NYC Startup Community

I am an entrepreneur with a diverse background and process driven approach to solving technology and business challenges. I have a degree in Computer Science, worked in enterprise IT, venture capital, corporate innovation and many startups. Today, I am the co-founder of Tanooki Labs, a software design and development firm that focuses on helping founders bring their products and services to market and supporting growth.

Doug Lessing, as a speaker and longtime partner of multiple tech companies over the past 30 years, has made it his life’s work to evangelize the importance of using business as force for good in a fractured world. As the Founder of his latest venture, Phin®, a philanthropic tech platform and certified BCorp, he is an advocate for companies being great by doing good. Phin® models the BCorp ethos of using business as a force for good while helping companies build great teams and company culture by incorporating positive values and social good into their daily actions.Doug was born and raised along the Great South Bay of Long Island, NY and now resides in Blue Point, known for its oysters and beer. Married to his wife Grace, with 3 Gen-Z daughters, Alexie, Jillian and Lindsay, Doug has been surrounded, outnumbered and influenced by strong women. This positive influence has encouraged him on his quest to be an exponential force for good and compassion, creating a more equitable, healthy and peaceful world for future generations.

Experienced founder with background in enterprise GTM (first deals with Mutual of Omaha and Metlife), product and fundraising. MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with a background in finance and entrepreneurship. Multilingual and a global traveler. Passionate about data-driven decision-making, team leadership, and driving innovation in emerging markets. Open to connecting with professionals who share a vision for impactful product development and strategic growth.

I have a diverse and rich background in technology, product management, media, and entrepreneurship. I have co-founded and launched two media-tech companies, News Cards and Nearby News, that leveraged data and analytics. Carnegie Mellon grad

Senior engineering leader and scaling expert who has built & headed technology for Fin-tech and Consumer tech startups handling billions of transactions. Scaled the engineering teams in multiple startups, helped raise capital and generate multi-million ARR.