levels of stress and social withdrawal compared to baseline internet users.

Moreover, while the use of AI in business creation has expanded rapidly, the tools are not a replacement for the foundational work of **sustainable entrepreneurship**. A 2024 white paper from the *[MIT Center for Collective Intelligence](https://cci.mit.edu/generative-ai-and-collective-intelligence)* warns against overreliance on [large language models](https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/09/straight-out-of-a-sci-fi-ai-modifies-its-own-code-to-stop-humans-from-shutting-it-down/) for complex business decisions. It emphasizes that while generative AI can reduce startup costs and automate content creation, it lacks the ability to navigate legal compliance, supply chains, or long-term strategy.

## The Illusion of Scalability

What made **Green Gadget Guru** so compelling was its apparent simplicity: a single person, a hundred dollars, and an AI co-pilot. Yet beneath that viral narrative lay a more familiar pattern — online attention inflating perceived value without the foundation of a real business. For example, brand designer **[Jackson Greathouse Fall](https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-use-chatgpt-to-start-business-make-money-quickly-2023-3)** asked ChatGPT to turn USD 100 “into as much money as possible in the shortest time possible” and launched an affiliate-marketing site called *Green Gadget Guru*; the site quickly gained attention but was shut down soon after.

In a broader critique of AI enthusiasm, *[Le Monde](https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2024/10/07/les-chatbots-sont-comme-des-perroquets-ils-repetent-sans-comprendre_6345570_3234.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)* highlighted the work of **Emily M. Bender**, a linguist, professor, and director of the Computational Linguistics Laboratory at the University of Washington. In March 2021, she co-authored the influential paper *“*[Stochastic Parrots](https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3442188.3445922)*”* with Timnit Gebru, Angelina McMillan-Major, and Margaret Mitchell — a study that warned of the limits and risks of large-scale language models, later popularized through chatbots like ChatGPT. Today, Bender remains one of the most outspoken critics of the AI industry’s unchecked optimism, denouncing what she calls its culture of “hype” in her ongoing podcast with sociologist Alex Hanna.

The story echoes past digital-era bubbles — from the **cryptocurrency ICO frenzy** to the **NFT startups that surged and collapsed** during the 2021 blockchain wave. In each case, valuations were driven more by narrative than by operational substance. Some analysts suggest that generative AI now faces a similar risk: a speculative phase where hype moves faster than practical outcomes.

Correction (November 3, 2025): A previous version of this article included a quote attributed to Professor Emily M. Bender. This quote did not accurately reflect her statements and has been removed. We regret this error.

A young entrepreneur gave $100 to AI—and what happened next stunned investors, went viral, and sparked a media frenzy.

He Gave ChatGPT $100 and Built a $25K Business Overnight—Then It All Came Crashing Down

![Opportunity, rise and improvement concept](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67e30b8b51444b1ac1c6d4db/Opportunity--rise-and-improvement-concept/960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

*ChatGPT prompts can help you scale your business and impact*

AI tools like **ChatGPT** are redefining what it means to grow efficiently, yet many leaders still treat them as shortcuts rather than strategic partners. Used with intention, ChatGPT can help companies **scale smarter** by clarifying vision, improving operations, amplifying brand authority, and anticipating risks before they stall momentum.

ChatGPT prompts work for more than established companies. Side hustlers, student founders, and teen entrepreneurs can use them to turn ideas into systems. A teen running a small product business or a freelancer managing their first few clients faces many of the same challenges as larger teams—clarity, consistency, and efficiency. The earlier you learn to use ChatGPT as a **thinking partner**, the faster you can move from side project to sustainable venture.

Below are four powerful ChatGPT prompts (and frameworks) that leaders, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs can use to build their companies.

## ChatGPT Prompt to Clarify Your Core Value and Scaling Strategy

**Prompt:** “Using the following company description (insert yours), generate three mission statements and three 90-day scale initiatives that align with our long-term vision and audience impact.”

Many organizations chase growth metrics—such as user count, revenue, and reach—before even defining what they stand for. ChatGPT can serve as a mirror, forcing teams to articulate their essence before expanding.

**How to apply it:**
- Write a one-paragraph summary of your business or brand.
- Ask ChatGPT to reframe your mission statement in several concise versions.
- Request short-term (90-day) scale initiatives that reinforce that mission.
- Choose the statement and initiatives that best reflect your company’s future direction.

**Example:** A founder working in sustainable travel might see ideas surface around protecting local culture or reducing environmental impact. Choosing one focus area naturally sharpens everything else—from how you talk about the brand to which partners make sense and what kind of funding aligns with your values. The exercise turns vague ambition into a plan you can actually act on.

## ChatGPT Prompt to Identify and Streamline Operational Bottlenecks

**Prompt:** “List all steps in our customer journey—from awareness to retention—and identify three potential bottlenecks at each stage. Then propose two workflow or automation solutions per bottleneck.”

As companies grow, inefficiency multiplies. ChatGPT’s value lies in **diagnostic clarity**. By mapping workflows and prompting the model to spot slowdowns or redundancies, teams can uncover blind spots they may have normalized.

**How to apply it:**
- Input your entire process (from marketing to delivery to follow-up).
- Ask ChatGPT to identify friction points or repetitive tasks.
- Follow up by requesting tech or process solutions—such as automation tools, CRM integrations, or delegation models.

**Example:** A coaching company might discover that manual scheduling takes up valuable time. ChatGPT could recommend automating with Calendly or Zapier, freeing up hours for higher-value work. Learning where the systems fail under pressure means you can fix them before scale amplifies the inefficiency.

## ChatGPT Prompt to Expand Your Thought Leadership and Brand Reach

**Prompt:** “Act as a content strategist. Based on our brand values and audience, generate five topic clusters (with headlines, formats, and distribution ideas) that will position us as an authority in our industry over the next 90 days.”

In an era where attention is a currency, **thought leadership** drives growth. Whether you’re a startup founder, consultant, or creative, scaling visibility often depends on consistent, value-driven storytelling. ChatGPT can help you go from sporadic posting to structured, consistent posting.

**How to apply it:**
- Define your audience and core themes.
- Ask ChatGPT for topic clusters that align with your mission.
- Request a 12-week content calendar with suggested titles, formats, and channels.

**Example:** A wellness brand might get clusters around “burnout recovery for founders,” “AI in human-centric productivity,” and “blending business with travel.” Each cluster can fuel blog posts, LinkedIn updates, podcast topics, or email campaigns. This not only saves time but ensures your brand narrative scales alongside your business.

The best leaders aren’t just operators—they’re narrators. ChatGPT helps you tell that story consistently.

## ChatGPT Prompt to Forecast Growth Risks and Build a Resilient Culture

**Prompt:** “Imagine our company doubles in size within a year. Identify the top five risks (operational, financial, or cultural) that could emerge, and provide two mitigation strategies and one monitoring metric for each.”

Rapid growth tests every aspect of a company—systems, culture, leadership alignment, and customer trust. ChatGPT can act as an **early-warning system**, surfacing vulnerabilities you may not see while inside the build phase.

**How to apply it:**
- Ask ChatGPT to simulate what 2x or 3x growth would look like.
- Request an outline of potential pitfalls (e.g., talent gaps, diluted brand messaging, loss of product quality).
- Follow up with mitigation plans and measurable indicators.

**Example:** A founder could identify “loss of personalized customer experience” as a likely risk. ChatGPT might suggest implementing tiered support, customer sentiment tracking, or onboarding new hires with culture-first training. These are small, strategic actions that protect long-term brand equity.

The goal isn’t to avoid growth—it’s to scale without erosion. ChatGPT’s structured analysis gives leaders space to strengthen culture while expanding capacity.

## Scaling With Intention in the Age of ChatGPT

The entrepreneurs thriving in this new era aren’t the ones who automate everything; they’re the ones who use tools like ChatGPT to plan smarter and execute faster.

The most effective prompts are the ones that reflect your **specific context**—your market, team, and goals. Each of the examples above can be adapted into an internal workshop, a founder off-site exercise, or even a monthly reflection routine. When teams build the habit of prompting for clarity, efficiency, content, and risk awareness, they move from reactionary to intentional scaling.

ChatGPT, when used strategically, can bridge data and intuition, speed and depth, automation and authenticity. The companies and individuals who understand this won’t just scale operations; they’ll scale self-awareness, storytelling, and sustainability.

Use these 4 ChatGPT prompts to clarify vision, streamline systems, build authority, and anticipate risk—so your company scales with purpose, not chaos.

Unlock Explosive Growth: 4 ChatGPT Prompts That Transform Your Business Strategy

![Daymond John](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/FdacxQL1K7ORgTA.Nm5grg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTY0MDtoPTM2MA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_gobankingrates_57/1d8cb6cdecd541a786e08bab87635062)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen people clad in **FUBU** gear. The fashion brand — whose name stands for "For Us, By Us" — has generated more than **$6 billion** in global sales since its founding in 1992. FUBU's founder, **Daymond John**, has become a sought-after mentor for business owners around the world. Since 2009, he's been one of the stars of **"Shark Tank,"** offering insights to aspiring entrepreneurs.

John's success is even more inspiring considering he started FUBU in his mother's house in Hollis, Queens. In the process of growing his own business — and investing in countless others — John has seen firsthand what works and, more importantly, what doesn't, when it comes to **long-term business sustainability**.

## The Surprising Truth About Business Failure

In an exclusive interview, John revealed the number one reason new businesses fail. His answer is surprisingly simple: Many **entrepreneurs** aren't honest with themselves about what they want — or how to get it.

"Not being honest with yourself is really the number one reason for failure," John said. "You've got to understand — what's your **why**?"

In other words, without a personal north star guiding you, it's easy for your business to falter. Fortunately, John offers wisdom to help you get back on course.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O9Z8pzTaeJE?feature=oembed?rel=0"></iframe>

## Be Honest With Yourself

Many people are drawn to the more glamorous aspects of **being a business owner** — showing off a CEO title or dazzling Instagram followers with storefront photos. Others enter entrepreneurship out of obligation, such as taking over a family business.

But impressing others or honoring a legacy won't make marketing, bookkeeping or inventory management any easier. Eventually, fear of failure kicks in — and even if you're struggling, it can feel embarrassing to admit entrepreneurship isn't for you.

"You want to do the business because you want to be famous. You don't want to close the business because you've made it such a big deal," John said. "The numbers don't work, but you're ashamed to show up at church on Sunday because you had to close that store."

Your shame, however, won't change the numbers. John encourages entrepreneurs to be honest about what they truly want — even if that means walking away.

## Obsess Over the Customer — Not the Transaction

One of John's earliest business ventures began when he noticed a trend: wool ski hats with their tops tied off using fishing line were popular — and overpriced at $20 each. He and his next-door neighbor started making and selling their own for $10 apiece — and they sold fast. From that moment, a billion-dollar business was born.

That experience taught John the importance of focusing on **customer needs**. Caring about your audience builds loyalty — the kind that sustains a business during slow seasons. John pointed out that even responding to customer complaints can be a way of showing respect and fostering loyalty. Many entrepreneurs, John said, fail because they treat customers as mere transactions.

"These business owners are not building a culture or community. They're transactional, and usually those things pop after a while," he said. "They can't rebound when the hiccup comes. Maybe they'll open a different business, but they can't rebound in that one."

John added that the most profitable products at major corporations often begin with customer complaints. By listening and responding, you turn critics into loyal ambassadors — people eager to share how you made things right.

"The best investment you can make is answering a customer complaint," he said.

## Don't Get Caught Up in Fast Growth

**Social media** is full of entrepreneurs boasting about instant success. John challenges this mindset, warning that scaling too quickly doesn't always equate to building a business that can last.

"You're doing really good for the next six months or even a year," he said. "Then suddenly something's going to cap out, right? If you're not growing that business itself and competition comes in, you're priced out."

Fast growth can mask deeper issues, like a weak customer base or poor margins. John recommends surrounding yourself with people who are invested in your growth and focusing on **sustainable, steady progress**. When you **understand your "why,"** you'll have the patience to do things the right way — not just the flashy way.

## Show Discipline With the Numbers — Even the Hidden Ones

Tracking every aspect of your finances — especially the less obvious ones — may not be glamorous, but it's essential.

John urges business owners to watch out for **phantom costs**: ongoing expenses that often fly under the radar. These can include equipment maintenance, hidden subscription fees, payment processing charges or marketing costs.

"If you really go by the numbers, you can make conscious decisions on the things you want to do," he said. "Right now, you can even run the numbers through AI and say, 'What margin am I supposed to be running off of this business?' But you have to be willing to look at it."

Mastering your numbers gives you the power to make informed, strategic decisions — not just hopeful ones.

## Set the Right Goals

Ask any business owner about their goals, and most will say they want to make money. But according to John, that's not specific enough. Entrepreneurs who set **clear, measurable goals** are more likely to understand the steps needed to achieve them.

"Set your goals, then research or do homework on how to accomplish those goals," he said. "But if your why is wrong — if you're doing it because that's what your parents did, or because you're afraid of what people will think — then you're going to set the wrong goals. You'll do the wrong homework for the wrong reasons."

When you're honest about your motivations, your goals become easier to define — and far more attainable.

FUBU founder Daymond John reveals why many startups fail and shares his top advice for staying honest, focused, and financially disciplined.

The €2.50 Cappuccino That Shook Berlin's Startup Scene

Summary:

A Coffee Controversy That's Brewing Debate

The Core Conflict

What This Means for Entrepreneurs

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He Gave ChatGPT $100 and Built a $25K Business Overnight—Then It All Came Crashing Down

Unlock Explosive Growth: 4 ChatGPT Prompts That Transform Your Business Strategy

Shark Tank's Daymond John Reveals the #1 Reason Startups Fail (And It's Not What You Think)

Other Latest News

He Gave ChatGPT $100 and Built a $25K Business Overnight—Then It All Came Crashing Down

Unlock Explosive Growth: 4 ChatGPT Prompts That Transform Your Business Strategy

Shark Tank's Daymond John Reveals the #1 Reason Startups Fail (And It's Not What You Think)