Sergio Prada

Respect the hustle of Sergio Prada – this guy is the real deal. He’s a YC W23 founder, but his story is way deeper than just that label. He’s someone who jumped into tech from a totally different world, originally from Colombia, studying chemical engineering – like, what? Yeah, he started out in science but then flipped the script and went all-in on software and startups. That switch shows he’s not afraid to reinvent himself, always chasing what’s next.

Sergio’s got over 10 years in the game – he’s been at giants like Facebook (Meta), Datadog, Kustomer, Shutterstock – basically the who’s who of big tech. But what’s wild is how he took all that experience and used it to build his own thing. Now he’s CTO and co-founder of Metal, a YC Winter 2023 company that’s all about using AI to shake up how investment funds operate. Like, he saw a problem in finance and knew tech could fix it – that’s the kinda guy he is: sees the gap, jumps in, and makes shit happen.

What’s more, he’s got this knack for blending an ideal situation – startup hustle and big tech scale. He’s worked in SF and NYC, so he’s seen the different vibes and knows how to adapt. He’s all about in-person collabs when you’re just starting out – keeps it real, keeps it tight – but he also understands that as companies grow, remote work becomes key. That flexibility? Comes from his own experience navigating those environments.

And honestly, his process says a lot about what drives him: a relentless curiosity, a desire to solve meaningful problems, and a willingness to learn from everything he’s touched. Whether it’s founding startups, consulting, or working at massive platforms, he’s always soaking up lessons to lead better and build smarter. His background in building web platforms for advertising and marketing shows he’s got a knack for making tech accessible and effective.

So, why is Sergio Prada important? Because he’s not just another tech guy – he’s someone who’s been around the block, learned from giants, and now is pushing the envelope with AI in finance. He’s a perfect example of how diverse experiences, a hunger to innovate, and a bit of guts can turn you into someone who’s shaping the future. No cap, this guy’s a mover and shaker, and he’s just getting started.