Coffee with a Founder Podcast: Steph Johnson, Multiplayer

Read More About The Episode:

0:00 – Challenges With AI and Bug Hunting
Steph introduces Multiplayer, an AI-native platform helping engineering teams identify and resolve increasingly complex software bugs. She explains why traditional monitoring tools such as Datadog, New Relic, and Sentry weren’t designed for the volume and complexity created by modern AI coding agents—and how Multiplayer’s from-scratch approach gives teams greater visibility into their systems. She also shares how the company secured early adoption from notable enterprise clients.

3:30 – Partnering to Solve Communication Issues
Steph reflects on her 20-year communications career, including roles at DigitalOcean and MongoDB, and explains how working alongside engineers exposed a persistent problem: teams often lacked a clear, shared understanding of the systems they were building. That observation inspired Multiplayer and led her to partner with her husband, a CTO with deep technology and AI expertise. Steph also discusses how their 25-year relationship helps them navigate the pressures of building a venture-backed company together.

7:47 – Realizing Communication Mistakes
The conversation explores Steph’s transition from communications leader to startup CEO and the habits she had to unlearn along the way. After years of protecting consistent brands and carefully managing messaging, she realized startup growth requires experimentation, A/B testing, and a willingness to change direction quickly. Steph also discusses the value of channel partners, resellers, and distribution networks in helping Multiplayer secure enterprise customers.

10:00 – Building a Global Tech Team
Steph explains how Multiplayer assembled an experienced, globally distributed team by drawing from her co-founder’s professional network and international talent pools. She highlights Armenia as an underappreciated technology hub and discusses the advantages of building remotely from the beginning. The conversation also examines why developer-tool companies often need both grassroots adoption among engineers and a strong enterprise sales strategy.

14:33 – Heart Rate During Workouts
The discussion shifts to personal growth as Steph reflects on how her approach to health and exercise has evolved. She shares why she moved away from excessive cardio and began embracing strength training, plyometrics, and a more balanced fitness routine. Her willingness to reconsider long-held habits mirrors the adaptability she brings to leadership and company building.

16:41 – Choosing the Right Investors
Steph shares advice for experienced professionals entering entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of choosing investors and partners who complement the founder’s existing strengths. She discusses Multiplayer’s relationship with Bowery Capital, knowing what kind of support to seek from a venture partner, and selecting people who can fill meaningful gaps beyond providing capital. The conversation also touches on the role Steph’s family plays in supporting the company’s journey.

20:51 – Networking With Other Founders
The episode concludes with Steph and Beck discussing the importance of founder relationships, industry events, and building a supportive entrepreneurial network. They celebrate Multiplayer’s AI debugger, revisit an amusing media mix-up caused by the company’s gaming-inspired name, and explore future opportunities for Steph and her co-founder to connect with other venture-backed leaders.