About
Product Saint is rooted in the idea that building companies, software and developing talent requires utmost patience and devotion which, when done right, has a lasting legacy
My name is Curt Olivares.
I'm a 3x founder, startup advisor, product strategist, and career coach.
I'm Curt, the Product Saint
My Career
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After spending 20+ years in commodities trading and corporate portfolio risk management, I was bitten by the entrepreneurship bug in 2019.
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Since then, I’ve launched 2 B2B and B2C companies in completely different industries, and I'm working on scaling my 3rd startup, Parachute.
In 2023, I founded Parachute, an Edtech developing an AI-driven student engagement platform that will enhance colleges' and universities' ability to provide individualized student support.
Who I am
"My superpowers are using customer empathy to identify problems, and data-driven decisions to solve them."
My Experience
2023 - Present
Parachute | Founder, Chief Executive Officer
As Founder and CEO, developed vision and strategy for Edtech SaaS startup developing an AI-driven Student Engagement Platform for higher learning institutions.
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Assembled the team, built and iterated on an MVP, achieved product market fit through a series of pilot programs, launched a paid B2C product, generated revenue, and landed a B2B partnership with a tech bootcamp - all in just under 5 months.
2022 - Present
Product Saint | Founder, Managing Director
Principal advisor for a half dozen innovative, disruptive early-stage companies. Also, provide tech career coaching for individuals and organizations.
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Startup advisory services include product development and market fit, GTM strategies, business plan and financial model review, pre-seed fundraising messaging, and talent recruiting and development. Coaching: 1:1 and organization-level career development training and coaching using a 6-week proprietary curriculum and coaching methods.
2020 - 2022
Quanta | Cofounder, Chief Operating Officer
As 50% equity Cofounder and COO, spearheaded operations, product, and design for treasury risk management B2B Fintech SaaS startup.
$10M post-money valuation, raising $600,000+ in pre-seed capital investment. Remained second largest shareholder upon exit. Continue to serve as a strategic advisor.
2019 - 2020
United by Design (UXD) | Cofounder, Chief Operating Officer
As Cofounder and COO, scaled local mural art production startup into a full-service environmental design agency.
Built partnerships with major sports and retail brands, national property developers, and global architecture firm, Gensler. Left to cofound Fintech SaaS startup. Continue to serve as a Member of the UXD Advisory Board.
2018 - 2019
Southwestern Energy (SWN) | Executive Risk Advisor
Held C-1 level role as a member of the Senior Executive management team for a publicly traded oil and gas producer.
Directed a $1Bn energy commodity cash flow portfolio and led business requirements testing for all risk systems implementations.
2000 - 2018
Shell Plc. | Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Risk Leadership
Head of financial futures and options wholesale trading execution for global operations for a publicly traded oil and gas producer.
Managed a $500M financial energy commodities portfolio for global operations, contributing to an average of $20M+ in annual trading profits for the North American natural gas trading desk.
About Me
My Personal Bio
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I'm a native Houstonian who loves music, art, and spending time with family,.
When I'm not busy starting companies or serving my community, I enjoy playing tennis, watching TikTok with my two teenage daughters, and writing and singing songs that no one will ever buy.
