2 founders building for themselves first

What happens when you build a startup targeted at... yourself? On today's episode of The Feedback Loop, two founders built their business to fix issues in their own industry. First, a longtime NYC nanny reimagines the family-caregiver dynamic – building a platform that prioritizes both sides for better, more personal childcare matches. Then, a sports-tech entrepreneur unveils a mobile-first booking and socials & replay system for sports clubs, drawing on his team's experience building a ping pong platform (yes, really) and building apps like Equinox and Nike+ Running. Each founder has just a minute to pitch, followed by candid feedback from our resident investors. If you’re wrestling with marketplace strategy or bridging digital and physical experiences, you’ll see how to translate insider insights into a pitch that hooks investors, solves real pain, and drives adoption. Time for Episode 065 of The Feedback Loop! The investor feedback comes from our host, Sherveen Mashayekhi, founder and CEO of venture-backed Free Agency. He's also an angel investor and an LP in multiple venture funds. Each week, he's joined by a rotating seat featuring a guest venture investor, and this week, that's... Guest Investor: Lauren Reeves ​Lauren Reeves is an Investor at MGV, an early stage SaaS fund based in SF and NYC. She also leads the team's east coast startup ecosystem initiatives. She brings a unique technical background to the judges' table — having previously been a software engineer building in AI, ML, and at notable companies like BlackRock, Postmates, and Alto Pharmacy. Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-a-reeves Follow Sherveen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherveenm Follow Sherveen on X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/sherveen What we learn on this episode... Childcare Hiring: Traditional job boards and agencies haven’t caught up to modern families—or the caregivers who do the real work. Hear how a founder spent 12 years as a nanny in NYC, building a new, more personal approach to matching. Sports Venue Modernization: Bookings, replays, in-venue experiences: replacing labor costs with software can transform margins and user delight. But how do you convince legacy clubs and fitness centers to “modernize”? Real Pitch Advice for Marketplaces: Whether targeting busy parents, club owners, or any unsexy vertical, see how clarity about who pays, why they pay, and how you’re different can make or break a venture. Want to Pitch Your Startup Live? Apply now at afterfeedback.com and join our growing community of founders and investors. In a Job Search? Explore our newest channel for 2025’s ultra-competitive talent landscape: https://youtu.be/dlbfZJmY8t8 Thank you to these intrepid founders for stepping into the spotlight. The Feedback Loop is here to help refine your pitch, sharpen your go-to-market, and share battle-tested investor perspectives. Make sure to subscribe for more real-time, no-nonsense feedback on how to pitch your startup. Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decision. Amina Sako, founder of Karama: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amina-sako-a12782141 Ben Borton, co-founder of PodPlay Technologies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borton Drop a comment – feedback is the lifeblood of builders everywhere! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.