Brothers Chaz and Arnie Englander started Model ML after building and selling two YC companies. What began as a tool to help them analyze deals has grown into a full AI-powered workspace aiming to replace the Microsoft Office Suite in financial services. And it’s already being used by 10% of the world’s top investment banks and private equity firms.
In this conversation with YC Partner Gustaf Alstromer, they discuss going from internal tool to production platform, the power of perseverance, and their ambition to build a billion-dollar company with just ten people.
Apply to Y Combinator: https://www.ycombinator.com/apply/
Work at a startup: https://www.ycombinator.com/jobs
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
01:06 – What Is Model ML?
02:10 – Early Success
02:44 – What Companies Did Before Model ML
03:24 – Model ML Origin Story
04:53 – Their Customers
05:15 – Automating Analyst Work
06:51- AI Model Evolution
08:12 – Vision Model Breakthroughs
10:49 – Sales Process
12:44 – Lessons From Past Startups
13:24 – Hiring Advice
16:52 – The Power of Perseverance
17:02 – Fat Llama Origins
17:46 – Fancy Origins
25:04 – Customer Obsession
26:38 – Staying Customer-Centric
33:46 – Advice to Builders
39:38 – Why Do YC Multiple Times
41:22 – AI in SF
42:19 – Where to Build? Europe vs. SF
