Starting a business is never easy, and diving into the world of EdTech—a sector often overlooked by Silicon Valley—requires even more grit, persistence, and vision. Jose Moreno, the CEO and co-founder of Neulight.io, knows this firsthand. After successful stints at Microsoft and Netflix, where he tackled massive-scale projects like globalizing Netflix and combating account sharing, Jose took the leap into entrepreneurship. His mission? To revolutionize student support through AI-powered solutions.
In this post, we highlight some of the invaluable lessons and insights Jose shared about his journey of launching Neulight.io, from building the right team to managing self-doubt. Whether you’re starting your own business or curious about life in the startup ecosystem, Jose’s story offers plenty to learn from.
1. Build a Team That Complements Your Strengths
Jose is the first to admit he doesn’t excel at everything—and that’s okay. One of his top priorities in founding Neulight was recruiting team members whose skills complemented his. For example, as a backend engineer by trade, Jose brought on a UI designer to ensure the platform’s usability. His co-founder, with a PhD in machine learning, was another essential addition to tackle AI-related challenges.
Jose’s advice? “Find people who fill in the gaps in your skills. A team that brings diverse strengths is crucial for tackling the complexities of building a startup.”
2. Overcome Imposter Syndrome by Taking Action
Even with years of experience at some of the world’s most recognized companies, Jose struggled with imposter syndrome. Early in his career, self-doubt often held him back from sharing his ideas. But over time, he learned that the key to overcoming this feeling is to speak up and take action.
“You belong. Speak out, share your ideas, and take the shot. Failure is a part of learning, and it’s better to try than to hold yourself back,” Jose says. His persistence has been vital in navigating the ups and downs of launching Neulight, especially when pursuing early customers and partners.
3. Use Failure as a Tool for Growth
Jose’s startup journey hasn’t been without its challenges. From technical glitches during product demos to figuring out how to onboard schools effectively, setbacks have been a regular part of the process. However, he views these moments as opportunities to learn and improve.
“Failure should be looked at as a learning experience,” he emphasizes. “It’s not about avoiding failure but about getting back up, understanding what went wrong, and doing better next time.”
4. Persistence is Key
When launching a startup, persistence can often mean the difference between success and failure. Jose shared how following up with potential customers—even after being ghosted—eventually led to breakthroughs. “It might feel like you’re being annoying, but persistence pays off. It’s about staying disciplined and keeping your eyes on the goal,” he explains.
5. Leverage Your Network
Jose credits much of Neulight’s progress to the strength of his network, from his alumni connections at Harvey Mudd College to former colleagues at Netflix. These relationships have provided advice, mentorship, and even partnerships to help Neulight grow.
“Never underestimate the power of a strong network. Reach out, share your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” he advises.
6. Stay Grounded
Launching a startup can feel like a rollercoaster ride, and Jose leans on the support of his close friends and family to stay balanced. He emphasizes the importance of having people around you who can keep you grounded and offer honest feedback.
“My significant other, Carol, is my biggest supporter. She pushes me forward when I hold myself back and helps me maintain perspective,” he shares.
7. Aim to Make an Impact
At its core, Neulight’s mission is to create AI-powered tools like IntelliTier to provide personalized support for students and make educators’ jobs easier. Jose believes startups have a responsibility to solve meaningful problems.
“It’s not just about building a company; it’s about creating something that makes a positive impact,” he says. “When you focus on the ‘why,’ it gives you the motivation to push through the tough times.”
Jose’s journey from Netflix to founding Neulight.io offers a compelling look at the challenges and rewards of building something from the ground up. His lessons—about persistence, overcoming self-doubt, and surrounding yourself with the right people—apply not just to entrepreneurs but to anyone navigating growth and change.
Neulight is still in its early stages, but with Jose’s vision and determination, the future looks bright. If you’re an educator or curious about how AI can transform student support, check out Neulight.io and book a demo.
What’s your biggest takeaway from Jose’s story? Share your thoughts in the comments!
To Connect with Joes and Neulight
Website: Neulight.io
Neulight Email: info@neulight.io
Neulight on YouTube: Neulight_Tech
LinkedIn (Neulight): linkedin.com/company/neulight
LinkedIn (Jose): linkedin.com/in/joseneulight
Instagram: @neulight.io
Facebook: Neulight
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