Founder Friday: Meet the Minds Transforming Tech & Finance
🚀 Founder Friday (April 25, 2025): Echo Wu & Michael Huang, Aaron Johnson, Dell Hines- ThunderGraph, BLK LYON & Q-Bank Group
Ever felt the rush of overcoming real hurdles with bold ideas? One founder turned a forgotten sector into a thriving market, another turned an urban challenge into a sustainable legacy, or how about turning a universal data problem into an AI opportunity? Dive into this Founders Friday with the trailblazers who are turning the tides and doing just that.
Echo Wu together with Michael Huang are tackling slow data systems with Thundergraph AI, Dell Hines saw untapped potential in overlooked industries with Q-bank group, and Aaron Johnson confronted urban sprawl’s neglect of communities through BLK LYON. Their creative solutions sparked early wins, like streamlining data for AI, securing key acquisitions, and launching community-focused projects that opened doors to larger impact. Curious to hear their stories and visions?
Echo Wu & Michael Huang – AI-Powered Data Transformation
Their Vision: Echo Wu and Michael Huang are transforming Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with AI through ThunderGraph. Their AI-powered platform breaks down complex engineering models into clear, human-readable insights. By ensuring traceability and automating SysML v2 diagrams, they’re enabling engineers to work more seamlessly, accelerating productivity and unlocking the full potential of AI in engineering design.
Their Journey:
Echo Wu, Co-Founder – Echo, a data science expert, developed an algorithm that cuts data processing times, inspiring ThunderGraph’s mission. Before co-founding, she struggled with real-time data bottlenecks, a challenge she’s now solving for the industry. Echo’s journey began as an immigrant reinventing herself, embracing ambiguity to pursue her passion. She attended Columbia Business School, later graduating from a pre-seed accelerator which led to her mission to uplift the less fortunate through staying engaged in micro-philanthropy for economic empowerment while building at the intersection of GenAI and engineering.
Michael Huang, Co-Founder – Michael, a Georgia Tech alum, has led AI product development at two nuclear technology companies, helping engineers manage data and evaluate designs. His decade of software engineering experience makes him the technical mind you’d trust with AI development. At ThunderGraph, he’s applying that expertise to change how engineering is performed, moving beyond human limitations with AI-driven solutions. Together, Echo and Michael are a powerhouse duo.
Why They Stand Out:
Focused on automating engineering processes with AI enhancement.
Doubled user base in 2024, showing strong market traction.
Head-Turner: What if your next breakthrough advance AI engineering collaboration?
📎 Company LinkedIn | Investor Deck | One-Pager | Meet the Founders
💼 Dell Hines – Unlocking Value Through Private Equity
His Vision: Dell Hines is changing how private equity firms approach undervalued assets by investing in middle-market companies, focusing on healthcare and manufacturing sectors with Q-Bank Group. He works with management to add value through technology, aiming to transform business operations across industries.
His Journey:
Dell Hines, CEO – a University of Michigan Ross School of Business grad with over 20 years in private equity, Dell has worked with over 40 companies to transform operations, driven by a passion for connecting the dots and a unique “technology-enablement” approach that’s been creating value since 1996. —a mission born from his frustration with traditional PE firms’ narrow focus. He previously led key acquisitions at a top-tier firm, a knack that makes him the leader you’d trust with your investments.
Why He Stands Out:
Strategic acquisitions driving impact in high-growth sectors.
Focused on adding value through technology innovation.
Head-Turner: Could your next connection unlock hidden value in overlooked but evergreen sectors?
📎 Company LinkedIn | Investor Guide | Book an Intro Call
🏢 Aaron Johnson – Building Sustainable Urban Futures
His Vision: Aaron Johnson believes real estate is tangible and holds lasting value, a foundation to build something solid, both literally and financially. He’s focused on sustainable, community-driven projects that fuse design expertise with a strategic approach to high-end fix-and-flip real estate. BLK LYON is transforming urban landscapes with high-demand commercial developments in top-tier locations.
His Journey:
Aaron Johnson, CEO –Aaron, started as a broker in Los Angeles, mastering deal structuring across competitive markets like LA, Coachella Valley, NYC, and Park City. After a failed urban project ignored community needs, (a setback that inspired his sustainable vision) he returned with a tighter team and clearer focus. His projects, featured on Selling Sunset, reflect his design instinct and insight into discerning buyers, making him a pioneer in the real estate space you’d trust to lead.
Why He Stands Out:
Developing high-end fix-and-flip projects with a community focus.
Blending design expertise with strategic profitability.
Head-Turner: What if your next connection could redefine urban landscapes for good?
📎 Company LinkedIn | Investor Guide | One-Pager | Book an Intro Call
Your ThinkFISH Edge
Imagine this: you’re the one who spots the next big bet, backing founders who turn AI struggles into gold, overlooked sectors into empires, and urban challenges into sustainable legacies. Dell Hines, Aaron Johnson, Echo Wu & Michael Huang are already doing it with Q-Bank Group, BLK LYON and ThunderGraph. Their stories aren’t just inspiring, they’re your blueprint to winning big in 2025.
Switching gears before the weekend: Thanks to you guys, our readers, we’ve seen an incredible surge in applications for CodeLaunch 2025. Don’t miss your chance to join our very own Patrick McGuire, this May 07, 2025 along with other industry leaders for an exciting opportunity to celebrate, network, and connect with the tech space.
We’re ThinkFISH, your trusted partner in navigating the next wave of breakthroughs. Want to connect with the visionaries behind ThunderGraph, Q-Bank, and BLK LYON? Join The Reef, where top investors meet the next big ventures, be part of ThinkFISH’s exclusive community— Join The Reef Now!
👉 Enjoyed our Newsletter? Contact Us | View Website
Watch Full YouTube Video [Here]