In this episode of Coffee with a Founder, Beck Bamberger is joined by Michael Vega-Sanz, Co-Founder and President of Gail, an AI-powered platform helping insurance, banking, and lending companies modernize the way they operate. While Michael’s entrepreneurial journey may appear diverse on paper, it has always been driven by one mission: solving complex financial services challenges through innovative technology.
Together, they explore why configurable, plug-and-play platforms are replacing patchwork legacy systems, how rapid prototyping can dramatically accelerate product development, and what it’s like building a company alongside family. Michael also shares candid insights into the venture fundraising process—from navigating repeated investor rejections to finding the right partners—and explains why an unwavering focus on customers ultimately became Gail’s greatest competitive advantage.
Whether you’re a founder, an operator, or simply curious about how AI is transforming legacy industries, this conversation offers practical lessons on product development, fundraising, resilience, and building technology that solves real-world problems.