Vetted Founders in the NYC Metro

Alexandra Esparza

Screened ReferencesStrong rec.

Executive Investment Banking & Capital Markets Leader specializing in TMT and Digital Health

Brooklyn, NY15y exp

“Private-capital-focused investment banker (former sports/health-tech banker) building a two-sided wellness coaching marketplace plus SaaS platform to help coaches run their businesses and consumers discover/vet/book non-regulated wellness modalities. Has an MVP, landing page, and waitlist, and is running a data-driven traction plan (ads, surveys, alpha testing, Discord/Reddit) before pursuing fundraising channels.”

“Operator with a rare mix of startup creative leadership and big-company strategic execution. Built the design/creative function at Series A hospitality startup Life House Hotels, then at Amazon led cross-functional partnership, marketing, and collectibles initiatives—including a first-of-its-kind sports/outdoor event that drove 10% sales growth without discounts.”

“Former investment banker who built an AI hiring tech platform to automate early-stage undergraduate screening for investment banks, validated via discovery calls with heads of HR and tailored workflows to bank-specific recruiting needs. Strong 0-to-1 operator with a disciplined approach to problem selection, moat analysis, and lean go-to-market execution.”

Rom Manzano

Screened

Executive technical founder and full-stack engineer specializing in AI, SaaS, and FinTech

New York, NY15y exp

“Engineer coming out of a venture studio as it winds down, now seeking another zero-to-one environment with strong studio support and go-to-market playbooks. They show a thoughtful founder mindset centered on rapid shipping, design-partner validation, lean execution, and testing whether users will actually pay for a workflow-specific solution.”

“International development and consulting professional with experience spanning Deloitte, McKinsey, the World Bank, IFC, IDB, and the International Rescue Committee. She has led multi-million-dollar global programs, authored proposals and published research, operated in emergency relief settings across East Africa, and even launched her own startup—bringing a rare mix of strategy, finance oversight, field execution, and high-level stakeholder management.”

“Partnerships/integrations leader with experience running multiple simultaneous ISV launches and executive-level cross-functional cadences. Created a CEO-backed, data-driven partner/integration prioritization scorecard that helped increase partnership revenue 13.5x, and has operated in high-confidentiality environments supporting major global product launches (Samsung).”

“Full-stack, design-minded developer who builds interactive, motion-forward experiences and translates complex creative coding (Three.js/p5.js/GLSL) into accessible UI for non-technical clients. Delivered an end-to-end manufacturing quality control image system for ChargePoint (React dashboard + AWS) and has hands-on field research experience from Hyundai EV user interviews; currently leading development of a virtual gallery for Creative Coding NYC.”

Damanick Dantes

Screened

Director-level investment strategist specializing in multi-asset and global macro portfolios

New York, NY12y exp

“Investor-operator with 10 years spanning asset management, financial media, product strategy, and advisory work. Unusually combines portfolio management and institutional client skills with content/revenue growth experience, plus hands-on governance leadership that helped a financially stressed organization restructure, pass bylaw changes, complete an audit, and return to profitability. At Bloomberg, also drove an AI-aligned product pivot that helped retain clients and generate about $6M in revenue.”

Mo Hallaba

Screened

Executive Founder & Corporate Strategy leader specializing in AI data analytics and gaming

New York, United States18y exp

“Startup CEO/founder (9 years) who built an AI data assistant and ran cross-functional GTM + engineering prioritization using OKRs and KPI-driven sales experimentation. Previously worked in finance on M&A due diligence for multi-billion-dollar transactions, including hands-on NDA/confidentiality work; seeks roles at $250k+ depending on equity and fit.”

“GE leader with 10 years of experience spanning software development, internal audit/consulting, and Chief of Staff leadership in GE Digital. Stood out by operating as the cross-functional execution engine for a $100M software business, driving measurable outcomes including $2.5M in AWS savings, 20% defect reduction, and $4M in audit adjustments. Combines executive-level strategy, analytical rigor, and hands-on change management across engineering, finance, legal, and security.”

“Cross-functional operator with experience at Amazon and Airbus, known for building executive-facing systems (dashboards, AI-enabled project management, operating cadences) that improve communication and efficiency. Has handled high-pressure, multi-timezone priorities and customer-facing technical escalations using structured documentation and frequent stakeholder updates, while maintaining discretion in sensitive situations.”

Mark Krawczuk

Screened

Senior Program & Project Leader specializing in digital transformation and cross-functional delivery

New York, NY30y exp

“Cross-functional operator with experience at Rippling and Twitter, known for building lightweight but rigorous communication and reporting systems (shared notes, weekly updates, exec decks, issue-tracker velocity) to keep teams and executives aligned. Emphasizes psychological safety and early conflict resolution, and has supported senior leaders managing high-volume creative/media output through concise, proactive executive briefings.”