First Builders

In this episode of First Builders, Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Wyatt Stokesberry, Co-Founder and CEO of Molli Health. Wyatt spent years inside the health insurance machine, rising from early employee to Executive Vice President at Excel Health Plans before walking away to build a new model from scratch, one designed specifically for the 70 million Americans who work for themselves.Wyatt explains why the traditional health insurance supply chain is engineered to profit from opacity, and how self-funded plans, long available to large employers, can be unlocked for independent contractors and freelancers. He breaks down how Molli is pricing 20% below comparable ACA plans by eliminating the middlemen, charging a flat fee that gets more durable as membership scales, and building AI-powered member tools that actually help people understand their coverage.This episode explores the ACA marketplace's accelerating breakdown, why 1099 workers have been the industry's most overlooked segment, and what it takes to build deliberately and durably in one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country.We cover:Why the ACA marketplace is failing 1099 workers: rising deductibles, PPO plans disappearing, and major insurers exitingHow fully-insured vs. self-funded health plans create fundamentally different cost structuresThe 1099 workforce boom: 70 million today, projected to hit 100 million by 2027Why misaligned incentives and government subsidies have stalled health insurance innovationBuilding on a Cigna PPO network and designing plans that move with members between 1099 and W-2 statusCreating a member experience with 45-second hold times and a single source of truth for claims, pharmacy, and providersHow AI agents help members get real-time answers about their coverage without reading a 200-page plan documentPricing 20% below ACA plans: where the savings actually come from and why they compound at scaleThree or four pivots before landing on the 1099 gap, and what that says about finding the right problemFundraising in a complex industry: why the right investors back the team, not the productMoving from Reno to San Francisco and the Midwest mindset that keeps you from moving fast and breaking things in a regulated industryWhy ICHRA is an administrative band-aid on the same outdated ACA productsThis episode is a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring transparent, self-funded health insurance to the most underserved segment in the market, and why the business of one deserves better.FOLLOW WYATT STOKESBERRYWyatt Stokesberry LinkedInWyatt Stokesberry on X: @OG_StokesMolli Health: mollihealth.comMolli Health Socials: @mollihealthFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode of First Builders, Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui talk with Kyle McAllister, Co-founder and CEO of Trially, about what it really looks like to build inside the clinical trial ecosystem.Kyle shares how his experience working across Epic and Cerner shaped his understanding of healthcare systems and why clinical trials remain one of the most operationally complex parts of the industry. What seems like a data challenge at first often turns out to be a workflow and coordination problem in practice.Through Trially, the team is focused on helping clinical sites identify and enroll patients more efficiently by working directly within existing systems. Instead of replacing infrastructure, the goal is to improve how teams operate day to day.Amber and Rachel also explore what it takes to build in healthcare, from establishing trust with customers to navigating long timelines and deeply embedded processes. The conversation highlights how credibility and real experience in the space can change the trajectory of a company early on.Topics covered:What EHR implementations look like on the groundWhere clinical trial workflows slow downWhy connecting healthcare systems is difficultHow trust influences adoption in clinical environmentsThe role of AI in improving patient matchingBuilding with co-founders from different backgroundsSelling into healthcare organizationsWhy progress in healthcare takes timeLessons from moving into entrepreneurshipThis episode offers a grounded look at building in healthcare, where progress depends on understanding both the systems and the people operating within them.FOLLOW KYLE MCALLISTERWebsite: https://www.trially.ai/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcallisterFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode of First Builders, Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Meagan Gamache, VP of Product at Render, to explore what it really means to build products for the people who build everything else.Meagan shares her unconventional path from biology and academic research into engineering at Heroku, where she discovered a deep appreciation for the speed, feedback loops, and craftsmanship of developer tools. From there, she went on to help shape some of the most influential platforms in tech, including Slack, Figma, and Webflow before stepping into a leadership role at Render during the rise of AI-native development.The conversation dives into the nuances of building platforms that scale, from defining early developer ecosystems at Slack to enabling cross-company collaboration at Figma. Meagan also unpacks how product leaders evolve into company builders, what it takes to hire high-impact teams, and why clarity of thinking matters more than ever in an AI-driven world.They also explore how emerging technologies are reshaping software creation, why the “SaaS apocalypse” may be overstated, and how the next generation of tools will empower a new wave of builders while still demanding deep expertise and strong judgment.Topics covered include:What “craft” really means in developer tools and why it mattersLessons from building platforms at Heroku, Slack, and FigmaTransitioning from engineering into product leadershipHow to design products that scale across teams and organizationsHiring and building high-agency product teamsThe evolving role of product leaders in shaping company strategyWhy SaaS isn’t going away and what’s misunderstood about AI buildersThe difference between systems of record and systems of actionHow ecosystems succeed (and why most fail)The responsibility of building infrastructure used by millionsThis episode offers a thoughtful look at building enduring products, leading with intention, and navigating the shifting landscape of software in the age of AI.FOLLOW MEAGAN GAMACHEX: @meaganrgamacheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/renderco/FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Lina Scroggins, SVP and Chief Product Officer at Mercy, to explore what it means to build and lead product orgåanizations inside some of the most complex, high-stakes environments.Lina shares her journey spending nearly two decades at Google, where she helped build systems and teams during the company’s formative growth years, before transitioning into healthcare. She reflects on what changes when products are no longer abstract software experiences but tools that directly affect patients, providers, and underserved communities.Now at Mercy, one of the 15 largest health systems in the United States, Lina is focused on unifying consumer-facing and clinical technology to deliver a more seamless patient experience, particularly across rural America. The conversation dives into product leadership at scale, operating within regulated environments, aligning data and infrastructure, and building trust-driven technology where failure is not an option.Topics covered include:What early Google taught Lina about scaling systems and organizationsTransitioning from consumer tech to healthcare and what fundamentally changesBuilding product strategy in regulated, mission-critical environmentsDesigning technology that earns trust from both patients and providersLeading through ambiguity and aligning teams around long-term impactWhy healthcare product leaders must think beyond speed and featuresServing rural and underserved populations through thoughtful technologyThis episode is a deep dive into product leadership with real-world consequences, and what it takes to build durable systems that truly serve people.FOLLOW LINA SCROGGINSLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lina-scroggins/·       Mercy Leadership Team·       Mercy.net·       MyMercy app·       Mercy Quick FactsScroggins, now part of the Mercy leadership team, will be leading efforts to strengthen the health system’s digital experience, including Mercy.net and MyMercy app. Mercy is one of the15 largest U.S. health systems and serves millions across multiple states, operating one of the nation’s largest, highest‑performing Accountable Care Organizations.FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Charles Julius, Co-Founder and CEO of Loamy, to explore what it really takes to build platforms for essential, historically under-digitized industries.Charles shares his unconventional path from healthcare law to software engineering, and how formative experiences at Procore and Motive (formerly KeepTruckin) shaped his philosophy around platform building, customer trust, and leadership. He reflects on building marketplaces and developer ecosystems inside construction and logistics - and how those lessons now apply to the food supply chain, where even small operational failures can create massive downstream impact.Now at Loamy, Charles is focused on reducing food loss by building an operating system for food manufacturers and distributors bringing visibility, AI-driven insights, and end-to-end coordination to one of the most complex supply chains in the physical economy. The conversation covers leadership growth, co-founder dynamics, earning customer trust in mission-critical environments, and why great design and customer empathy matter more than speed.Why customer trust is the foundation of platform adoption in essential industriesLessons from building marketplaces at Procore and enterprise platforms at MotiveTransitioning from law to engineering and learning by getting uncomfortableApplying AI responsibly in high-stakes, operational environmentsHow Loamy is tackling food waste across manufacturers and distributorsThe difference between being “right” and being an effective leaderCo-founder relationships, communication, and long-term partnershipWhy design-led workflows outperform tech-first solutionsThis episode is a deep dive into building durable platforms for the physical economy, and leading with humility, resilience, and purpose.FOLLOW CHARLES JULIUSWebsite: https://getloamy.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-julius/FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with David Apple, founder and CEO of Shark Tooth Biotech, to explore purpose-driven building, rare disease innovation, and what it really takes to start over in an entirely new industry.David helped scale two of the most iconic SaaS companies of the last decade—Typeform and Notion—as an early go-to-market leader. Today, he’s bringing those same first-principles instincts to biotech, building Shark Tooth Biotech to develop treatments for CMT1A, a rare, progressive neurological disease affecting his young son and more than a million people worldwide. He shares how his son’s diagnosis reshaped his definition of success, why rare diseases remain underfunded despite impacting 1 in 10 people globally, and how AI, drug repurposing, and unconventional paths can accelerate progress in a traditionally slow field—while reflecting on scaling early teams, building with personal stakes, and why curiosity, retention, and purpose matter more than ever for founders.Why early-stage building starts with first principles, not optimizationLessons from scaling Typeform and Notion from zero to global adoptionWhy retention—not acquisition—is the foundation of sustainable growthWhat most tech founders misunderstand about biotech fundraisingHow AI is accelerating drug discovery and repurposingThe emotional highs and lows of building a company for your childWhy founders should prioritize purpose alongside commercial outcomesThis conversation is a powerful look at building not just for scale, but for impact.FOLLOW DAVID APPLELinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/appledavid/Twitter/X: @davidcapplehttps://www.sharktooth.bio/FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this holiday special episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down to reflect on 2025, what it was like to build The Council in this tumultuous year, the launch of First Builders, and some predictions for 2026. In this conversation, Amber and Rachel discuss: Firm highlights like Rachel joining full time, starting to deploy Fund II, and launching the podcast Viral moments from 2025 like Soham Parekh going viral, PR being handled well and not well (i.e. Bryan Johnson’s love letter vs. Coldplay video cam) 2025 market reflections, especially how everyone entered the year with optimism on IPO and M&A market opening up and then tariffs were announced The AI boom and predictions on the bubble, and what companies are more durable vs. others Amber and Rachel’s predictions for the market in 2026! Thank you to all of our listeners for an amazing first year of First Builders! FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

AI is moving faster than ever—but reliability remains the missing layer.In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Haroon Choudery, founder and CEO of Autoblocks AI, to unpack what it takes to build trustworthy AI systems in high-stakes, regulated environments. Haroon has spent over a decade building at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and infrastructure, with a career that spans early work with Mark Cuban on computer vision projects, foundational roles at Komodo Health, and the launch of a nonprofit focused on AI education.Haroon shares how his early exposure to machine learning—and the real-world consequences of rapid technological change—shaped his belief that education, reliability, and proactive risk management are essential to scaling AI responsibly. At Autoblocks, he’s building the testing and evaluation layer that helps companies catch AI issues before their users do, working with customers like Hinge Health to ensure AI applications meet the highest standards of safety and performance.In this conversation, Haroon discusses:Why testing and evaluation are the missing infrastructure layer in AIWhat “reliability” really means for generative AI systemsWhy healthcare is a proving ground for high-stakes AI adoptionHow founders can scale AI safely without sacrificing speedThe role of education in reducing uncertainty and building trustWhy generalist skill sets and wearing many hats matter for early buildersThis conversation explores what it takes to build AI that works beyond the demo, where trust, reliability, and education play a central role alongside innovation.FOLLOW HAROON CHOUDERYLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroonchoudery/https://www.autoblocks.ai/aiready.soFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

Regulation and policy is often seen as a barrier to innovation, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Prashanthi Raman, former head of government affairs at both Cruise and Lyft, after starting her career as an attorney in healthcare policy. Prashanthi has worked at the intersection of policy and tech for over a decade, and started her career as an attorney focused in healthcare policy. She spent time working at the office of the governor of Illinois to help shape policies to ensure compliance with the ACA and Medicaid Expansion programs, before moving into the tech ecosystem. At Lyft, she spearheaded nationwide policies to enhance ridesharing regulations, and helped shape a new category that did not yet have strong regulatory frameworks in place. Prashanthi then moved to Cruise, an autonomous vehicle company, to again help shape a new category for regulatory compliance - autonomous driving and vehicles. In this conversation, Prashanthi shares:How her time at Lyft and Cruise - category defining companies - reshaped her view of government affairs Why AI will still need human relationships to drive regulatory frameworks Why government affairs is a catalyst, not just a cost center,  for tech companies How she stays calm and thrives in high chaos environments How her leadership style was shaped by working in policy early on Why humanized storytelling and putting people first is the guiding force for her career in government affairs This is a candid conversation on how tech companies should embrace rather than shy away from government affairs and regulatory compliance, and how focusing on humanized storytelling continues to be a core competency for early First Builders. FOLLOW PRASHANTHI RAMANLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashanthi-raman/FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What if AI fit the way frontline workers actually do their jobs, instead of forcing them to fit the tools?In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with portfolio founder Zacharie Esmili, Co-Founder & CEO of Quintess AI, a voice AI platform built for maintenance technicians and the managers who support them.Before starting Quintess AI, Zach spent nearly a decade at RATP Dev, working on rail maintenance and operations for the Paris Metro and projects across South Africa, Algeria, and China. He then moved into autonomy and robotics, helping scale technical operations and fleets at Cruise, working on autonomous farming robots at Burro, and supporting GenAI builders at Axflow.Along the way, he came to see maintenance as “healthcare for equipment” and spotted a big gap: technicians with greasy hands and heavy tools are still expected to type structured notes into clunky systems that were never designed for how they work.In this conversation, Zach shares:What global rail and fleet projects taught him about building systems that last decadesHow his time at Cruise and Burro shaped his view of AI in the physical worldWhy voice AI is a natural fit for maintenance and repair workflowsHow Quintess helps technicians capture better notes and managers see what is really happening on the groundThe realities of selling AI into traditional industrial enterprisesHow his leadership style evolved from managing blue collar teams at twenty four to running a venture-backed startupWhy determination and a clear vision matter more than chasing the latest AI trendIt is a candid look at applying AI beyond screens and keyboards, from a first builder who has spent his career at the intersection of rail, robotics, and the real world.FOLLOW ZACHARIE ESMILILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharie-esmili/Quintess AI: https://quintess.aiFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

A real-time debrief on a breakout moment. GC AI just announced its Series B led by Scale Venture Partners and Northzone after crossing $10M ARR and serving legal teams at more than 1,000 companies in under two years.Founder and CEO Cecilia Ziniti returns to First Builders to talk about going from day one to “kindergarten,” keeping the quality bar high while hiring fast, and why customer milestones matter more than funding.In this conversation, Cecilia shares:– How GC AI kept customer love strong while growing from hundreds to 1,000+ companies– The framework for roadmap acceleration tied to real user feedback– What changed from Series A to Series B—and how to decide how much to raise– How to hire for taste and maintain discipline during hypergrowth– Why customer obsession is still the ultimate growth strategyIt’s an inside look at scaling a company with taste, discipline, and an unwavering focus on customers.FOLLOW CECILIA ZINITILinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliazinitiGC AI: https://gc.aiEmail: [email protected] THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What if the same wealth tools billionaires use were accessible to everyone?In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Alessandro Chesser, Co-Founder & CEO of Dynasty, a licensed Nevada trust company helping founders and investors maximize equity value through smart ownership structures like QSBS stacking.Before founding Dynasty, Alessandro spent eight years at Carta, joining as the company’s first sales hire and helping scale revenue from zero to $300M. Along the way, he learned how ownership structures shape outcomes—not just for investors, but for founders and employees too.In this conversation, Alessandro shares:– Lessons from building Carta’s early sales and culture– Why trust and education are the missing pieces in equity strategy– How Dynasty is democratizing complex wealth tools like Nevada trusts– The risk and reward behind becoming a licensed trust company– Why compassion and clarity are underrated founder superpowersIt’s a candid look at what it takes to build credibility, complexity, and culture—from a first builder who’s done it twice.FOLLOW ALESSANDRO CHESSERLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alessandrochesserDynasty: https://getdynasty.comFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

How do you build a billion-dollar company when you’re not in Silicon Valley?On this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Jack Greco co-founder, COO & CFO of ACV Auctions, which went public at a $3.85 billion valuation, to explore what it means to build and scale from the ground up in Buffalo, New York.Jack shares what it took to transform a scrappy regional idea into a national marketplace for auto dealers—and the lessons learned from leading teams through hypergrowth, crisis, and IPO.In this episode, Jack reveals:– How ACV went from a Buffalo startup to a $3.85 B public company– Why culture, character, and cash flow matter more than hype– What “first builders” get right before product–market fit– The reality of building outside traditional tech hubs– How he now backs early operators through The Council and the Buffalo ecosystemIt’s a raw and real conversation about founding with grit, building without blueprints, and creating companies that last.FOLLOW JACK GRECOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackgrecoTwitter/X: @jackgreco716The Council Capital: https://thecouncil.coFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What if healthcare started at home?In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Cameron Carter, Founder and CEO of Rosarium Health, a company helping older adults and people with disabilities age safely in place through smart home modifications.A seasoned healthcare operator turned founder, Cameron previously held leadership roles at Truven (acquired by IBM Watson), Evolent Health (IPO), Bright Health (IPO; later acquired by Cigna), and DaVita before taking a personal mission and turning it into a company.In this episode, Cameron shares:– How building a ramp for his aunt on Medicaid sparked the idea for Rosarium Health– The scale of the “silver tsunami” and why aging in place is a necessity, not a luxury– What the new “Big Beautiful Bill” means for Medicaid, providers, and founders building in regulated markets– Why policy knowledge is a strategic advantage for healthcare startups– And why “move fast and break things” doesn’t work when lives are on the lineIt’s a deep-dive into mission-driven healthcare innovation — and a masterclass on how to turn policy into opportunity.FOLLOW CAMERON CARTERLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-carterRosarium Health: https://rosariumhealth.comRosarium Careers: https://rosariumhealth.com/careersFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What if freezing your eggs could also help another family grow theirs?In this episode of First Builders, hosts Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Lauren Makler, Co-founder and CEO of Cofertility—a groundbreaking fertility company where women can freeze and store their eggs for free if they donate half to a family in need.Lauren spent nearly nine years at Uber, scaling from marketing to leading strategy at Uber Health before turning her attention to one of the most personal and impactful challenges: fertility. With Cofertility, she’s building a model grounded in empathy, transparency, and community.In this episode, Lauren shares:– How her personal journey shaped the vision for Cofertility– Why empathy is a founder’s superpower in healthcare and family-building– Lessons from nearly a decade at Uber, from hypergrowth to healthcare strategy– The power of building mission-driven teams tackling sensitive problems– How Cofertility is changing the economics and access of fertility careIt’s a story of scaling with purpose, centering humanity in healthcare innovation, and building a company designed to last.Follow Lauren MaklerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmakler/Cofertility: https://www.cofertility.com/Cofertility Careers: https://www.cofertility.com/careersFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What does it really take to build in healthcare from the ground up? In this episode of First Builders, Amber Illig and Rachel Tsui sit down with Eliana Berger, co-founder and CEO of Joyful Health—a financial operating system for independent healthcare providers. Eliana has been a “first” more than most: first PM on Attentitve’s conversational messaging team, first PM at Charlie Health, founding PM at Moonbeam, and co-founder of Envision Accelerator, the first equity free accelerator for underrepresented founders. In this episode, Eliana shares more about: – Embedding herself inside practices as a fractional CFO– Become biller-certified to understand the messy realities of revenue cycle management (RCM) – How to build trust with clinicians in the era of AI skepticism – How community building, workshops, and radical transparency became Joyful Health’s GTM edge– Why going slow to go fast has been her core principle as a founderIt’s a conversation about tackling the messy problems in healthcare, diving in deep to understand the root problems, and creating a company that lasts. Follow Eliana BergerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elianaberger/ Joyful Health: https://www.joyfulhealth.io/ Careers at Joyful Health: https://www.joyfulhealth.io/careers#section-careers Make sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@firstbuilderspodSubscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox. https://thecouncil.beehiiv.com/subscribeFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What does it take to scale a healthcare data company over a decade—while bridging silos across an entire industry?Web Sun, Co-Founder and President of Komodo Health, joins First Builders to share the company’s journey from an early idea with bold ambition to a global leader in healthcare insights. Over ten years, Komodo has grown into a category-defining platform that powers better outcomes by aligning payers, providers, and pharma through data.In this episode, Web opens up about:– The early insight that sparked Komodo and how he met his co-founder, Arif Nathoo– Scaling a company across two coasts and two talent pools—even before remote was the norm– The hardest leadership decisions that come with growing from 20 people to 200+– What it means to reframe leadership every year in hypergrowth– How to build trust in a system where collaboration doesn’t come naturallyIt’s a conversation about playing the long game, scaling with intention, and shaping healthcare for the better.Follow Web SunLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/websunKomodo Health: https://www.komodohealth.comMake sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@firstbuilderspodSubscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox. https://thecouncil.beehiiv.com/subscribeFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What happens when a frustrated operator decides to solve her own problem—and ends up building one of the most empathetic AI companies in the market?Lisa Popovici, Co-founder of Siena AI, joins First Builders to share how running multiple e-commerce brands led her to create a conversational AI platform that actually understands customer sentiment, not just scripted keywords.Before launching Siena, Lisa felt firsthand the pain of delivering great customer experience while protecting margins and sanity. Today, Siena has raised $10M+ from investors including Sierra Ventures, Partech, Aglaé Ventures (LVMH), and The Council Capital. Their AI agents handle high-emotion customer conversations at scale without losing the human touch.In this episode, Lisa shares:– How she went from DTC founder to AI entrepreneur before the 2023 AI boom– The hardest pitch she ever made—and the moment she knew she had to build Siena– Why “empathy at scale” isn’t a buzzword but a moat– Lessons on co-founder dynamics, hiring for early teams, and standing out in a competitive AI market– Why traditional customer support isn’t dead—but is being radically redefinedIt’s a masterclass in turning pain into product and building tech with a soul.Follow Lisa PopoviciLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisapopoviciTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/lisapopoviciCompany: https://www.siena.cxMake sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube.Subscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox.Show NotesLisa’s journey from e-commerce founder to AI entrepreneurBuilding Siena AI before the mainstream AI waveDesigning AI agents that read emotional context, not just textCo-founder dynamics and staying aligned over years of buildingWhy empathy and defensibility are core to CX innovationLessons for founders hiring their first 10 employeesFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What does it take to make design a growth engine and not an afterthought?David Hoang, VP of Design at Atlassian and former design leader at Webflow, Replit, and One Medical, joins First Builders to share how intentional design can transform messy startup fog into clear, scalable roadmaps.As a designer, executive, angel investor, and writer of the Proof of Concept newsletter (11K+ subscribers), David brings a unique perspective on blending art, systems, and strategy to build products people actually use.In this episode, David shares:– Why “design is infrastructure” and how that applies at the pre-seed stage– When founders should hire their first designer (and the red flags to watch for)– Lessons from building and scaling design teams at Webflow, Replit, and Atlassian– How authenticity and consistency can shape a founder’s public voiceIt’s a conversation for founders, operators, and anyone who wants to build with intention, without losing sight of craft.Follow David HoangLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhoangTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/davidhoangNewsletter: Proof of ConceptShow NotesDavid’s journey from early IC designer to VP of Design at AtlassianWhy design is more than aesthetics—it’s infrastructure for growthRed flags when a company “thinks” it values designAdvice for founders hiring their first designerBuilding design teams that scale across healthcare and SaaS industriesDavid’s newsletter: Proof of ConceptBooks mentioned:– The Humane Interface by Jeff Raskin– The Art and Soul of Dune by Tanya LapointeFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

How does a doctor become a startup founder? Danish Nagda, Co-Founder & CEO of Rezilient, joins First Builders to share his journey from the hospital floor to reimagining how care is delivered for high-risk patients.Danish left medicine to co-found Rezilient, a virtual-first care platform connecting patients to their providers in ways traditional systems can’t. He’s also the host of Uncanny Valley, where he explores the real stories of founders and innovators breaking into tech.In this episode, Danish shares:– Why being an outsider in Silicon Valley became his advantage– How adaptability shaped Rezilient’s growth through market shifts– Lessons on founder-led sales and building a personal brand– The co-founder dynamics that keep his company strongIt’s a conversation about identity, conviction, and building boldly—inside and outside of Silicon Valley.Follow Danish NagdaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danishnagdaCompany: https://www.rezilienthealth.comPodcast: Uncanny ValleyMake sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube.Subscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox.Show NotesDanish’s path from medicine to co-founding RezilientBreaking into tech as an outsider and building credibilityFounder-led sales and personal branding for early-stage leadersLessons on co-founder alignment, scaling, and team buildingFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What does it take to go from General Counsel to AI founder? In this episode of First Builders, Cecilia Ziniti—CEO of GC AI and former GC at multiple high-growth companies—joins Amber and Rachel to unpack how her legal and operational background set the stage for her leap into building.Cecilia shares how she spotted the right moment to launch in legaltech, what it really takes to lead in a noisy AI landscape, and how she thinks about risk, timing, and team building. Whether you’re in-house, in transition, or just AI-curious—this one’s for you.We cover:– The mindset shift from GC to startup CEO– Finding product-market fit in legacy industries– Early team building and founder instincts– Staying grounded while building in AIFollow Cecilia ZinitiLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliazinitiCompany: https://www.gcai.ioMake sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@firstbuilderspodSubscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox. https://thecouncil.beehiiv.com/subscribeShow NotesFrom GC to founder: How Cecilia’s in-house legal experience shaped her approach to AILessons on timing, risk, and operator instinctsBuilding modern tools for legal teams in legacy industriesCompany: https://www.gcai.ioBooks Mentioned:Crossing the Chasm, 3rd Edition: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers (Collins Business Essentials) by Geoffrey A. Moore Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential by Matt HigginsFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

What happens when a high-growth operator turns founder—and builds a company rooted in personal mission? Koby Conrad, solo founder and CEO of Sunflower, joins First Builders to share his journey from Rupa Health’s go-to-market lead to creating a digital recovery platform for the 1.2 billion people affected by addiction.A former zero-to-one standout at Rupa Health, Koby helped scale the company from a $22M valuation to a life-changing acquisition. Now he’s bringing those lessons—and his own seven years of sobriety—into building Sunflower, a mobile-first addiction recovery app grounded in emotional resonance, habit loops, and community design.In this episode, Koby unpacks:– The early signals he trusted to launch Sunflower– What he learned about growth, management, and mindset at Rupa– How he raised capital pre-launch and built in public– Why being a solo, non-technical founder didn’t stop himIt’s a story about identity, scale, sobriety—and how the best builders are the ones who stay close to the problem.Follow Koby ConradLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobychaseconradTwitter: https://twitter.com/kobychaseCompany: https://www.joinsunflower.comBook: https://channelsofgrowth.comMake sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube.Subscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox.Show NotesKoby’s path from Rupa Health to solo founder of SunflowerLessons on startup growth, hiring, and building high-slope teamsInside Sunflower: AI-powered habit tracking, CBT prompts, and community-driven recoveryVulnerability and leadership: staying grounded while scalingBook Mentioned: The Mom Test by Rob FitzpatrickKoby’s book: Channels of GrowthVisit: https://www.joinsunflower.comFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

Dan Perez is no stranger to high-stakes decisions. From walking away from an Oxford PhD program to scaling a digital health company through one of the most successful IPOs in recent years, Dan’s story is a masterclass in vision, conviction, and long-term thinking.In this episode of First Builders, Dan joins Amber and Rachel to unpack the origin story of Hinge Health—a digital MSK care platform now serving over 20 million lives and generating nearly $400M in ARR. They dig into what made Hinge stand out in a noisy category, how he and co-founder Gabriel Mecklenburg kept their partnership strong across a decade of scale, and why Dan believes great leadership is about playing the long game.They also explore:– The strategy behind going public in a tough market– The evolution of AI-powered care models– The frameworks Dan uses for internal bets and efficiency– Lessons on co-founder dynamics and intentional leadershipWhether you’re building in digital health or just trying to scale with clarity, Dan’s story is packed with insight.Follow Dan PerezLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielaperezCompany: https://www.hingehealth.comMake sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on YouTube!Subscribe to our newsletter to get new episode drops in your inbox.Show Notes:Hinge Health IPO Coverage (2025): $400M ARR, 81% gross margin, 20M+ lives supported - Hinge Health files for IPO, riding strong ARR and MSK growth (Bloomberg News) (SEC filing)Co-founder dynamics and long-term startup partnershipsBooks mentioned:Competition Demystified by Bruce GreenwaldHigh Output Management by Andrew GroveInnovator's Prescription by Clayton ChristensenFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this July 4th special, we’re taking a quick pause from new interviews to celebrate the sparks that launched First Builders. This 20-minute highlight reel brings together some of the most powerful moments from our first month of guests.You’ll hear:– Maia Bittner on resilience and scaling post-acquisition– Nathan Baschez on frameworks, writing, and building in public– Jason Prestinario on taking on healthcare giants– Rohini Pandhi on scaling product and platform from the ground upIt’s a short and energizing listen—perfect for a holiday walk or weekend recharge. Thanks for building with us so far—we’re just getting started.Featured Guest• Maia Bittner – Co-founder of Pinch, angel investor, and early team member at ChimeFollow: @maiab• Nathan Baschez – Co-founder of Every, writer, and early-stage operatorFollow: @nathanbaschez• Jason Prestinario – CEO of Particle HealthFollow: @particlehealth• Rohini Pandhi – Product and platform leader, advisor, and operatorFollow: @rohini_pandhiFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode, we sit down with Maia Bittner - a three-time founder, angel investor, and early team member at Chime - to explore the arc of a builder’s journey from zero to IPO. Maia shares how she co-founded Pinch to improve financial stability for millennials, scaled at Chime after the acquisition, and has since become a backer of new founders as an investor at XFactor Ventures.We dive into the uncommon paths to co-founder status, what made Pinch “acquirable,” and how Maia’s product instincts shaped user love across all her startups. She reflects on building with values, staying post-acquisition, and developing emotional resilience in hypergrowth environments.A must-listen for anyone building in the messy middle or wondering what it takes to be a First Builder in today’s market.Follow Maia BittnerTwitter: @maiabWebsite: https://www.xfactor.ventures/teamShow Notes:Chime’s June 2025 IPO Coverage: Chime almost died in 2016, turned down by 100 VCs — today it IPO’d at $14.5BXFactor Ventures – Maia Bittner’s Investment Work: XFactor Ventures TeamOlin College – Maia’s Alma Mater: Olin College of EngineeringFOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Prestinario—Particle Health CEO of and former leader at Komodo Heath and Palantir Technologies —for a candid conversation about building in one of the most complex and regulated sectors in the world: healthcare. Jason talks about the difference between “product thinking” and “patient thinking,” why bundling in hospital systems leads to poor outcomes, and how startups can find leverage in a space dominated by incumbents.We also discuss the bold legal action Particle Health is taking against Epic Systems, and what it means to push for interoperability when it’s actively being blocked. This episode is a must-listen for anyone reimagining care delivery—or navigating systems designed to resist innovation.Follow Jason PrestinarioCompany: Particle HealthShow Notes:What Does HHS' RestructuringMean for Interoperability in Healthcare Epic Blocked over 420,000 Americans' Health Records from Doctors for Seven MonthsBook MentionedRange: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Baschez—founder of Lex, former co-founder of Every, founding team at Substack, and creator of Divinations—to unpack how he thinks about building internet-native businesses. Nathan shares the operating principles behind virality, the power of writing as leverage, and why product intuition matters more than process in the earliest startup moments. We also explore what it takes to build ideas in public—and how to know when one is worth chasing.Make sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on Youtube! FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council

In this episode, we’re joined by Rohini Pandhi—Head of Expansion at Mercury, former product leader at Square (Block), and current partner at Transparent Collective. We explore how Rohini identified Square and Mercury early on as accelerating environments dense with opportunity, why narrative is a core tool in both product and venture, and what it means to be a true “First Builder.”Disclaimer: Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Business banking services provided through Choice Financial Group, Column N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC. Personal banking services provided through Choice Financial Group; Member FDIC.Make sure you follow us on all our social channels below and watch full episodes on Youtube! FOLLOW THE COUNCIL & FIRST BUILDERSNewsletterYouTube: @firstbuilderspodInstagram: @thecouncilcapitalTwitter/X: @first_builders_TikTok: @firstbuilderspodLinkedIn: The Council