Joshua Karetny ’05, Co-founder and CEO, PlumCheck
Joshua Karetny ’05 is the co-founder and CEO of PlumCheck, a health tech startup that makes it easy to securely exchange verified personal information, making online dating safer and more enjoyable. After beginning his career in law, Joshua spent more than a decade as a policy advisor in the US Senate before transitioning into the tech sector. Drawing on his legal training and policy experience, he has navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with a strong foundation in problem-solving and strategic thinking. Read more below.
What made you decide to pursue a career in entrepreneurship/venture capital/startups after NYU Law?
It took me almost 20 years to find my way to entrepreneurship. After NYU Law and a brief time at a law firm, I spent over a decade working as a policy advisor to a US Senator. I then advised a health tech company, which is where I met my co-founder. My law school education and these roles gave me the skills and confidence to turn an idea into a company and product.
How did NYU Law prepare you for this career?
At NYU Law, I improved my analytic, problem-solving, and communications skills, all of which are essential for running a business. In addition, I utilize concepts that I learned in Contracts, Torts, Property, and other foundational law school coursework.
Why do you think lawyers find success in this career path?
It may be a cliche, but “thinking like a lawyer” really does give you an advantage in the business world. A law background also provides a network of expertise to draw on in starting and running a company.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a lawyer in this career path?
I see a law school education as a net positive in the business world. I might have avoided certain challenges, though, had I gained some business experience earlier in my life, either in school or early in my career.
What is the most important thing students should do while they are still in law school to prepare themselves for a career in entrepreneurship?
NYU is fortunate to have a world-renowned business school in addition to a top law school. As a law student, I took one class at NYU Stern School of Business; I wish I had done more. To the extent it is permitted, I would encourage law students to explore supplementing their coursework with classes at Stern.
What was the most important lesson you learned in your career thus far?
If you aren’t happy with your job, don’t be afraid to make a change. I did this three times, transitioning first from a law firm to Capitol Hill; second, from my Senate job to a tech company; and, finally, from an established company to starting my own. Life is too short to stay at a job you don’t enjoy, and you shouldn’t be afraid to take risks in finding what’s right for you.
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