Startup Cafe: The Founder’s Evolution
The Founder’s Evolution — with Ryan Disraeli
Join Ryan Disraeli, former co-founder and CEO of TeleSign, which helped make two-factor authentication mainstream for consumers and served some of the world’s biggest websites. He’ll share the arc from scrappy, obsessive go-to-market (letters, cold outreach, in-person hustle) to scaling leadership, culture, and hiring—plus how motivations and work-life balance evolve after a $230M exit and stepping into the CEO role. We’ll dig into when to take capital (and how it changes your day-to-day), selling to larger companies, and building remote vs. in-person teams.
Expect candid lessons on:
Focusing on what truly moves the needle (and ignoring the rest)
Validating ideas through fast customer conversations and prototypes
Embracing luck by recognizing and riding opportunities
Learning new skills on the fly and “getting it done” grit
Differences the second time around—advantages, trade-offs, and vulnerability about what’s actually hard
Ryan was named the USC Alumni Entrepreneur of the year in 2018 and also on the Forbes 30 under 30. He is now CEO of new cybersecurity startup named Ispectiv, bringing fresh, practical insights to founders navigating their own evolution. Q&A to follow.
Agenda
8:45 - 9:30 am • Coffee and Socialize
9:30- 10:30 am • Talk and Presentation
November 12th, 2025
About: Ryan Disraeli
Ryan Disraeli is the CEO of Inspectiv, a fast-growing cybersecurity startup focused on application security. Before joining Inspectiv, Ryan co-founded and served as CEO of TeleSign, where he grew the organization to over $300 million in revenue and 400+ employees. At TeleSign, Ryan was a key figure in the development of consumer two-factor authentication, a service that now secures billions of online accounts worldwide.
Ryan is a recognized authority in online fraud and security, frequently speaking at industry events and providing expert commentary. His achievements include being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017 and receiving the USC Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018. Beyond his executive roles, Ryan is an investor and advisor to numerous startups and an active member of the YPO Bel Air chapter.
About: Jordan Michaels
Jordan Michaels is a Los Angeles–based healthcare founder and repeat startup operator with two successful exits. He founded and led Ringadoc, a pioneering telehealth company that raised venture capital from top-tier Silicon Valley investors, scaled to serve thousands of physicians nationwide, and was later acquired by a leading electronic health record company.
Following Ringadoc, Jordan joined GoodRx as an early employee and operations leader, where he helped scale the business to over $800 million in revenue and more than 1,000 employees as Vice President of Operations, culminating in a successful IPO in September 2020.
A recognized authority in startups, digital health, and telemedicine, Jordan now focuses on building, advising, and investing companies at the intersection of AI and healthcare, helping organizations streamline communication, workflow, and go-to-market operations. An LA native and former stand-up comedian and live show producer, he brings creativity and humanity to every venture he builds.
ABOUT The KINN
The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. Running tailored inner development and business accelerator programs for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top-tier LA-based community of entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. If you're interested in learning more about KINN Membership, please visit http://thekinn.co/apply
About Startup Coil
Networking for innovators to connect with like-minded individuals, startups, and entrepreneurs. startupcoil.com
About Nerds of LA
Join Nerds of LA—where LA’s most innovative minds collide! We’re building the ultimate network by connecting with other powerhouse groups in the area, expanding our reach across the city. If you’re ready to link up with founders, VCs, AI visionaries, and innovators shaping the future, this is the group you’ve been looking for.
Pick your platform and join the conversation with LA’s tech community. 🤝 🦾
Highlights from previous special guests
Building Businesses from the Heart with Lavinia Errico, Co-Founder of Equinox
How to Scale Consciously with Ryan Blair
Founder Mental Health Pledge with Brad Baum
Art Show with Denise Di Novi
Operating Incubators with Reuben Vollmer
Malibu Love Affair with Brigitte Londo
Live Through Love with Ruben Rojas
Finding Stillness with Henry Mitchell
Smarter with Science! with Science Stanley and Zen Zachary
The Science of Charisma: The 7 Secrets of Public Speaking with Richard Greene
Unveiling the Human Experience with Paul Vincent
Note: By attending this event, I hereby give my permission to the Horizon House LLC, their Releases, and to the photographer, my free and unlimited consent and permission to publish/broadcast, republish/rebroadcast or exhibit in the furtherance of their work, with or without identification of me by name, any photographs, videos or audios of myself, that have been obtained from my participation in KINN or Horizon Studio activities. I furthermore waive any and all claims for any compensation by reason thereof or for damages for reasons thereof.
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