In the fast-paced world of mobile app development, conventional wisdom suggests that technical expertise is the price of admission. Blake Anderson’s journey with Riz GPT challenges this assumption, offering a masterclass in leveraging artificial intelligence to bypass traditional barriers to entry.
When Anderson first approached app development, he possessed only a rudimentary understanding of programming—”some basic Python, writing basic for loops, some data analytics.” Yet rather than viewing this limited technical background as a hindrance, he saw an opportunity to experiment with ChatGPT as both a teacher and collaborator. His approach was refreshingly straightforward: ask ChatGPT how to build a mobile app, then follow its guidance step by step.
The process began with ChatGPT explaining the fundamental choice between Swift UI for iOS, Kotlin for Android, or React Native for hybrid development. Anderson’s decision to pursue Swift UI wasn’t based on deep technical analysis but rather on intuitive simplicity. “I just chose Swift UI,” he recalls. “There wasn’t much method to it.” This willingness to embrace simplicity over perfection would become a recurring theme in his success story.
What followed was a methodical dance between human creativity and artificial intelligence. Anderson would identify a needed feature—a blue gradient background, a button placement, camera roll access—and pose these requirements to ChatGPT. The AI would respond with code snippets, which Anderson would implement, debug, and refine. This iterative process transformed ChatGPT from a mere code generator into what Anderson describes as a “tutor,” helping him understand concepts like observable objects and state variables.
Perhaps most remarkably, Anderson completed the initial version of Riz GPT in just over a month. The app’s functionality was elegantly simple: users could upload screenshots of their dating app conversations, and the app would generate contextually appropriate responses. This simplicity proved to be a strength rather than a limitation. When paired with strategic influencer marketing—two $50 promotions that generated millions of views—the app quickly scaled to $80,000 in monthly revenue.
Anderson’s experience challenges the notion that sophisticated technical knowledge is a prerequisite for success in app development. “There have been a lot of people that are like, ‘You can’t just build an app with like 95% ChatGPT,'” he notes. “And I’m like, ‘No, you actually can.'” This isn’t just bravado—it’s a testament to how AI tools are democratizing technical development, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems rather than getting bogged down in technical complexities.
The success of Riz GPT wasn’t just about technical execution—it was about identifying and solving a clear problem in a straightforward way. As Anderson puts it, “When you build something with a very clear use case solving a very clear problem that people have, it can be the simplest product of all time.” This philosophy of simplicity, combined with AI-assisted development and strategic marketing, created a template that Anderson would refine and repeat with his subsequent ventures.
The story of Riz GPT serves as both inspiration and instruction for aspiring entrepreneurs. It demonstrates that in today’s technological landscape, the ability to identify problems and conceptualize solutions often matters more than traditional technical expertise. The tools to bridge the gap between idea and execution are increasingly accessible—what matters is the courage to use them and the persistence to see the process through.
In the serene suburbs of an unnamed American city, a seven-year-old Blake Anderson would board his school bus each morning clutching the Wall Street Journal, meticulously tracking stock prices for Microsoft (MSFT) and Intel (INTC). This wasn’t typical elementary school reading material, but Anderson was far from a typical child. While his peers were trading Pokemon cards, he was writing an ebook titled “How to Make Money as a Seven-Year-Old”—a prescient glimpse into the entrepreneurial spirit that would later build multiple million-dollar applications.
Anderson’s early fascination with systems and value creation wasn’t merely about accumulating wealth. It stemmed from a deeper understanding, rare in one so young, that money represented something more profound: the power to shape reality. “If money’s so important,” he reasoned, “then if I get money, I can do the things that I want to do and live whatever life I want to live.”
This early wisdom was shaped significantly by his father, a Princeton and Harvard MBA graduate whose remarkable resilience would later influence Anderson’s approach to business and life. His father’s battle with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis provided a powerful lesson in perseverance—continuing to exercise daily despite mounting physical challenges. It was a living testament to the philosophy that would later inform Anderson’s vision for Apex: the importance of holistic self-improvement and unwavering dedication to personal growth.
The intersection of privilege and adversity in Anderson’s story creates a compelling narrative about the nature of entrepreneurial drive. While his early years were marked by financial stability, the family’s subsequent challenges—including having to sell their home—coincided with his first business successes. This timing wasn’t lost on Anderson, who now allocates roughly two-fifths of his earnings to his parents, two-fifths to his new venture Apex, and one-fifth to himself—a distribution that reflects both practical responsibility and philosophical values.
Perhaps most striking about Anderson’s journey is his evolving relationship with success itself. Despite building multiple successful apps and generating millions in revenue, he maintains a refreshingly grounded perspective. “I don’t want to be someone who maximizes for money,” he reflects. “I think that’s actually really depressing where it’s just all about how can I make more money, more money, more money, as opposed to doing things that you care about.”
This philosophy manifests in his approach to business decisions. Anderson emphasizes the importance of working on projects that engage both the conscious and subconscious mind. “Your subconscious never lies to you,” he observes. “If you try to force yourself to work on something you don’t care about, you might be able to consciously work on it, but your subconscious doesn’t give a [care].”
His journey exemplifies a crucial lesson for modern entrepreneurs: technical skills and market timing matter, but authentic alignment with one’s values and interests may be the most crucial factor for sustained success. Anderson’s story suggests that true entrepreneurial achievement isn’t just about building profitable businesses—it’s about creating ventures that resonate with one’s deepest motivations and contribute meaningfully to society.
As Anderson transitions from pure profit-driven apps to his vision for Apex, he embodies a new model of entrepreneurship—one that measures success not just in revenue but in lives improved and values upheld. It’s a philosophy that suggests the future of business might lie not in choosing between profit and purpose, but in finding innovative ways to pursue both simultaneously.
In an era where self-improvement content often oscillates between extreme asceticism and shallow materialism, Blake Anderson’s vision for Apex emerges as a thoughtful middle ground. Positioned between San Diego and Los Angeles, the planned Apex house isn’t just another content creator mansion—it’s conceived as a laboratory for authentic personal development, where the pursuit of excellence meets the reality of human experience.
Anderson’s critique of contemporary self-improvement culture is both incisive and empathetic. “We see people lifting weights just so they can get jacked and impress girls,” he observes, “and people talking about entrepreneurship like ‘you just need to make 10K a month to escape the matrix.'” This observation gets to the heart of what’s missing in today’s personal development landscape: genuine, sustainable approaches to human flourishing.
The Apex model represents a fundamental shift in how self-improvement content and tools are delivered. In a departure from the industry’s typical monetization strategies, Anderson plans to offer Apex’s digital tools completely free of charge. This decision, backed by millions of his own capital from previous ventures, reflects a deeper philosophy about value creation and social impact. “If we can change a million lives and make zero dollars,” Anderson states, “that’s a much more preferable outcome to making millions of dollars and changing zero lives.”
Central to Apex’s approach is the recognition that personal development isn’t one-size-fits-all. Drawing from ancient philosophy, particularly Stoicism’s emphasis on practical wisdom, Apex aims to create what Anderson calls an “all-in-one self-actualization ecosystem.” This system will integrate physical wellness, mental clarity, and purposeful living—not through rigid protocols, but through adaptable frameworks that acknowledge human complexity.
The physical location of Apex is itself symbolic of this philosophy. Situated away from urban centers, the property will serve as both a content creation hub and a retreat space where team members can experience the cognitive benefits of nature immersion. Anderson cites research from Cal Newport’s “Deep Work,” noting how nature walks significantly outperform urban walks in problem-solving efficiency—a finding that will influence both Apex’s content and its operational approach.
Perhaps most revolutionary is Apex’s planned technology infrastructure. Unlike traditional self-improvement platforms that optimize for lifetime value (LTV), Apex’s applications will prioritize genuine user progress over profit metrics. This approach represents a radical departure from the industry standard, where engagement often trumps effectiveness.
The venture’s structure as a B Corporation rather than a traditional C Corporation is more than a legal distinction—it’s a statement of values. This classification allows Apex to prioritize public benefit alongside profit, creating a framework where business success is measured by social impact rather than purely financial metrics.
Anderson’s vision for Apex isn’t just about creating another self-improvement brand; it’s about fundamentally restructuring how personal development is approached in the digital age. By combining ancient wisdom with modern technology, free access with sustainable business practices, and individual growth with community development, Apex aims to create a new paradigm in personal development—one that acknowledges both human potential and human limitations.
In a landscape often dominated by quick fixes and surface-level solutions, Apex’s approach suggests a more nuanced path forward. It’s a vision that recognizes that true self-improvement isn’t about reaching a destination but about engaging in a continuous journey of growth and discovery, supported by tools and community that prioritize authentic development over artificial metrics.
While many entrepreneurs might rest on their laurels after building two successful apps, Blake Anderson’s venture into Cal represents something more ambitious: the creation of a systematic approach to app development that could be replicated and scaled. What makes this story particularly compelling is Anderson’s decision to partner with two 17-year-old entrepreneurs, demonstrating a unique approach to talent development and business scaling.
The partnership began when Anderson identified two exceptional teenage developers who, despite their youth, had already shown remarkable promise. One of them, Zach, had already achieved a notable exit, selling a website with millions of users for $100,000—no small feat for a high school student. Rather than viewing their age as a liability, Anderson saw an opportunity to combine their technical prowess with his proven business model.
What sets Cal apart is its innovative studio model, which transforms the typically chaotic process of app development into a streamlined operation. The structure resembles a well-oiled machine, with distinct components working in harmony: engineering teams focused on development, designers creating intuitive user experiences, and marketing specialists handling distribution. This systematic approach allows for the simultaneous development and launch of multiple applications, each benefiting from shared infrastructure and lessons learned.
Anderson’s role in this venture is particularly interesting. Rather than taking an active operational role, he provided what he calls “the Playbook”—a detailed framework for success based on his experiences with Riz GPT and UMax. This included not just technical specifications, but crucial insights about market timing, user acquisition, and scaling strategies. It’s a mentor-investor hybrid role that allows for rapid knowledge transfer while maintaining operational efficiency.
The results speak for themselves. Within months, Cal achieved monthly revenues of $300,000, demonstrating the effectiveness of Anderson’s systematic approach. But perhaps more significantly, it validated a new model for app development—one that combines the speed and creativity of startup culture with the systematic efficiency of a studio system.
Key to Cal’s success is its approach to role specialization. Instead of the traditional startup model where team members wear multiple hats, Cal embraces clear division of responsibilities. As Anderson explains, “I think that there are a lot of people in this sort of utility app space that are doing it all…I think a distribution of responsibility across team members is very valuable.” This specialization allows team members to focus on their strengths while maintaining rapid iteration cycles across all aspects of the business.
The studio’s approach to iteration is particularly noteworthy. Unlike physical products that require lengthy production cycles, Cal’s digital-first approach allows for rapid testing and refinement. This agility, combined with the studio’s systematic approach to development, creates a powerful engine for innovation and growth.
Perhaps most importantly, Cal represents a new model for entrepreneurial mentorship. By providing resources, guidance, and infrastructure while allowing young entrepreneurs to maintain significant ownership and control, Anderson has created a framework that could revolutionize how we think about scaling app development and nurturing young talent. It’s a model that combines the best aspects of traditional venture capital, tech incubators, and mentorship programs into something entirely new.
As the digital economy continues to evolve, Cal’s studio model offers valuable lessons about the future of app development and entrepreneurial mentorship. It suggests that success in the digital age isn’t just about having great ideas or technical skills—it’s about creating systems and structures that can transform those assets into scalable, sustainable businesses.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media trends, Blake Anderson’s development of UMax represents a masterclass in identifying and capitalizing on emerging cultural phenomena. While scrolling through social media during a period of transition—living on friends’ couches after amicably parting ways with his Riz GPT co-founders—Anderson noticed a subtle but significant shift in the digital zeitgeist: the rise of “looksmaxing.”
This trend marked a fascinating evolution in male self-improvement culture. Where traditional fitness content focused on long-term muscle building, looksmaxing offered a more immediate path to self-enhancement through facial aesthetics and overall appearance optimization. Anderson’s insight wasn’t just recognizing the trend, but understanding its deeper psychological appeal: people wanted both objective feedback about their appearance and personalized recommendations for improvement.
The timing proved serendipitous. Just as Anderson was conceptualizing UMax, OpenAI released its GPT Vision API, providing the technical capability to analyze images with unprecedented sophistication. This convergence of social trends and technological advancement created what Anderson recognized as a perfect market opportunity—one that would have traditionally required substantial investment in custom machine learning models.
UMax’s technical implementation was elegant in its simplicity. The app uses GPT Vision to analyze facial features across multiple dimensions, from skin condition to facial symmetry. But what sets it apart is its focus on actionable improvements rather than mere criticism. “We’re not focused on things like ‘well, you don’t have strong cheekbones which you can’t really change,'” Anderson explains. Instead, the app emphasizes malleable characteristics—skincare, grooming, and lifestyle changes that can enhance appearance.
The growth trajectory proved explosive. From a $100,000 revenue month at launch, UMax quickly scaled to over $500,000 monthly revenue. This success was powered by a strategic partnership with Sam Zia, a prominent figure in the looksmaxing community. Rather than seeking out the biggest influencer by follower count, Anderson targeted someone deeply embedded in the community who could speak authentically to the product’s value.
Perhaps most interesting is how UMax navigated the ethical considerations of its market. In an industry often criticized for exploiting insecurities, Anderson’s team made conscious decisions to promote healthy self-improvement over superficial changes. The app includes features like “potential scores” that show users what’s possible through healthy lifestyle changes, encouraging a more holistic approach to self-improvement.
The business model proved both profitable and scalable, but Anderson’s experience with UMax offered lessons beyond mere metrics. It demonstrated the power of timing in entrepreneurship—how the convergence of social trends, technological capability, and market needs can create extraordinary opportunities. More importantly, it showed how technical innovation could be balanced with ethical considerations to create genuine value while maintaining commercial success.
UMax’s journey from concept to half-million-dollar monthly revenue stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful market analysis combined with strategic execution. It suggests that in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, success often comes not to those with the most resources or technical expertise, but to those who can best identify and serve emerging human needs while maintaining ethical principles.
This balance between opportunity and responsibility, between profit and purpose, would later influence Anderson’s vision for Apex, suggesting that commercial success and social impact need not be mutually exclusive goals.
Picture a seven-year-old boy on a school bus, intently studying the Wall Street Journal’s stock listings. While his classmates trade Pokémon cards, he’s tracking Microsoft and Intel share prices, driven by an unusually early understanding that money represents something more profound than mere wealth—it represents the power to shape reality. This was Blake Anderson’s first lesson in the relationship between commerce and impact, though he wouldn’t fully understand its significance until years later.
The young Anderson’s precocious interest in finance manifested in his first literary venture: an ebook titled “How to Make Money as a Seven-Year-Old.” While never published, this early attempt at knowledge sharing foreshadowed themes that would define his later ventures—democratizing access to information and empowering others to improve their circumstances.
However, it was his father’s journey that would provide the deeper philosophical foundation for Anderson’s approach to business and life. A Princeton graduate with a Harvard MBA, his father embodied the intersection of academic excellence and practical resilience. When struck with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, a debilitating neurodegenerative condition, he maintained his commitment to daily exercise and self-improvement—a living testament to the stoic philosophy that would later influence Anderson’s vision for Apex.
This intersection of privilege and adversity in Anderson’s formative years created a nuanced understanding of success and responsibility. When his family faced financial challenges during his teens, the experience shaped his view of wealth not as an end goal, but as a tool for creating stability and impact. Today, this philosophy manifests in his approach to profit allocation: two-fifths to his parents, two-fifths to Apex, and one-fifth to himself—a distribution that reflects both filial responsibility and social mission.
Perhaps most striking about Anderson’s evolution is his rejection of what he calls “mimetic desire”—the tendency to want things simply because others want them. In a digital age where success is often measured in followers and funding rounds, Anderson advocates for a more thoughtful approach to entrepreneurship. “I don’t want to be someone who maximizes for money,” he reflects. “I think that’s actually really depressing where it’s just all about how can I make more money, more money, more money, as opposed to doing things that you care about.”
This philosophy has influenced not just his choice of ventures but how he operates them. Even in his earlier apps, Anderson consistently chose ethical practices over profit maximization. When UMax could have exploited users’ insecurities or charged predatory subscription rates, he opted for responsible pricing and empowering messaging. This wasn’t just moral posturing—it was a practical demonstration of his belief that business success and social responsibility can be mutually reinforcing.
As Anderson transitions from pure profit-driven applications to his vision for Apex, he embodies a new model of entrepreneurship—one that measures success not just in revenue but in lives improved. His journey suggests that the future of business might lie not in choosing between profit and purpose, but in finding innovative ways to pursue both simultaneously.
The story of Blake Anderson isn’t just about building successful apps or identifying market opportunities. It’s about the evolution of entrepreneurial purpose—from a seven-year-old’s fascination with stocks to a young man’s vision for transforming self-improvement culture. In an era often criticized for its shallow metrics of success, Anderson’s journey offers a compelling alternative: a path where business acumen serves human flourishing, and where profit enables rather than defines purpose.
In an era where entrepreneurial success stories often read like exercises in rapid wealth accumulation, Blake Anderson’s journey offers a refreshing counternarrative. Beginning with a ChatGPT-powered dating app that generated $80,000 in monthly revenue from a $100 marketing investment, his path could have easily followed the traditional Silicon Valley playbook of optimization for exit. Instead, it evolved into something more nuanced and, arguably, more valuable—a quest to align technological innovation with genuine human flourishing.
Anderson’s trajectory—from Riz GPT to UMax to Cal, and now to Apex—illustrates a profound evolution in entrepreneurial thinking. Each venture built upon the lessons of the last, not just in terms of technical expertise or market understanding, but in the fundamental understanding of what technology could and should achieve. Where Riz GPT demonstrated the power of artificial intelligence to solve practical problems, and UMax showed how technical innovation could be balanced with ethical considerations, Apex represents a bold attempt to reshape the very landscape of personal development.
What makes Anderson’s approach particularly noteworthy is his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom about business success. At a time when he could be focusing on maximizing returns from his existing ventures, he’s instead channeling significant resources into creating free tools and content aimed at authentic self-improvement. This isn’t just idealism—it’s a calculated bet that the future of business lies in creating genuine value rather than extracting maximum profit.
The establishment of Apex as a B Corporation rather than a traditional C Corporation sends a powerful message about the changing nature of entrepreneurial success. It suggests that the next generation of business leaders might measure their achievements not just in revenue and market share, but in lives improved and communities strengthened.
Anderson’s story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. It demonstrates that technical expertise, while valuable, is less crucial than the ability to identify and solve real human problems. It shows that ethical considerations and profit motives need not be in conflict. Perhaps most importantly, it suggests that the most satisfying entrepreneurial journeys might be those that align personal purpose with social impact.
As we look toward a future where artificial intelligence and other technologies will play an increasingly central role in our lives, Anderson’s evolution from app developer to mission-driven entrepreneur provides a compelling model for how technology can be harnessed for genuine human development. His journey reminds us that in the digital age, the most valuable innovations might be those that help us become not just more efficient or profitable, but more fully human.
For those seeking to make their mark in the digital economy, Anderson’s story offers both inspiration and instruction. It suggests that the path to lasting success lies not in chasing trends or maximizing short-term profits, but in creating ventures that contribute meaningfully to human flourishing. In this sense, his journey from ChatGPT to consciousness represents not just a personal evolution, but a potential blueprint for the future of entrepreneurship itself.
