Startup Spotlight #1: Paragon

The LA-based startup's core products are a visual workflow and API builder.

May 04, 2020

Welcome to Startup Spotlight #1! Every Monday, I will be covering a new tech company that’s on my radar! You’ll learn the key things about them, as well as any advice the founders have to share with you!

I got the chance to speak with Ishmael Samuel, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Paragon, about what he’s working on at his startup, and any advice he has for emerging entrepreneurs.

Startup Spotlight #1: Paragon

Paragon cofounders Brandon Foo (left) and Ishmael Samuel (right).

Problem: Today, every company is a software company or needs to be to some degree, yet not every company or entrepreneur has the technical expertise to build software or access to top software development talent. Building software is also incredibly complex and time-intensive, even for the best developers.

Market: Every company that needs to integrate with a 3rd party API, build an API, or automate processes. The rapid app development market is growing 43% year-over-year and is expected to be $46B by 2023.

Solution: Paragon is a visual workflow and API builder. It allows technical and non-technical users to create infinitely scalable production applications without having to write code, manage infrastructure, or develop integrations.

Team: Paragon was founded by Ishmael Samuel and Brandon Foo. They previously founded CTRL LA together, a software development agency, and built products for Uber, Universal Studios, and countless other startups and enterprises.

Recent Success:

Samuel: I’ve been really successful in building a strong network of people that have helped me solve most of the problems I’ve come across. I’m usually one social media post, text message, or intro away from just about everything I need.

Recent Struggle:

Samuel: I’ve previously struggled with team building, e.g. picking the right players, aligning incentives, and building a healthy culture. Fortunately, my co-founder has helped tremendously with this, and I’ve got a lot of confidence that we’ll be able to scale the culture we’ve built at Paragon.

Founder Advice:

Samuel: Iterate and ship as quickly as possible, and iterate on the processes you have in place as much as you iterate on your product. There are a billion excuses as to why you can’t launch x feature or product, but from my experience having worked on 100+ products and with dozens of companies, 99% of them are not good reasons.

Three Cool Founders You Should Know About:

Samuel: Here are three founders you should check out next!

Stephanie Be, Founder of BUENA AI: BUENA AI is a technology company for people and businesses passionate about lifestyle.

Shiree Francis, Founder of SAF Coaching: S.A.F's mission is to empower thousands of young professionals to become fully location Independent by offering freelance services to SME's.
Chino Lex, Founder of Keyring: 'Cable bundle' for young people.

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