Atlanta-based AI venture studio Black Lotus has demonstrated how strategic, hybrid AI implementation can transform an overlooked product into a global viral phenomenon. In just eight months, the studio helped an obscure tension-based exercise device generate $3.5 million in revenue and over 100 million views, establishing a blueprint for scalable, commercially effective AI-driven marketing.
Former Meta Product Manager Malik Mbaye built an AI agent that continuously scanned for products showing viral potential but low sales conversion. The algorithm repeatedly surfaced a simple tension-based exercise device that, despite strong engagement, lacked systematic monetization.
Teaming up with digital marketing expert Hadji Sall, the duo applied Black Lotus’ proprietary Hybrid-AI framework built on four core pillars:
The breakthrough moment came when AI analysis produced a “controversial angle” video that achieved over 1 million views with 50% retention, resulting in $800,000 in revenue within 30 days.
The campaign not only created explosive growth but established an entirely new product category, spawning competitors worldwide and turning the device into the official training tool for a wheelchair basketball team in Spain while supporting veterans in physical therapy.
Black Lotus has since replicated the methodology across multiple verticals, with partners like Atlanta creative director Vincent Kamlanje and Dakar-based media agency founder Ibrahim Ndiaye achieving similar results for their clients.
"We weren't choosing between AI and human creativity," Mbaye concludes. "We were using AI to amplify human ingenuity at scale."
About Black Lotus Ventures
Black Lotus Ventures is a venture studio that incubates and scales early-stage startups through strategic advisory, staffing, and consulting. Founded by former Meta Product Manager, Malik Mbaye, the company combines Silicon Valley technical expertise with proven digital marketing execution to deploy systematic AI solutions that create measurable outcomes. The firm has helped clients generate over $10 million in revenue and raise more than $50 million in venture capital from firms such as Techstars and Andreessen Horowitz. With a mission to democratize entrepreneurship and close the funding gap for minority founders, Black Lotus provides end-to-end support in software development, design, AI automation, and go-to-market strategy.
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