In this episode of Founders, Future, host Laura Skinner sits down with Rye Finegan, co-founder of Paired, a community-driven platform for senior startup and tech leaders. Rye takes us through the evolution of Paired, starting with the initial concept in 2019 during his involvement with Denver Startup Week. The idea began as a referral-based platform for hiring tech leaders but faced a major setback with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As businesses faced hiring challenges and remote work surged, Rye and his team pivoted, focusing on community-building to address the isolation many professionals felt.

Rye shares how Paired transitioned from a talent marketplace to a vibrant, curated community, offering in-person events and fostering connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and operators in Colorado's growing tech scene. Through this transformation, Paired ultimately attracted attention from Denver Ventures, leading to its acquisition in 2025. Now, Paired continues to thrive under Denver Ventures, offering exclusive networking opportunities to startup leaders while also providing service providers with a platform to engage with the community.

Throughout the episode, Rye reflects on the tough lessons learned during the pandemic and how he discovered that success comes from meeting a real, urgent need in the market. He also shares invaluable advice on how to build a business that resonates deeply with its audience and how adapting to the feedback of your community is essential for long-term success. Rye's journey highlights the importance of flexibility, listening to your users, and knowing when to pivot in business.