A 25-year-old AI consultant made nearly $50,000 from two client contracts in about six weeks
Sasha Aptlin builds custom AI assistants and internal tools for companies, and Business Insider checked his contracts.
Subject: Aptford (Sasha Aptlin)Consulting contracts to design and build custom AI software for companies
Case Overview & Background
Aptlin, based in Dubai and New York, founded his AI consultancy Aptford in January 2022. Early work was small proof-of-concept projects, and demand jumped after ChatGPT launched in November 2022. He told Business Insider he made nearly $50,000 from two contracts between late December 2023 and early February 2024, and expected about $12,000 more from a postponed client.
How AI Is Used
Step-by-Step Process
He began with small contracts helping clients understand language AI and test ideas.
As clients asked for more than chatbots, he built custom AI software tied to their revenue.
Projects are tuned on documents, recordings and other company data.
He says a main challenge is explaining what the models can and cannot do.
Customer Acquisition & Distribution
Limitations, Risks & Failure Modes
What may not apply to you, and what could go wrong:
- Income is lumpy and depends on landing large contracts
- Needs real technical skill; this is not a beginner hustle
- Clients may expect more than current models can deliver
- One period of about six weeks says little about a full year
Key Takeaways
- Companies pay for AI built around their own data and workflows, not generic chatbots
- Clear expectation setting is part of the job
- A few high-value contracts can outweigh many small gigs
Sources
Business Insider: I'm an AI consultant and I made nearly $50,000 in 2 months
Note: As-told-to essay by Aaron Mok. States the nearly $50,000 from two contracts and that Business Insider reviewed PDFs of his contracts.
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