Chris Ellis, the first-time founder of Thatch, shares his remarkable journey of raising $38 million in Series A funding for a health benefits platform after two years of hard work. He discusses the vital importance of choosing the right co-founder and the significance of having a mission in overcoming startup challenges. Chris reveals how he pivoted from an initial failed idea to create a product that meets critical healthcare needs, emphasizing the power of listening to customer pain points and the role of external deadlines in driving focus and urgency.