Tess Michaels

Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Clasp (formerly Stride Funding), a mission-driven, venture-backed company tackling critical talent shortages in healthcare by bridging the gap between education and employment. By enabling employers to invest in future talent where it matters most—easing overwhelming student debt—Clasp creates lasting bonds between employers and employees. Tess founded Clasp from a student-first perspective during her MBA at Harvard Business School. A serial entrepreneur, Tess successfully exited her previous company while completing her BS & BA at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to founding Clasp, she worked in healthcare investment banking at Goldman Sachs and private equity at Vista Equity Partners. Tess has been recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in education for her innovative work in education and employment solutions.