greg-isenberg and guest Vinny explain WebMCP, an experimental Chrome feature from Google and Microsoft (launched in February). Websites expose a concise list of agent tools (search, compare, add to cart, apply coupon) that the user’s own agent calls inside the browser session. Demo: an espresso-gear shop with 16 tools, where the agent compares machines against counter width and needs, highlights matching specs on the page, and adds accessories to the cart. Versus alternatives: no DOM scraping or screenshots (computer use, browser MCP); no API keys or OAuth, since tools inherit the logged-in session and can be conditional on login state; and no in-app agent whose tokens the vendor pays for. Framing: SEO (can Google understand the page?) → AEO (can AI cite it?) → WebMCP (can the agent finish the job?). Best fits: compatibility-driven commerce, SaaS admin consoles, read-only self-service in regulated industries, and internal tools. Two startup ideas: an agent-conversion agency for boring local businesses ($2–10k setup plus a monthly retainer), and an “agent mystery shopper” that tests whether agents can complete key journeys and reports where they get stuck.
Show: the-startup-ideas-podcast
Concepts: agent-ready-products · solo-builders