Episode Description
What happens when a software engineer leaves crypto behind to build something that actually improves civic life? In this episode of Synching Up, Jake sits down with Shruti Gupta, founder of Pollsee, a new platform aiming to democratize lobbying and bring everyday people into conversations with local governments.
They discuss:
- Why local elections feel so out of reach—and how Pollsee is changing that
- How Shruti navigated coming out, camping solo, and launching a company all in one year
- What she learned from a co-founder breakup and why solo building is both freeing and lonely
- And how being queer and brown shapes her role as a civic tech founder
From potholes to policy proposals, Shruti’s story is one of bold pivots, quiet courage, and building the tools we wish we had.
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Show Notes