Ask HN: What’s the best thing to specialize in for creating startup?

Next month will be my 5 year anniversary of being a professional software engineer. I’ve worked at two FANG companies with lots of really talented people and soaked up some stuff.

But I think it’s time for me to begin specializing with the aim of striking out in the next 5 years. No delusions of grandeur, but I like the idea of doing my own thing and especially creating something that is useful to people. I feel like I’ve learned a lot of general software development practices, but no ultra deep, highly relevant skill. I’m kind of average. I like people enough to not be shy. I like basketball, politics, and the same standard shows most folks do. I cant think of any thing that I have a niche in.

I’ve tried to read some intro to ML books, but haven’t been convinced that it’s the way or really swept away. Maybe I’m wrong? Read a bit about smart contracts but still not seized by interest. I’m not a dilettante. I love computers, but I think the days of low hanging fruit are kind of gone and just being a computer guy isn’t enough.