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Introduction
In this episode of From Startup to Wunderbrand, we sit down with Jose Moreno, founder and CEO of NeuLight. With a background in tech leadership at Microsoft and Netflix, Jose is now tackling the intersection of technology and education. His startup, NeuLight, is on a mission to streamline student support systems with AI-driven solutions.
We explore Jose’s journey from working on large-scale platforms to launching his own venture, the challenges of building a startup, and how AI is transforming the way educators support students.
AI in Education
Jose Moreno’s experience in big tech has shaped his approach to building NeuLight. As a former technical lead for Netflix’s account-sharing crackdown, he brings a deep understanding of scalable and reliable systems. Now, he’s using that expertise to address a critical issue in education: ensuring that student support is proactive, data-driven, and efficient.
NeuLight’s flagship product, IntelliTier, helps educators implement the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. By integrating AI and automation, IntelliTier streamlines intervention strategies, allowing teachers and administrators to make informed decisions without additional administrative burden.
Beyond the technology, Jose shares insights into the emotional rollercoaster of running a startup, from funding concerns to the persistent self-doubt founders face. His solution? Irrational optimism and a relentless commitment to moving the business forward, one step at a time.
The Journey from Tech Giant to Startup Founder
Jose’s career began at Microsoft, where he worked on large-scale systems managing over 500 million customers. In 2015, he joined Netflix, helping expand the platform globally. His last major project was leading the technical efforts behind Netflix’s controversial password-sharing crackdown, a role that required balancing corporate goals with customer interests.
After nearly a decade at Netflix, Jose felt it was time to build something of his own. Enter NeuLight—a platform designed to support educators with AI-driven insights that simplify intervention strategies for students who need help.
What is NeuLight and How Does it Work?
NeuLight’s IntelliTier is an AI-powered platform that helps educators implement the MTSS framework—a system designed to provide academic and behavioral support to students. The problem with MTSS is that, while theoretically effective, its execution is complex and often disorganized. Schools rely on scattered notes, manual record-keeping, and delayed decision-making.
IntelliTier changes that by centralizing student data, allowing educators to collaborate asynchronously, and offering AI-driven recommendations for interventions. The AI doesn’t just analyze data—it understands the context, making tailored recommendations based on student history and broader educational insights.
The AI Behind NeuLight
Unlike open-source AI models like ChatGPT, NeuLight’s AI operates on a closed system to ensure data privacy. Given the sensitivity of student information, NeuLight hosts its own large language models (LLMs) and vector databases within Microsoft Azure. This ensures compliance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations, keeping student records secure.
Jose envisions a future where AI-driven education platforms not only help individual students but also refine intervention strategies based on large-scale data. Over time, NeuLight aims to identify the most effective support strategies across different student demographics.
Overcoming Challenges as a Startup Founder
Transitioning from corporate tech to startup life hasn’t been without its challenges. Jose highlights the biggest shift: wearing multiple hats. One moment he’s coding, the next he’s handling contracts, marketing, or pitching to investors.
But the biggest challenge? The mental game. Even with positive signs of growth, doubts creep in. Jose has learned to focus on incremental progress—moving the company forward every day, even if it’s just sending an email. His advice to fellow founders: persistence and irrational optimism are key.
The Future of NeuLight
Currently, NeuLight is piloting IntelliTier across multiple school districts in different states. The next step? Scaling up. Jose is focused on refining the product, proving its value to educators, and expanding to more schools. Long-term, he envisions NeuLight not just as an educational tool but as a model for AI-driven decision-making in other sectors.
What’s Next?
For educators, administrators, and school districts interested in exploring NeuLight, visit neulight.io to learn more, schedule a demo, or sign up for their pilot program.
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