An Idea and A Co-Founder

So I have an opportunity in front of me. The idea in simple terms is to build software for insurance agents. First, by automating workflows that save time and money. Then becoming the AI-first system of record. If a startup is defined by something that is highly impactful, has a high level of innovation, and has a high level of uncertainty, well... I think this idea checks those boxes.

I've seen firsthand how vital insurance can be when disaster strikes. Within the same year, I lost my dad to cancer, and my mom lost her ability to walk when she was hit by a mountain biker. Without insurance, an incredibly awful situation would have been made much worse. I have felt the impact of having insurance. That's the personal impact.

The thought is to use AI to automate workflows and build a 10x better product for insurance agents. Innovation means new ideas, methods, or solutions. So, creating a new way for insurance agents to save time and earn more money, by definition, is innovative.

The advantage I have is my experience building vertical software for hvac. The disadvantage I have is no experience in the industry. This opportunity obviously has both risk and uncertainty.

Now to Chandler. If what you work on is one of the most important choices you make in life, then who you work with is not far behind. Insert Chandler. Someone I met on the YC co-founder matching platform.

Chandler is well-spoken and eager for financial success. He also has a strong bias toward action. He has valuable experience in venture capital and launching his own projects.

Some hesitations I have with Chandler are trust, compatibility, and personal chemistry. I'm married with kids; he's single. I eat at Aubergine; he eats at McDonald's. We live different lives. As I've spent several hours getting to know him, my gut tells me something isn't right.

The hard part for me isn't finding something I can be passionate about. It's about finding the right person to do it with.

Two things feel slightly forced: the problem space and the person.

What I plan to do next is to do a bit more pointed Q&A around moral values before deciding if I should pilot a trial work period or stop having conversation and move on.