Next-Gen Receipt Management
Terrapin is a mobile-first app that automates receipt tracking and expense classification for freelancers and small businesses, using rules-based processing and asynchronous integrations like email and digital wallets. Designed for tax efficiency and time savings, it turns financial admin into a touchless, scalable workflow.
Location:
United States
Date:
2024-
Preview
https://tryterrapin.com
Co-founded Terrapin alongside two first-time founders, guiding the business from initial concept through to MVP execution.
Validated the product thesis, built the business model and pitch materials, secured pre-seed capital, led vendor selection, and now lead execution as CEO.
The Challenge
Ken and Will had a high-potential idea: a smarter, more automated way for freelancers and small businesses to manage expenses and unlock tax deductions. But as first-time founders, they needed strategic and operational leadership to move from idea to execution.
My Role
Founding Partnership & Concept Validation
Partnered with Ken and Will to pressure test the core thesis — turning admin chaos into automation through receipts, rules, and classification. Built an initial product concept, GTM thesis, and value prop tailored to freelancers and micro-SMBs.Business Model & Fundraising Infrastructure
Developed the financial model, identified monetization strategy, and created the full angel pitch deck. Structured SAFE terms, led investor comms, and secured initial commitments.Product & Design Leadership
Delivered the initial design concept and product architecture — focused on asynchronous processing (email, wallet, photo), ML-as-a-service architecture, and future extensibility (multi-entity, CPA dashboards, RBAC).Build Partner Selection & Vendor Oversight
Ran a formal RFP process to identify a technical build partner. Negotiated scope, delivery expectations, and ensured platform support for OCR, email parsing, wallet integrations, and rule logic.Operational Execution (CEO)
Took the reins as CEO to lead the product through execution, investor relations, and go-to-market readiness. Defined internal dashboards, growth metrics, and post-launch roadmap.
Outcome
Terrapin is now in active MVP build with pre-seed capital secured and a high-leverage development partner in place. Positioned as a rules-first, automation-led financial admin product with strong expansion potential into multi-entity workflows, capital marketplaces, and CPA tooling.