about the founder’s chair
Where experience meets ambition
The Founder’s Chair is a unique business collaborative that helps the next generation of Founders by connecting them to industry veterans for mentorship, connections, and potential funding.
Meet Our Founder
James Wong
James Wong is the visionary founder of The Founder’s Chair. With over two decades in the financial services industry, specializing in insurance and technology distribution, James has been an entrepreneurial force. His track record of successful startups and expertise in mergers and acquisitions sets him apart from other consultative providers.
Renowned for building strong connections, James empowers his clients with his profound insights into insurance distribution. Founders seeking to occupy The Founder’s Chair and funders looking for lucrative opportunities to invest and mentor will find James a trusted ally on their journey to growth and success.
Stephen Goldstein
Strategic Advisor, Funder & Founder Enablement
Stephen Goldstein brings nearly two decades of insurance expertise spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, shaping strategy and execution for carriers, reinsurers, and venture-backed startups alike. His career has covered every angle of the business: from distribution and operations to corporate strategy, audit, and market entry.
At the helm of TETRA G, Stephen now advises a range of high-growth companies on go-to-market strategy and operational excellence. His track record includes senior leadership roles at a Fortune 250 global insurer and a multinational reinsurer, along with strategic advisory to insurtech innovators like ProNavigator and Navierre.
Stephen’s value to Founders and Funders lies in his rare combination of deep industry fluency, investor empathy, and startup savvy. He’s also a licensed Life & Health and P&C agent—proof that he doesn’t just understand the theory, he knows the business from the ground up.
Different chairs for different needs
Whether you are starting a business, taking your agency to the next level, or transitioning your career, The Founder’s Chair is focused on helping you take your seat at the table with a group of individuals who have been in your shoes and come back to the table and to help you experience the level of success, they did.