From Oracle Origins to Startup Stardom: Nathaniel Robinson’s Silicon Valley Odyssey

In the bustling age of data and the increasing need for secure storage, understanding how to efficiently manage and protect valuable family information is paramount. In a recent episode of “Bright Founders Talk” at Temy, hosted by Matthew, we were introduced to Nathaniel Robinson, Founder and CEO of Trustworthy.

Trustworthy isn’t just another software company, it’s a lifeline for families seeking to protect, organize, and optimize their vital family data. Robinson paints a picture of an “operating system for families,” a central hub where every fragment of family-related information can be securely stored, accessed, and shared with those in their “trust graph.” From government documents to treasured family recipes, the concept is to keep these details not just safe but also easily accessible, addressing concerns of both daily utility and unforeseen emergencies.

This transformative system promises not only increased security but also the capability to suggest optimizations for its users. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Trustworthy and explore how it aims to revolutionize the way we handle family data.

Nathaniel Robinson: Decoding Trustworthy’s Vision for the Future of Family Information

Imagine a world where all the scattered bits of information crucial to your family—financial, operational, emotional—is compiled in a single cohesive system. This vision is what drove Nathaniel Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Trustworthy, to develop what he calls the “family operating system.” Delving deep into the everyday challenges families face, Robinson found that many struggled with the same issue: “Their important family information was in lots of different places, lots of different silos. And we heard this phrase, ‘it’s all over the place,’ even from very organized people.” From insurance details to family recipes, the chaos of managing information seemed universal.

We really built it based on the fact that there really wasn’t anything for families to do this

But why the urgency for such a platform? Robinson notes two significant use cases. The first centers on immediate agency and utility; individuals want on-the-go access to vital information, whether it’s a child’s medical record or the VIN number for a family car. The second is preparation for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring loved ones know where to locate essential assets. With Trustworthy, families can not only centralize their data but also share it with those in their “trust graph”—a unique web of trusted individuals ranging from family members to professionals.

Security, of course, remains a top concern for Robinson. While many might think their current information management is safe, Trustworthy offers an enhanced layer of protection. “Most people are doing today is pretty insecure… By adopting Trustworthy, families get a huge increment in security,” Robinson insists. Yet beyond mere safekeeping, Trustworthy aims to give its users a return on their data, striving to optimize their “operating system” over time. This involves both filling in gaps and suggesting improvements, effectively granting families “superpowers” over their information. In Robinson’s eyes, Trustworthy isn’t just about compiling data; it’s about enriching lives.

Pandemic Beginnings and Stellar Growth: The Trustworthy Journey with Nathaniel

In the midst of our deep dive with Nathaniel, the brains behind “Trustworthy”, the narrative took an interesting turn. “You know, I think we’ve been pretty fortunate,” he began, reflecting on the company’s inception right before the pandemic. Many startups shuddered at the onset of 2020’s global health crisis, but for Nathaniel’s venture, the timing was serendipitous. “A pandemic, where you have to be at home, is a good time to stay home and build some software,” he quipped, encapsulating a period when the world slowed down, but innovation sped up.

It’s not just about creating software, though. It’s about meeting a need, a niche that was waiting to be filled. And from what Nathaniel shares, the community’s response has been nothing short of overwhelming. “We’ve raised a good amount of money now, from an amazing set of investors. We have 1000s and 1000s of families who are subscribing and using Trustworthy,” he stated, his pride evident. These families aren’t just passive users; their feedback and stories are actively shaping the software, ensuring it caters to their evolving needs.

We’ve raised a good amount of money now, from an amazing set of investors

However, success stories are never without their share of challenges. Defining a new category and establishing brand identity requires patience and resilience, Nathaniel emphasized. But despite the inevitable bumps on the startup journey, Trustworthy is undoubtedly making waves. As Nathaniel aptly puts it, “A pandemic, where you have to be at home, is a good time to stay home and build some software.” In these times of uncertainty, Nathaniel and his team have given countless families a sense of reliability and trust, which, in today’s world, is a priceless gift.

From Oracle to the Dining Room: Nathaniel’s Entrepreneurial Philosophy Rooted in Family

“As we sat with Nathaniel, taking a stroll down his professional lane, he dropped a gem that many budding entrepreneurs could pin on their vision boards. “Pick a problem that makes sense to you, that you benefit from,” he shared, reflecting on the genesis of Trustworthy. Isn’t it something? Here we were, delving into the mechanics of a startup, and Nathaniel pulls the curtain back to reveal a simple truth: the journey starts at home. For him, it was about recognizing the needs of his family and extrapolating that to the greater community. When you’re solving a problem close to your heart, passion becomes the fuel for the long haul.

Pick a problem that makes sense to you, that you benefit from

And the ride of entrepreneurship, as he pointed out, isn’t all smooth sailing. There are days of triumph, followed by weeks that test every ounce of your resolve. Yet, what keeps the engine running, especially for Nathaniel, is the feedback loop – the genuine appreciation and critique from users. “It’s incredibly rewarding as an entrepreneur, but you have to have all of that to sustain your journey,” he muses, leaning in as if sharing a startup secret. And in those moments, you realize that Trustworthy isn’t just a business; it’s a mission that resonates on a deeply personal level.

But let’s not forget, before Nathaniel ventured into the startup world, he was an Oracle man for 13 years. It’s intriguing, this shift from the enterprise realm to the entrepreneurial domain. He chuckled, admitting that while his journey with Oracle had a distinct flavor, the pivot to smaller ventures has been equally rewarding. The joy of meeting like-minded folks, of learning and growing every day, is evident in his eyes. He may have transitioned from corporate corridors to startup hustle, but at the heart of it, Nathaniel remains an innovator, driven by a singular goal: making a difference in the world.

From Oracle to Startups: Nathaniel’s Leap from the Silicon Ladder

Nathaniel, with a rich technological background, described his innate drive to problem-solve through technology. Whether it was envisioning applications, websites, or services, his mind relentlessly danced around ideas, examining how technology could enhance things. A part of his time in Silicon Valley, where entrepreneurial stories buzz in every corner, further ingrained this passion. He recounted a missed opportunity with “Lip Sync Idol” – a concept ahead of its time, yet eerily reminiscent of today’s TikTok mania.

I always had lots of ideas about… how do I apply technology to a problem to try and solve it

The urge to break free from the corporate cocoon and venture into the uncharted territory of startups saw Nathaniel taking a leap of faith. He left his lucrative position to join a budding startup, SlideRocket, in the frosty garages of San Francisco. This move wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but its roller coaster ride, going head-to-head with giants like Microsoft, taught Nathaniel invaluable lessons. His experience there became a cornerstone, as SlideRocket’s success set the tone for his ensuing startup adventures.

Amidst this compelling journey, Nathaniel didn’t forget his roots. Hailing from New Zealand, his attachment to rugby was evident when the conversation took a light-hearted detour into the impending Rugby World Cup finals. This shared banter between Nathaniel and the interviewer underscored that no matter how high you soar, there’s always a piece of home that keeps you grounded.