Best Business Ideas for INTPs

INTPs typically seek careers that give them an opportunity to use their analytical and critical-thinking skills. With a knack for innovation, these entrepreneurs often thrive in both STEM-related and artistic fields. 

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Many types of businesses can suit INTP personalities well, as outlined in this list of 20 business ideas. Grouped into five categories, each of these business ideas includes an assessment of the associated startup costs, required skill level, and earning potential.

ART & LANGUAGE BUSINESSES

1. GRAPHIC DESIGN BUSINESS

Artistically inclined INTP entrepreneurs might think about starting a graphic design business. Successful business owners in this field typically have significant work experience or formal education in graphic design and a proven track record of meeting their customers’ needs. This line of work also offers solid growth potential if you want to add designers to your team.

You can keep startup costs under $2,000 because you can easily start this business from home. While graphic design requires a high skill level, you can expect profit margins of between 15 percent and 50 percent.

Learn how to start a graphic design business.

2. ILLUSTRATION BUSINESS

Much like graphic design companies, illustration businesses can be a great fit for creative INTPs. Successful business owners in this field typically are talented artists with solid marketing and customer service skills. You can start an illustration business from home for less than $5,000. Depending on your illustration and marketing skills, you can expect to earn nearly $60,000 per year.

Learn how to start an illustration business.

3. PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

Photography is another area in which artistic INTPs can thrive. If you have a passion for photography and a great eye for photo editing, then this may be a great option. Depending on the type of photography business you want to start, the equipment you already own, and your location, you can start your business for as little as $2,000. Photographers typically earn $20 to $500 per hour, giving you a high earning potential.

Learn how to start a photography business.

4. TECHNICAL WRITING BUSINESS

INTP writers with the ability to explain complex concepts to the average person (without sounding pretentious) may want to consider starting a technical writing business. You can start this type of business for less than $2,000, and you can earn $70,000 per year (or more) once you establish yourself in the industry.

Learn how to start a technical writing business.

5. TRANSLATION AGENCY

Translation agencies are ideal for INTP entrepreneurs with a gift for languages. Successful translation agency owners can speak and write in more than one language as well as effectively market their services. You can easily start your business for less than $2,000 if you’re already fluent in at least one other language. Freelance translators typically earn $30,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on their skills and expertise.

Learn how to start a translation agency.

BUSINESS-FOCUSED & LAW BUSINESSES

6. ACCOUNTING FIRM

INTPs who enjoy working with numbers and have a strong background in accounting and finance may consider starting an accounting firm. Startup costs can vary significantly, depending on your location and if you need to obtain professional certification. Your business, however, should plan for a minimum of $50,000 in startup capital. You can expect to earn $30,000 to $75,000 in the first few years with the potential to reach a six-figure income once you establish your business.

Learn how to start an accounting firm.

7. BUSINESS CONSULTING FIRM

INTPs with a strong business background may consider starting their own business consulting firm. Successful consultants have a deep knowledge of business, marketing, management, and team-building along with the ability to successfully convey their advice to high-level executives. You can easily start your consulting firm for less than $5,000, and you can charge a minimum of $250 per hour for your services.

Learn how to start a business consulting firm.

8. FINANCIAL CONSULTING FIRM

INTPs thinking about starting a financial consulting firm should have a thorough understanding of finance and possess the people skills necessary to convey financial-related information to their clients. You also should have some experience working for a financial consulting firm and a Certified Financial PlannerTM certification.

If you already possess the necessary education and certification, you can start your business for less than $5,000. In addition, you have the potential to earn a six-figure income in this line of work.

Learn how to start a financial consulting firm.

9. FINANCIAL PLANNING FIRM

Financial planners are one specific type of financial consultants, focusing on the long-term financial goals of their clients. This is another area where the analytical nature of INTPs proves extremely beneficial. These business owners should have a proven track record in financial planning and consulting. They also need to feel comfortable working with businesses and individuals to help plan their financial future. You can expect startup costs of less than $20,000, and you have the potential to earn a six-figure income.

Learn how to start a financial planning firm.

10. LAW FIRM

If you’re currently a lawyer and interested in starting your own business, then consider opening a law firm. You’ll need a license to practice law in your state along with several years of experience. You can start your business for less than $10,000, and you can expect to earn a six-figure income within the first few years.

Learn how to start a law firm.

11. LEGAL CONSULTING FIRM

Lawyers thinking about starting their own business might also consider opening a legal consulting firm. This business idea offers INTP lawyers an opportunity to engage in non-traditional methods of practicing law as well as complete control over all aspects of their practice. You must have a law degree, a license to practice law in your state, and several years of experience. Your startup costs should not exceed $5,000, and profits for a one-person firm can reach six figures.

Learn how to start a legal consulting firm.

Find a Web Domain For Your INTP Business

Securing a web domain and creating a quality website is important for the overall success of an INTP business. You can search for an available domain below:

ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE BUSINESS

12. ARCHITECTURE FIRM

Architecture firms can be a great option for INTP entrepreneurs who have excellent attention to detail, a background in engineering, good marketing skills, and don’t mind working long hours. You can start your firm from home for around $5,000, and you can charge $60 to $100 per hour for your services.

Learn how to start an architecture firm.

13. LANDSCAPE DESIGN BUSINESS

INTPs who enjoy working with their hands, have a creative flair and a background in architecture might consider starting a landscape design business. You’ll spend part of your time behind a desk creating designs and the other part working with your contractors at client sites. You can start your business for less than $10,000, and you can expect to charge $50 to $150 per hour for your services.

Learn how to start a landscape design business.

14. ROBOTICS COMPANY

INTP entrepreneurs with a strong background in electrical engineering, product development, or physics may be well-suited to start their own robotics company. Successful robotics companies employ highly educated, mechanically savvy staff with a passion for product development in the robotics arena. Despite very high startup costs, robotics companies have virtually no limit to their earning potential.

Learn how to start a robotics company.

HEALTH & WELLNESS BUSINESSES

15. PHARMACY

INTP entrepreneurs with a deep understanding of how pharmacies and pharmacy benefits work might consider opening their own pharmacy. This line of work requires a highly skilled business owner, preferably with a doctorate in pharmacy as well as a solid understanding of Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations. Pharmacy startup costs usually involve a multimillion-dollar investment. Once you start to see steady business, you can earn around $300,000 per year.

Learn how to start a pharmacy.

16. VETERINARY PRACTICE

While it takes a lot of skill and education to become a veterinarian, this line of work can prove very fulfilling for INTPs with a love of animals. Veterinarians must complete several years of higher education and take part in clinical placements. Startup costs usually exceed $100,000, but veterinarians can earn nearly $88,000 per year.

Learn how to start a veterinary practice.

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TECHNOLOGY BUSINESSES

17. APP DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

INTPs with excellent programming and development skills might consider starting an app development company. Successful app developers have a combination of development, problem-solving, and time-management skills. You can start your business for less than $10,000, and developers tend to earn six-figure incomes.

Learn how to start an app development company.

18. INTERNET SECURITY COMPANY

INTP entrepreneurs with a solid background in cybersecurity, computer programming,  and systems administration are well-suited to start an internet security company. While you’ll face very high startup costs (around $500,000), large firms can earn more than $1 million in annual profits.

Learn how to start an Internet security company.

19. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS

INTP entrepreneurs with strong creative and technical skills may be well-suited to open a software development business. These business owners should be able to code in at least one programming language and possess strong business and management skills. You can limit startup costs to a minimum (around $1,000). While your earning potential will depend heavily on your business plan, successful companies can earn several million dollars per year.

Learn how to start a software development company.

20. WEB DESIGN BUSINESS

A web design business could be a great opportunity for an INTP entrepreneur with excellent technical and design skills. Successful web design business owners should have some experience in the field, great communication skills, and a good mind for business and marketing. You can expect minimal startup costs (less than $5,000) and an annual income of around $75,000.

Learn how to start a web design business.

21. WEB DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

Web developers focus on writing code that brings websites to life. INTP entrepreneurs with a decent understanding of coding and a knack for problem-solving may be well-equipped to start their own web development company. Business owners in this field should have solid experience in both web development and design.

Startup costs average less than $10,000, and you can save money by starting your business from home. Much like the other technology business ideas noted above, web development businesses face an almost unlimited earning potential.

Learn how to start a web development company.

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