Richard Freling

Deadass, here’s what you need to know about Richard Freling. This guy’s the real deal in the startup world. He’s a YC S20 alum, so he’s jumped into the deep end early and crushed it. His process’s all about building stuff that actually makes a difference, not just chasing shiny tech trends.

Richard’s been around the block with some solid names. He’s worked with companies like Command AI, AngelList, codePost, Basis (that’s Basecoin), and even had a stint at Accel. But what really puts him on the map is his role as a co-founder of Command AI, which used to be called CommandBar. He launched this thing in 2020 or 2021 with James Evans and Vinay Ayyala, and it’s all about making web apps smarter. Think in-app search, AI chatbots, co-browsing tools – basically, tech that helps users be productive faster. Clients like HashiCorp, Gusto, LaunchDarkly? Oh yeah, they’re on that list.

And get this – they raised nearly $24 million from big-name investors like Insight Partners and Thrive Capital. That’s no joke. The company was so impressive that Amplitude swooped in and bought it in October 2024. That’s a huge win. It shows Richard isn’t just playing around; he’s building something that’s truly useful and getting recognized for it.

But wait, he’s more than just into AI. He co-founded codePost in 2019 to shake up how students and teachers connect. The guy’s got his hands in a bunch of original projects.

Now, beyond all that, Richard is super connected. He’s advising Command AI as of 2024, and by 2025, he’s the Head of Business Operations at Chapter. That’s a pretty high-level gig, meaning he’s not just about tech, he’s about scaling, strategy, and making sure these startups grow and thrive.

He’s got a solid background too, a B.S.E. in Computer Science from Princeton, which is no joke. That’s where he got his technical chops. But what’s super interesting is how he’s always been about starting stuff, jumping into the deep end, and making shit happen. You can tell he’s motivated by more than just making money, he’s about building tools that change the game, and he’s not afraid to jump into new arenas.

He’s originally from Texas but now based in SF, the hub of startup hustle. That move shows he’s serious about being where the action is, about the grind.

So, in a nutshell, Richard Freling is the guy who’s been at the forefront of AI-driven user tools, got his hands dirty in education tech, and keeps climbing the ladder while helping startups scale and succeed. He’s the kind of founder who’s been through the fire, come out the other side with wins, and keeps pushing forward. No Cap, this guy’s someone to watch in the tech scene, he’s building the future, one killer product at a time.