Description

In this episode of BT Beats, we speak with Rohan Pavuluri the CEO and co-founder of Upsolve, a national nonprofit that helps low-income families file bankruptcy for free, using technology.

Founded in 2016, Upsolve has relieved over $250 million in debt for families suffering from medical bills, layoffs, and predatory loans through its web app for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Upsolve has raised $3M+ from funders who include the Y Combinator, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, and the Robin Hood Foundation. Rohan is also a TED Fellow and graduate of Harvard College. Throughout the conversation we discuss his experiences as a founder and the impact of the pandemic on bankruptcy filing among other things. Thanks for listening!

Timestamps

0:00 - 0:53 - Introduction

0:53 - 3:20 - How Rohan started Upsolve during his sophomore year at Harvard

3:20 - 4:35 - The origins of the name “Upsolve.”

4:35 - 6:14 - What Upsolve’s operations looked like during its first few years.

6:14 - 7:27 - Finding a bankruptcy lawyer and co-founder.

7:27 - 9:17 - Upsolve’s growth in the past few years.

9:17 - 10:35 - The impacts of the pandemic on Upsolve’s business.

10:35 - 11:41 - The impacts of the pandemic on filing for bankruptcy filing.

11:41 - 13:05 - Rohan’s professional plans for his future as a young business leader.

13:05 - 14:27 - Rohan’s advice to students who want to get involved in fighting for social justice.