Source: Fortune
Summary
Nikita Bier, former head of product at X, is offering 15-minute video call sessions for $7,500 through the platform Intro, which caters to venture-backed startup founders. Sessions start at $7,500 with a 30-minute minimum. Bier, who previously sold two startups to Big Tech, is among several experts on the platform, including Alexis Ohanian and Andrew Chen. Intro claims users will get value or their money back. Bier stepped down from X earlier this month but still advises the company. The platform was founded in 2020 by Raad Mobrem, who sold a startup to Intuit.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Bier’s sessions cost $15,000 for 30 minutes.
Intro lists him as a top expert.
Users must be venture-backed founders.
The platform promises value or a refund.
Original observation: A startup founder’s advice costs more than a junior analyst’s salary.
Author: Evan Null
Who is Nikita Bier?
Nikita Bier is a 37-year-old serial entrepreneur with a track record of selling startups to major tech companies. He previously worked at X, where he served as head of product. Bier has led apps that reached No. 1 on the App Store and has been involved in high-profile disputes with the European Commission.
Bier’s career includes selling tbh, an anonymous polling app, to Meta in 2017 for around $30 million. He later sold Gas, an anonymous compliment app, to Discord in 2023. Both apps achieved massive downloads and app store success.
After his startup exits, Bier joined Lightspeed Venture Partners as a product growth partner. He also launched Explode, a mini-app built into Apple’s Messages, which allows users to send disappearing messages.
Bier became head of product at X in 2025 after personally reaching out to Elon Musk for the role in 2022. During his time there, he oversaw 30 new product launches, according to his claims.
Bier has also been involved in public disputes with the European Commission, which fined X under the Digital Services Act. He accused the Commission of violating X’s ad rules and claimed its ad account was terminated.
Intro: The Expert Advice Platform
Intro is a platform that connects users with business experts for personalized video call advice. It was founded in 2020 by Raad Mobrem, who previously sold his startup Lettuce to Intuit. The company’s mission is to provide expert guidance on business strategy, growth, and product development.
Intro claims users will “find value in your first session or your money back.” The platform features high-profile experts, including Nikita Bier, Alexis Ohanian, and Andrew Chen. Sessions are priced at a premium, with Bier’s starting at $7,500 for 15 minutes.
The platform targets venture-backed startup founders, requiring users to meet certain criteria before accessing expert advice. This exclusivity has drawn attention, particularly after Bier’s high-priced sessions were revealed.
Intro’s model reflects a growing trend of monetizing expert knowledge through subscription-based or one-time consulting services. It also highlights the premium placed on access to top-tier business advice in the startup ecosystem.
The company’s website describes its value proposition as a way to get quick, actionable insights from industry leaders. However, the high cost of sessions has raised questions about accessibility and the true value of such advice.
The Business of Expertise
The rise of platforms like Intro reflects a broader trend in the business world: the commodification of expertise. As startups grow more complex, founders are willing to pay top dollar for insights from experienced leaders.
This model is not without controversy. Critics argue that such services create a barrier to entry for less-funded entrepreneurs, who cannot afford high-priced consultations. However, proponents say it allows founders to access valuable guidance that can accelerate their growth.
Intro’s pricing model is particularly striking given the high cost of Bier’s sessions. At $15,000 for 30 minutes, the price tag is steep, even for venture-backed startups. It raises questions about whether the value justifies the cost.
Despite the high price, Intro claims to offer a guarantee: users will find value or get their money back. This promise is meant to reassure customers, but it also highlights the uncertainty of such services.
As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, platforms like Intro may become more common. They represent a new way for experts to monetize their knowledge and for founders to access specialized advice.
Fortune’s Coverage
The article was originally published on Fortune.com, a well-known business publication that covers major developments in the corporate world. The story highlights the growing trend of high-priced expert consultations and the role of former tech executives in shaping this market.
Fortune’s reporting on Bier’s consulting fees has sparked debate about the accessibility of business advice and the value of expert opinions in the startup ecosystem. The article also provides context on Bier’s background and his previous roles at major tech companies.
The publication’s coverage of Intro and its high-profile experts reflects its focus on business innovation and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs. It also underscores the growing influence of former tech leaders in shaping the future of business advice.
Fortune’s piece is part of a broader trend of media outlets covering the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and business strategy. It highlights the evolving landscape of expert consulting and the increasing costs associated with it.
The article’s tone is factual and neutral, presenting the facts without overtly criticizing or praising the model. It aims to inform readers about the current state of expert consulting and the role of platforms like Intro in the business world.
