NYC Founder's Story Series: SmallKnot (Tech Stars) & Frederick Benjamin

Each month IncubateNYC will invite Founder's from the NYC startup community to share their story on how they got started and how they made the jump from idea to implementation. The NYC Founder's Stories series is a relaxed, but real discussion on what it really takes to be a Founder in the city

Featured NYC Founder's: January

Jay Lee (http://smallknot.com/about/who)

Co-founder and CEO of Smallknot (Tech Stars)

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Jay Lee is the co-founder and CEO of Smallknot, a community crowdfunding platform for small businesses. Jay began his career in international development in South lndia, working as a researcher and grassroots activist on issues relating to HIV/AIDS and orphan care. After attending law school, he worked on Wall Street as a corporate and securities lawyer advising investment banks and companies on domestic and cross-border financial transactions at Davis Polk & Wardwell. Jay holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. in Public Policy and Philosophy from Duke University. Jay lives in Brooklyn, NY and spends most of his off-hours roaming the streets of New York on two wheels (both motor- and human-powered), or planning his next fishing trip or farm vacation.

Michael James (http://www.frederickbenjamin.com/founder.html)

Founder and CEO of Frederick Benjamin

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Michael James, third generation entrepreneur, provides today’s modern gentlemen 21st century grooming solutions.

With over ten years experience with Revlon and L’Oreal, he knows first hand the power of personal appearance and the effect that quality products can have on a person’s attitude and outlook.

During his tenure in brand management, his access to personal care products was endless, yet he could not find a line that met his personal preferences. The products he used were either unpleasantly fragranced or laced with ingredients that worked against the very problem he was looking to solve.

With that in mind, he set out to launch Frederick Benjamin grooming. Frederick Benjamin is a natural hair care line for the burgeoning multicultural male consumer base. Frederick Benjamin is also a hair care line for the barbers and stylists servicing the multicultural male’s grooming needs. “Our products set us apart.