By: Anna Naidis

If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be co-founding a startup to help improve the divorce process, I probably would’ve laughed. I had a stable career, great clients, and a reputation as a product leader in the tech world. But life — and growth — often begin where comfort ends.

Today, I’m the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Aparti, a startup that’s on a mission to make the divorce process more accessible, efficient, and supportive. This company is more than just a product for me — it’s a reflection of my own evolution, my values, and my belief that technology can serve people during their most vulnerable moments.
Let me take you back to the beginning.

A Career Built on Curiosity and Problem-Solving

I’ve always been driven by one question: “How can we make this better?” That question guided me throughout my 15+ years in technology — from building API integrations across industries like FinTech, EdTech, and eCommerce, to leading product teams in fast-paced YC startups and Fortune 500 corporations.

For the last six years, my focus has been on product management. I learned how to simplify complex problems, bring clarity to chaos, and communicate with energy and precision. I’ve always thrived under pressure, not because it’s easy, but because I find purpose in solving real, human challenges with scalable solutions. By conducting detailed research and interviews with customers and family law firms, I observed that many firms go through repetitive steps: collecting information, managing timelines, requesting documentation, communicating between parties, and asset division.

Why not explore automation and AI to handle these tasks, so professionals can focus more on client care than administrative burdens?

But something still felt incomplete. Despite working on impactful projects, I began to crave a mission that felt personal. I wanted to build something that didn’t just meet KPIs or stakeholder expectations — I wanted to create something that offered meaningful support to real people.

The Moment Everything Shifted

That opportunity came when I met my co-founder, Igor, and our CTO, whom I previously worked with at a YC-backed startup. We started discussing life, relationships, and how challenging the divorce process still is — legally, financially, and emotionally. There were inefficiencies, emotional burdens, and a clear lack of tools designed to support people through this life transition.

This issue hit close to home for us as founders, given our own personal experiences. We saw a genuine need for change. And so, Aparti was born.

Aparti: Designed with Empathy, Built with Intelligence

We built Aparti with one core mission: to give customers and professionals greater clarity and control during the divorce process. We use AI to support tasks like document prep, basic legal guidance, and asset division, while also offering emotional support and access to professionals if desired.

This isn’t about replacing lawyers or therapists. It’s about meeting people where they are, reducing stress, minimizing unnecessary costs, and helping them move forward with a sense of dignity. It’s about helping users navigate the process with more preparation and less confusion.

Gaining Momentum: From Accelerator to New York City

Launching a startup brings challenges, but having the right support is crucial. Earlier this year, our team applied to a competitive accelerator program — and we were fortunate to be selected. That opportunity significantly impacted our momentum.

We refined our pitch, tested product iterations, and connected with a vibrant mentor community. One highlight was earning a trip to New York City, where we began presenting Aparti to investors and partners. The experience has been energizing and has helped lay the foundation for our upcoming fundraising round.

What Brought Me Here: Education, Mentorship, and Belief

I often reflect on my time at Hult International Business School, where I earned an MBA with a specialization in Business Analytics. That program gave me a strategic mindset and a global perspective on product leadership.

Later, I completed a certificate in Artificial Intelligence at Stanford, focusing on neuroscience and human behavior. Learning how people think and make decisions helped shape my understanding of how technology can foster empathy and responsiveness.

Outside of work, I stay balanced through physical activity — boxing, dancing, tennis (which I coached for several years) — and mentoring women in STEM and non-binary students. For me, movement is less about competition and more about connection, confidence, and renewal.

Focusing Forward: A Journey Driven by Purpose

If there’s one takeaway from this journey, it’s that success isn’t about being the smartest person in the room or always getting things right. It’s about listening. It’s about prioritizing purpose over perfection. And it’s about continuing to show up, even when it’s uncomfortable, because you believe in what you’re building.

I’ve faced doubts. I’ve questioned whether I could step into the role of founder. But this journey has shown me that with a mission rooted in care and courage, it’s possible to make a meaningful difference.

Aparti is just getting started. We know we’re working on a deeply personal and emotionally complex problem. But we’re doing so with thoughtfulness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

To Other Founders — Especially Women: You’re More Ready Than You Realize

If you’re thinking of starting something, take that first step. You don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters is that you care about the problem, remain curious, and surround yourself with people who share your values.

After years of wondering where I belonged, I found my answer: it was in building something of my own, with people I respect and trust.

Starting a company has challenged me and empowered me. And I’m grateful for what lies ahead.

This is only the beginning.

Published by Jeremy S.