Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Founded by a group of Stanford MBA students, FOLI is actively exploring how to prepare the world for the future of learning.
Founder
Maxwell Bigman is a PhD candidate at Stanford building AI tools grounded in the science of learning. With experience at Brilliant.org and OKO Labs, he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for equitable, collaborative education. Maxwell previously earned a master’s from Harvard and has taught computer science in K–12 schools.
Nick Noerdlinger
Founder
Nick Noerdlinger is a Stanford GSB MBA candidate and former founder with two successful exits. He led a 40-person media subsidiary post-acquisition, taught math through Teach For America, and currently interns at Zetta Venture Partners. Nick blends operating experience, education, and venture insight to back the next generation of builders.
Mike Yates
Founder
Mike Yates is an education innovator and Senior Product Designer at Teach For America’s Reinvention Lab, where he leads AI strategy and product development. A former classroom teacher and founder of Schoolish, Mike builds tools, communities, and partnerships that challenge traditional schooling and push toward a more equitable future of learning.
Meet the Team
Founded by a group of Stanford MBA students, FOLI is actively exploring how to prepare the world for the future of learning.
Founder
Maxwell Bigman is a PhD candidate at Stanford building AI tools grounded in the science of learning. With experience at Brilliant.org and OKO Labs, he combines deep technical expertise with a passion for equitable, collaborative education. Maxwell previously earned a master’s from Harvard and has taught computer science in K–12 schools.
Nick Noerdlinger
Founder
Nick Noerdlinger is a Stanford GSB MBA candidate and former founder with two successful exits. He led a 40-person media subsidiary post-acquisition, taught math through Teach For America, and currently interns at Zetta Venture Partners. Nick blends operating experience, education, and venture insight to back the next generation of builders.
Mike Yates
Founder
Mike Yates is an education innovator and Senior Product Designer at Teach For America’s Reinvention Lab, where he leads AI strategy and product development. A former classroom teacher and founder of Schoolish, Mike builds tools, communities, and partnerships that challenge traditional schooling and push toward a more equitable future of learning.
