YC Co-Founder Application

Jordan Bench

Lehi, UT, USA
30
Last seen today

I'm technical, passively looking, and have some ideas, but I'm also open to exploring other ideas.

I'm willing to do Product and Engineering.

About Me

Intro

Hi, I’m Jordan — a technical founder with a builder’s mindset, a bias for action, and deep roots in family and faith. I’m a Senior Software Engineer at Podium. I spend early mornings, nights, and weekends launching small ventures. I launched a business selling potty training products on Amazon. Now, I operate Siftbooks, a startup that filters audiobooks using AI. My approach stays the same: find real problems, ship fast, and iterate.

I gravitate toward capital-efficient, high-leverage SaaS—especially where AI adds real value. I like working with action-oriented and values-driven people. I want to team up with those who are excited to achieve results, even if they’re not perfect. My ideal cofounder has strong skills in go-to-market, marketing, or growth. They think like a strategist and operate like a scrappy builder. I'm from Utah. I'm married and have two kids. My faith drives me. I want to show that regular people can create amazing things.

Life Story

Seeing my dad fight cancer and my mom lose her ability to walk changed my view on time, purpose, and success. I’m driven by progression, grounded by family, and motivated to build things that help others. I value grit, humility, and meaningful impact.

Free Time

Workout in my basement gym.
Cooking and trying new healthy food.
Traveling with my wife and kids.

Other

I prefer bootstrapped and sustainable businesses. But I’m open to raising funds if the mission and model need it. I move quickly and hold myself accountable. I like working with people who are honest, take action, and share a common goal. I don't take myself too seriously. But, I do take my work seriously. I want to create something meaningful with someone who shares that passion.

My Background

Impressive accomplishment

I grew Siftbooks, a real-time audiobook filtering platform, from a side idea to 200 paying users. Before that, I created and grew Toilet Targets. This product started as a family joke. It became a successful Amazon business that helped thousands of parents potty train their kids. I’ve led engineering and architecture at Podium for many products.

Education

Brigham Young University
Bachelor’s Degree, Management Information Systems
Graduated 2020

Employment

Podium – Senior Software Engineer, Oct 2024 – Present
Podium – Software Engineer, Aug 2019 – Oct 2024
Siftbooks – Co-Founder, Mar 2022 – Present
Corner Canyon Products – Founder, Mar 2020 – Present

Potential ideas

Two ideas I've been thinking about lately are:

a service that tells small businesses if AI tools like ChatGPT are recommending them and what to do if they’re not.
helping busy podcasters turn their episodes into polished, SEO/AEO‑opti

What I'm looking for in a co-founder

I want a co-founder who is in my country (United States).

Ideally, my co-founder is not set on a specific idea, passively looking, and aligned with my interests.

Ideal co-founder

I'm looking for a co-founder who brings marketing, growth, or go-to-market skills and thrives in fast-moving, early-stage environments. Someone who shares a bias for action, values honesty and feedback, and is energized by solving real problems for real people. Ideally, they think strategically, execute like an operator, and care about building something meaningful.

Equity expectations

Equal split.

My interests

Artificial Intelligence
B2B / Enterprise
E-Commerce
Developer Tools
Health / Wellness