MEET MAX

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYMax Stern is an educator, entrepreneur, and strategy advisor focused on building competitive systems in startups. He is a Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, where he teaches courses in Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Strategy, and was previously Chief Executive Officer of Closure, a company which he founded, scaled, and sold in 2022.WORK AT DUKEIn 2023, Max joined the faculty of Duke University as a Lecturing Fellow in Innovation & Entrepreneurship.He teaches New Ventures Discover, Development, and Deliver, Duke's series of accelerator-like courses for MBA, graduate, and undergraduate student founders. Across all stages and industries, Max helps students succeed through a mix of traditional lecture, hands-on operational support, and the direct implementation of innovation strategy.His students have have gone on to raise millions in venture funding1 and take leadership roles at the fastest-growing startups in the US.2 In 2024, his course, co-instructed with Jamie Jones, was ranked "The Favorite Course of MBAs" by the leading business school website, Poets & Quants.3In addition to teaching, Max hosts university-wide workshops on applied innovation, advises student founders, and previously served as Assistant Director of Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs, Duke's premier accelerator for student founders.ENTREPRENEURSHIPPrior to teaching, Max spent 5 years as founder and Chief Executive Officer of Closure, a funeral industry software company that automates notifications of death. Max wrote the initial code, led all sales operations, and grew the company to 25 employees and $8MM in ARR before exiting in 2022.5While leading Closure, Max launched a series of service-based software companies through a small personal .5EDUCATIONMax received his BS in Mathematics from Duke University in 2017, where he also studied Financial Economics and was a Melissa & Doug Entrepreneur.

  1. Student venture funding data available upon request. Not all student exits are public. Public exits include QuikCal, Styl

  2. Former students now hold leadership roles at fast-growing companies like OpenAI, Neuralink, and Cluely

  3. Poets&Quants, The Favorite Courses of MBAs

  4. In 2022, Closure was acquired for $48MM by a Private Equity firm. Today, the company operates exclusively through their subsidiary funeral homes.

  5. Stern Innovations was a personal venture studio that, among others, launched Ecolytics, funded by Techstars, and Trado (closed), funded by Entrepreneur First.

MEDIA & STRATEGY

OVERVIEWComing soon.

WORK DOMAINS

OVERVIEWMy work supporting founders can be grouped into four core domains: Prototyping & Product Development, AI & Automation, Diverse Team Management, and Cohort-Based Entrepreneurship. Across each domain, my focus is on building solutions at the intersection of theoretical optimization and actionable capabilities in business.

OVERVIEW

My work supporting founders can be grouped into four core domains: Prototyping & Product Development, AI & Automation, Diverse Team Management, and Cohort-Based Entrepreneurship. Across each domain, my focus is on building solutions at the intersection of theoretical optimization and actionable capabilities in business.

This approach often looks like solving complex business problems by answering key "Macro, Micro, Action" questions.

  • What does a best-in-class solution look like?

  • What are we actually capable of accomplishing?

  • What should we specifically invest in next – and why?

But, unlike pure strategy advising, this approach requires both best-in-class academic research and hands-on technical execution. As a result, this framework ensures that breakthrough solutions for fast-growing startups are creative, theoretically sound, and immediately implementable.

WORK DOMAINS

Prototyping & Product Development

OVERVIEWBuilding products has been (and will continue to be) a significant entry barrier for aspiring entrepreneurs. My interest is in proving this bias false through education and proof-by-execution.EDUCATIONMy observation (research in progress!) is that aspiring entrepreneurs continuously underestimate the ways in which product goals can be achieved. Influenced by their knowledge and experiences, they often conclude that their specific product can only be built in one specific way.This conclusion is false and results in aspiring entrepreneurs who are paralyzed (fail to start), frustrated (fail to finish), and futile (fail to achieve original goals).To overcome personal bias and avoid negative results, I use the following 4-step process to determine how you can – and should! – bring your vision to life:1 Investigate the methods of "how"
2 Sort methods by the Skills & Capabilities to Make & Maintain
3Self-assess your current situation
4Make a selection and move forward – today.To request a PDF of the framework, please connect and message me directly on Linkedin.PROOF BY EXECUTIONRather than resulting in a blueprint, my engagements and workshops always end with the actual development of a product.

WORK DOMAINS

AI & AUTOMATION

Founders know they need to integrate Generative AI and Workflow Automations with their existing business in order to compete with fast-growing startups.The question I hear the most often is – how?My work in AI & Automation is focused on showcasing industry-standard solutions and implementing advanced systems that help startups secure a competitive advantage. By both showcasing and implementing solutions, I am able to help startup teams build best-in-class GenAI and Automation systems – quickly.

WORK DOMAINS

TEAM SUCCESS

OVERVIEWThere's a gap between the academia and actual actions when it comes to the hiring, training, and success of early employees (#1-10) at startups. This means that despite overwhelming research, contradictory actions continue to lead to positive outcomes at startups.Through my work at Duke, I've seen the hands-on effects of this gap across nearly every stage, industry, and team depth. I continue to help founders navigate these complex team challenges, turning these hands-on insights into a clear path for success.

WORK DOMAINS

COHORT MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEWMy experience is an extension of my work as a Lecturing Fellow at Duke, where I operate a hands-on accelerator for student founders. I support teams across all stages and industries through a combination of education, team management, and technical support. My courses ensure founders have the practical knowledge they need to build, monetize, and scale their ventures.

PROOF OF WORK

LET’S ENGAGE

WORK WITH MAXOutside of Duke, I primarily work with startup founders and teams as an educator, operator, or strategic advisor.

Outside of Duke, I primarily work with startup founders and teams as a educator, advisor, or hands-on engineer. If you have a quick question or general inquiry, please connect and message me directly on Linkedin. If you'd like to work together to solve a specific problem, please use the form below to start a custom project.

Custom Project FAQs

For every engagement, formats and deliverables are customized to your situation and the problem at hand.

  • Formats are usually some combination of one-on-one sessions, facilitated groups sessions, audits (of technology, capabilities, and workflows), ongoing technical support, and asynchronous work.

  • Deliverables – which depend on your specific needs – often include the direct implementation of technical solutions, strategy development for breakthrough organization-wide solutions, and empowered, aligned teammates capable of tackling similar problems going forward.

Please use the form above to start your project – you will receive a custom quote within 24 hours.

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HOW CAN I IMPROVE?

Help me iterate and improve by giving me honest, anonymous feedback.

PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: July 20, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how Max Stern ("I," "me," or "my") collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit and interact with my personal website, mbstern.com.I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in a transparent manner.1. Information I Collect
I collect information to provide and improve my services to you.Information You Provide Directly:When you fill out a contact form, schedule a meeting, or send an email, you may provide personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, company name, and details about your business needs.Information Collected Automatically:Like most websites, my site may collect certain non-personally identifiable information automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages viewed. This data helps me understand website traffic and improve the site experience. This is typically done through standard web analytics tools (e.g., Carrd's built-in analytics).2. How I Use Your Information
I use the information I collect for the following purposes:To respond to your inquiries and provide the information or services you request.To schedule and conduct meetings or workshops.To deliver consulting and engineering services.To improve my website and services.To communicate with you about updates or relevant offerings, where you have expressed interest.3. Sharing Your Information
I do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personally identifiable information to outside parties.Your information may be shared with trusted third parties who assist me in operating my website, conducting my business, or serving you, provided those parties agree to keep this information confidential (e.g., scheduling platforms like Calendly). I may also release your information when I believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce my site policies, or protect my or others' rights, property, or safety.4. Data Security
I implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.5. Your Choices and Rights
You have the right to request access to the personal information I hold about you, or to request that your personal information be corrected or deleted. If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact me using the details below.6. Changes to This Privacy Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. You are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.7. Contact Me
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you may contact me using the following information:Max Stern
Email: [email protected]

TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: July 20, 2025

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of my personal website, mbstern.com, and any services I offer. By accessing or using the website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use the website.1. Acceptance of Terms
By using this website, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations.2. Services Offered
I provide consulting and engineering services related to Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, AI, automation, and RevOps for B2B SaaS companies. Details of these services are outlined on the website. Engagement for specific services will be subject to a separate written agreement.3. User Responsibilities
You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict, or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the website. You must not misuse the website by knowingly introducing viruses, trojans, worms, or other malicious or technologically harmful material.4. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is my property or the property of my licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of any content without my express written permission.5. Disclaimers
This website and its content are provided "as is" without any warranties, express or implied. I do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information on the site. Your use of the website is at your sole risk.6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or inability to use this website or any services offered.7. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your State/Country, e.g., North Carolina, USA], without regard to its conflict of law principles.8. Changes to Terms
I reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on this page. Your continued use of the website after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.9. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact me:Max Stern
Email: [email protected]