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The entrepreneurial journey is often a kaleidoscope of ambition, resilience, and creativity, punctuated with moments of triumph and challenge. Megan, founder of Arch Insights, embodies these qualities with grace. In a conversation with Prateek Mathur on How I’m Building This, Megan shared her inspiring journey from a consumer-centric household in Cincinnati to launching a groundbreaking AI tool for market research. Her story is a testament to the power of insights—not just consumer insights, but self-awareness and a commitment to growth.
A Seed of Curiosity: From Bain to Founding Arch Insights
Megan’s entrepreneurial journey started with her roots in a consumer-focused environment. Growing up in a household where her mother ran a market research business, Megan was steeped in the art of understanding what drives people. She honed her analytical skills at Bain, where she learned to structure data, conduct interviews, and craft surveys.
Her next chapter at Harry’s Inc. introduced her to the dynamic world of startups. Helping launch Flamingo, the women’s shaving brand under Harry’s, gave Megan firsthand experience in building a consumer-centric brand from scratch. The work was steeped in understanding customer pain points and using those insights to design solutions—a philosophy that would later define Arch Insights.
After a stint at Harvard Business School during the COVID-19 pandemic and an experience in venture capital, Megan took the plunge to found Arch Insights. For her, it wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about following her passion for decoding the "why" behind consumer behaviors.
The Solo Founder Journey: Highs, Lows, and Resilience
Starting Arch Insights as a solo founder wasn’t without its challenges. Megan candidly reflected on the rollercoaster nature of entrepreneurship. “The highs are really high, and the lows are really low,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a robust support system.
She credits her success to her close-knit team and a network of cheerleaders—including her fiancé, parents, and friends—who help her navigate tough days. Recognizing the importance of mental health, Megan underscores the value of routines, self-care, and making time for re-centering activities, like working out. “You can't give your best if you're running on empty,” she noted.
Her story is a reminder that building a business isn’t just about grit—it’s about balance and sustainability.
Building a Client Base: Trust, Referrals, and Relationships
Megan’s first clients came from her professional network at Harry’s. “I was lucky to have supportive co-workers who believed in me,” she explained. Many of them, having moved to other startups, sought Megan’s expertise for their own projects, kickstarting Arch Insights’ journey.
The power of referrals has remained a cornerstone of Megan’s business strategy. By delivering personalized, high-quality work and fostering genuine connections, Megan has built a reputation that precedes her. “Trust is key. When clients know you’ll go above and beyond, they remember you,” she said.
This relationship-driven approach has been instrumental in scaling Arch Insights. From one client to the next, Megan has crafted a business model where trust and value are paramount.
Consumer Insights, Reimagined: Solving Problems for Brands
At its core, Arch Insights specializes in helping brands uncover what consumers truly think and feel. Megan believes in digging deeper than surface-level data. “It’s not just about what’s on the shelves—it’s about understanding the consumer’s day-to-day challenges,” she explained.
By identifying consumer pain points, Megan and her team empower brands to create products and packaging that resonate with their audiences. From choosing the right shade of blue to crafting authentic messaging, Arch Insights helps brands connect on a human level. This approach has yielded partnerships with notable names, like Cabinet Health, and positioned Arch Insights as a trusted partner in innovation.
Introducing Arch AI: Revolutionizing Qualitative Research
One of Megan’s most exciting ventures is Arch AI, an AI-powered tool designed to streamline qualitative research. Launched internally in January, Arch AI is now poised to transform the way researchers analyze data. The platform automates the tedious process of reviewing hours of interview footage, delivering key takeaways and supporting insights with quotes and clips.
The tool isn’t just about speed—it’s about eliminating bias and enhancing accuracy. By processing all inputs holistically, Arch AI ensures that critical insights don’t slip through the cracks. “It’s about empowering researchers to focus on the bigger picture,” Megan explained.
As Arch AI prepares for a broader launch, Megan is optimistic about its potential to reshape the industry. From reducing analysis time to offering easy data retrieval, the tool promises to make qualitative research more accessible and impactful.
Scaling with Purpose: Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
For Megan, scaling Arch Insights has been a journey of learning. Reflecting on her mistakes, she acknowledges the challenges of hiring, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s instincts. “When something feels off, act on it,” she advised, noting that great team members share a willingness to learn and adapt.
As Arch AI takes center stage, Megan is balancing growth with staying connected to her roots in full-service market research. She believes that her hands-on experience as a researcher is what sets Arch apart. “We built this tool because we know the challenges researchers face. Staying grounded in that work ensures we stay relevant,” she said.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Megan envisions a future where Arch AI complements the full-service side of Arch Insights. With plans to attend industry conferences, launch targeted outreach campaigns, and offer trial periods for Arch AI, Megan is laying the groundwork for sustained growth.
Her commitment to innovation and empathy continues to drive Arch Insights forward. Whether it’s through designing a better research tool or building lasting client relationships, Megan is proving that great businesses are built on understanding—not just markets, but people.
The Takeaway: Lessons from Megan’s Journey
Megan’s journey offers a wealth of insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders:
- Start with Passion: Align your business with what you love, and the rest will follow.
- Build Relationships: Trust and genuine connections are invaluable for growth.
- Embrace Resilience: Balance highs and lows with self-care and support systems.
- Innovate Thoughtfully: Use technology to solve real problems without losing the human touch.
- Listen and Learn: Whether it’s feedback from clients or lessons from mistakes, growth comes from staying open.
Megan’s story is a celebration of curiosity, perseverance, and the power of insights. As Arch Insights and Arch AI continue to grow, one thing is certain: Megan’s journey is far from over—and it’s one to watch.
