JustPaid.io- The Future of Business Finance

Interview with Krishang Todi, CEO of Aegis(YC X25) In this episode, we sat down with Krishang, a founder Daniel met through Y Combinator, to talk about what it actually looks like to build a startup in the trenches. We got into his journey from Kolkata to Carnegie Mellon to Silicon Valley, why he chose entrepreneurship over a more traditional path, and how a real healthcare pain point led his team to build a company focused on insurance claim denials. What stood out to me is how much conviction and intuition matter. A lot of great founders do not start with perfect certainty. They start with a strong belief about how the future is going to change, then they go build toward it. Krishang and his team are building in one of the hardest industries out there, healthcare. Their vision is ambitious. They want to use AI agents to help hospitals and providers understand, appeal, and prevent denied claims, while reducing the amount of manual work that dominates revenue cycle management today. We also talked about Y Combinator's shorter batch model, the psychology of leaving school to go all in, what is happening right now with AI in healthcare, why voice agents are hitting limits, and how some of the best startups today are using very small teams to do an incredible amount of work. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that having fewer people can actually be a strength. If you understand how to use AI well, a team of three can build and operate in ways that used to require entire departments. If you are a founder, operator, or just interested in where AI is going in healthcare and startups, I think you'll get a lot out of this one.

What does it really take to build a strong finance function from day one? In this episode of the JustPaid Podcast, Daniel sits down with Kim Walch, Founder of Rio Finance LLC, to talk about startup finance, accounting, fundraising readiness, cash flow forecasting, and the mistakes founders make when they ignore their numbers too long. Kim shares her journey from public accounting and startup finance leadership to building her own boutique finance and accounting firm. She also breaks down when founders should hire an accountant, the difference between accounting and fractional CFO work, how startups should think about burn and runway, and why AI still can't replace experienced finance professionals. This episode is packed with practical advice for founders, startup operators, finance professionals, and anyone curious about how great companies stay financially healthy while scaling. In this episode, we cover: Kim's path into finance and startups Why public accounting is a strong foundation When early-stage founders need finance help The difference between bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO strategy Why cash flow forecasting matters Common startup finance mistakes How finance supports fundraising Why AI still needs human oversight in finance Advice for founders on investing in the right G&A support

What does it really take to survive 8 years as a physical product startup? In this episode, we sit down with Justin, co-founder of MODL and creator of the Infinity Tool — a modular, flexible attachment system often described as "Legos for life." From launching a modular water bottle on Kickstarter to making a full pivot that changed the company's trajectory, Justin shares the raw realities of building in atoms, not bits. We dive deep into: • Why most startups don't fail — founders quit • The emotional moment where they almost shut everything down • Pivoting from a complex product to a simple, scalable one • Manufacturing in China and managing inventory risk • The magic of having 3 co-founders (and how they avoid killing each other) • Why Shopify's AI "Sidekick" is underrated • Using AI tools like Claude for DTC copywriting • Running EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) as a 5-person team  • Competing by building the best product, not obsessing over rivals Justin also shares how an executive coach helped them unlock growth, how they carved clear ownership across marketing, operations, and design, and why three co-founders might actually be the ideal founding structure. If you're a founder, operator, or finance leader navigating product-market fit, pivots, or co-founder dynamics — this episode is packed with honest lessons.

In this episode of the JustPaid Podcast, we sit down with Valentin Recker, operator, turnaround expert, and longtime finance leader, to unpack why startups don't actually fail suddenly — and what really causes them to run out of money. This is a must-watch for founders, operators, and finance leaders navigating growth, AI costs, hiring decisions, and financial clarity without losing momentum.

Fundraising is painful — and it doesn't mean you're successful. In this candid, long-form conversation, a 2× Y Combinator founder with nearly 20 years of startup experience breaks down the real truth about building companies, raising money, and surviving long enough to win. From the early, intimate days of Y Combinator with Paul Graham and Jessica Livingston to today's $500K checks and massive batches, this episode covers how accelerators evolved, why users and revenue matter more than capital, and how founders should think about risk, partnerships, investors, and long-term survival. You'll learn: Why funding ≠ success How Y Combinator actually worked then vs now When (and when not) to raise money How partnerships can matter more than investors  Why bold networking changes your startup's trajectory How to think about negotiation as win-win Tools founders should actually use (including AI & NotebookLM) Whether you're starting a company, joining a startup, or thinking about fundraising, this is raw, practical advice you won't hear in pitch decks.

Most startups don't fail because they can't sell. They fail because they don't bill, track, and collect properly. In this episode, a veteran CFO breaks down what founders miss early on—from misunderstood revenue metrics to messy spreadsheets and delayed collections.

We're excited to share a new conversation featuring Prasanna Sankar (Co-founder, Rippling & Founder, 0xPeople) in discussion with Daniel Kivatinos (Co-founder & CEO, JustPaid) and Harshith Vaddiparthy. Together, they explore how the next generation of startups will be built—and why the future may not look like the traditional Silicon Valley playbook. In this video, they dive into: • How DAOs could become the new default organizational model  • Why crypto enables user-owned, programmable ecosystems • Lessons from building and scaling startups from 0 → 1 and 1 → 100  • The intersection of AI, on-chain data, and new product opportunities • What's actually working in this crypto cycle—from airdrops to on-chain social  • Long-term frontier ideas, including decentralized energy and massive solar bets If you're building, investing, or curious about where startups and Web3 are headed, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Meet the Hosts of the JustPaid.ai YouTube Channel Our YouTube channel was created by a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact on the world, led by:  🎙️ Daniel Kivatinos – Co-founder & CEO of JustPaid.ai, serial entrepreneur, and builder. Daniel previously co-founded DrChrono, a startup that transformed how medical practices operate and was acquired after scaling to thousands of providers. He has spent years navigating the startup world, raising capital, scaling teams, and building technology that matters.  🎙️ Harshith Vaddiparthy – A technologist and product builder focused on transformative technologies and scalable systems. Harshith is currently exploring the intersection of LLMs and Blockchain to solve critical pain points and produces content around the impact of these technologies. Together, Daniel and Harshith share insights on AI, fintech, startups, and emerging technologies—helping businesses and founders navigate the rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode of the "JustPaid Podcast," hosts Harshith Vaddiparhty and Daniel Kivatinos sit down with product development expert Nick McEvily to delve into the nuances of building products in today's tech-driven market. Nick shares his insights on how technology has democratized product creation, making it easier than ever to prototype and iterate through platforms designed for rapid development. He emphasizes the critical shift from a sales-centric to a customer-needs-focused approach, detailing how adopting a Socratic method in user interviews can unearth the real needs and pain points of users. The conversation also explores the art and science of decision-making in product development. McEvily discusses the delicate balance between trusting one's intuition and relying on data, suggesting that the most successful founders are those who can skillfully navigate these two worlds. This episode is a goldmine for entrepreneurs eager to enhance their strategies for achieving product-market fit and deepening user engagement.   About JustPaid: JustPaid integrates seamlessly with your existing tools to streamline your revenue operations, from invoicing to collections, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most—running your business. With JustPaid, you can: Automatically invoice and get paid without the hassle, thanks to AI that reviews contractual payments instantly. Centralize your vendor relationships, ensuring you maintain control and visibility over your financial interactions, at any stage of your organization's growth. Join Harshith and Daniel as they not only discuss cutting-edge product development strategies but also introduce you to JustPaid's solutions that make managing your business's financial operations as effortless as possible.    

JustPaid is an AI-powered billing automation platform streamlining accounts receivable and payable processes. It offers automated invoice generation, real-time data analytics, and customizable billing rules, all designed to improve cash flow and efficiency. The platform integrates with existing systems and includes features like AI-driven collections and a user-friendly dashboard. JustPaid caters to various businesses, from entrepreneurs to financial experts, promising simplified revenue management and reduced operational costs. Positive client testimonials highlight improved financial control and significant cost savings.

We interview some amazing guests at the JustPaid.io podcast, in this episode, we sit down with Yurii Rebryk from Fluently, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder who shares his journey through the challenges and successes of securing funding from Y Combinator. Yurii discusses his experiences applying to YC multiple times, emphasizing the importance of persistence, adaptability, and building a strong founding team. He offers valuable insights into the application process, the critical role of market research, and how to effectively position a startup for success. This episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the competitive world of startup accelerators. For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey to securing funding and support from prestigious accelerators like Y Combinator (YC) can be fraught with obstacles. This blog post explores the insights shared by founders who applied to YC multiple times, ultimately achieving success on their third attempt. Their experiences reveal valuable lessons about persistence, adaptability, and the importance of a strong team. The Journey Through Y Combinator Applications Applying to Y Combinator is a significant milestone for many startups. The process, however, can be challenging, especially for those who do not succeed on their first attempt. The founders discussed how they applied to YC three times, each time receiving an interview but not passing until their final application. This experience highlights the importance of resilience and learning from feedback. Understanding the Application Process In their first application, the founders were students, entering the process with an idea that they later realized had a very small market. Despite this setback, they were invited for interviews each time, which suggests that YC saw potential in their team rather than just their ideas. During these interviews, the founders learned valuable lessons about the importance of having a scalable market and a strong founding team. First Application: The idea pitched had a very small market. Second Application: The founders pivoted to a new idea just before the interview. Third Application: They refined their approach and presented a more compelling case. Lessons Learned from Each Attempt Each application provided the founders with insights that they used to improve their pitch. After their first rejection, they realized the importance of addressing market size and scalability. They learned that YC primarily invests in teams rather than ideas, which shifted their focus towards showcasing their strengths as founders. The founders also emphasized the importance of persistence. Despite facing rejection, they remained committed to their vision and continued to apply to different accelerators, not just YC. This broad approach helped them understand the landscape better and refine their ideas. The Importance of a Strong Team Throughout the discussion, the founders emphasized that YC invests heavily in the team behind the idea. Their previous experiences, including internships at notable companies like Google and Nvidia, contributed to their strong profiles as founders. They highlighted that having a well-rounded team with diverse experiences can significantly enhance a startup's chances of success. Building a Strong Founding Team Collaboration among team members is crucial in the startup ecosystem. The founders shared their journey of working together for over a decade, which strengthened their partnership. This long-standing relationship allowed them to navigate challenges more effectively and build a cohesive vision for their startup. Team Dynamics: A strong foundation of trust and familiarity. Diverse Backgrounds: Experience in various tech fields enhanced their capabilities. Shared Vision: A common goal that drives their startup forward.   Get the full blog post here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rejected-y-combinator-just-apply-again-daniel-kivatinos--mmlzc/

In this episode we interview Taylor Lowe. Taylor Lowe is the co-founder and CEO of Metal, an AI company focused on accelerating deal flow and providing portfolio intelligence for private equity and venture capital firms. Metal is a venture-backed startup that was part of Y Combinator's Winter 2023 batch (YC W23). Lowe and his team recently unveiled a new AI assistant specifically designed for financial services and private equity funds. This development demonstrates Metal's commitment to applying artificial intelligence to improve processes and decision-making in the investment industry. Prior to founding Metal, Taylor Lowe had experience in managing teams and generating insights to accelerate product development. His background in understanding the big picture and his ability to manage teams effectively likely contributed to his current role as a startup founder in the AI space. Metal's focus appears to be on simplifying AI capabilities for private equity and venture capital teams, grounding the technology in practical use cases for these industries. This approach suggests that Lowe and his company are working to bridge the gap between advanced AI technologies and the specific needs of financial professionals in the PE and VC sectors.

Join us for an insightful podcast episode featuring Christina Ross, the CEO and founder of Cube. With a background as a former CFO and finance leader, Christina's journey from CFO to CEO showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation in the financial planning and analysis sector. Discover how Cube, a cutting-edge FP&A software, is revolutionizing financial operations under Christina's leadership. Tune in to gain valuable insights from Christina Ross, a visionary in the tech industry, as she shares her experiences and strategies that have propelled Cube to the forefront of modern finance solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Christina Ross, a serial CFO turned Founder/CEO, on our engaging podcast! Automatically invoice and simply get paid. Let the AI do the work. With AI reviewing contractual payments instantly and always. Bill pay is accessible through the platform as we track everything for you. JustPaid.io provides a centralized experience to automate and manage vendor relationships to ensure no matter the stage of your organization, you are always in control. Learn more at JustPaid.io

Michael Guerin was the CEO and Founder of ClearPort, a cross-border trade credit startup for mid-market firms from 2017 to 2020. He has a background in banking partnerships and has also worked at companies like Kabbage, Citibank, and the International Trade Administration (ITA), US Department of Commerce. Michael Guerin's experience spans across various sectors, showcasing his expertise in trade credit and financial services[1][2][3][4]. Citations: [1] https://theorg.com/org/aazzur/org-cha... [2] https://theorg.com/org/sprinque/org-c... [3] https://wellfound.com/company/clearport [4] https://wellfound.com/company/clearpo... [5]   / michaelbguerin   Automatically invoice and simply get paid. Let the AI do the work. With AI reviewing contractual payments instantly and always. Bill pay is accessible through the platform as we track everything for you. JustPaid.io provides a centralized experience to automate and manage vendor relationships to ensure no matter the stage of your organization, you are always in control. Learn more at JustPaid.io

Sunil Kumar is an experienced professional who serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Karbon Cards, a Y Combinator-backed company that provides corporate credit cards, vendor payment solutions, and foreign exchange outward remittance services to Indian businesses[2][4]. Before joining Karbon Cards, Sunil gained expertise through his work at various organizations such as Ninjacart, where he contributed to strategic expansions involving commerce and fintech[1]. His background includes a strong focus on technology and finance, having spent over 10 years in both fields while living in the United States prior to returning to India[4]. Additionally, Sunil has demonstrated leadership skills within the engineering sector, serving as treasurer for Engineers Without Borders, Cincinnati[1]. With a passion for innovation and disruption in the financial landscape, Sunil plays a pivotal role in driving Karbon Cards forward as part of the team that aims to revolutionize business payments in India[3]. Citations: [1] https://in.linkedin.com/in/sunilkumar14 [2] https://theorg.com/org/karbon-card/or... [4] https://www.ycombinator.com/companies... [5] https://yourstory.com/people/sunil-ku... Transcript

Max Cho is the founder and CEO of Coverage Cat, a company focused on providing the best insurance deals to individuals[2][5]. He has a background in quant hedge funds, having worked at Two Sigma, and has also held product management positions at Google, Microsoft, and Yale University[4][5]. Cho has a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science from Yale University[5]. He is also an alumnus of Y Combinator's S22 batch[5]. Citations: [1]   / maxrcho   [2] https://www.coveragecat.com/team/max-cho [3]    • Max Cho Co-Founder and CEO at Coverag...   [4] https://www.f6s.com/max-cho [5] https://theorg.com/org/coverage-cat/o.

Meet Sai Arora, founder of Mercoa, a startup in the Y Combinator Winter 2023 batch. It is an embedded B2B payments platform that lets any B2B fintech add BillPay and Accounts Payable to their product. Mercoa offers an Accounts Payable API for B2B fintechs to offer their customers one place to manage and pay all of their invoices. Companies use Mercoa to offer their users one place to manage and pay invoices. Mercoa provides a drop-in iframe or API to offer users a seamless experience. ----- A JustPaid.io podcast with hosts Agam Shah and Daniel Kivatinos Dive deep into the intersection of finance and technology with "The Future of Finance." We explore the groundbreaking advancements in the financial sector with topics like FinTech artificial intelligence. From chatbots guiding our banking experiences to algorithms predicting market trends, technology is reshaping the way we think about money, investments, and financial services. Join us as we interview industry leaders, startup innovators, and tech experts to demystify the world of FinTech and shed light on the revolution that's changing the financial landscape. Whether you're a finance professional, tech enthusiast, or just curious about the future of money, this podcast will keep you informed and inspired. Subscribe now and step into the future of finance!