S13E5: From Palantir to Hex — How Barry McCardel and Caitlin Colgrove Built the Modern Data Workspace

We are back with another live installment of The Room Podcast! This week, we sit down with Barry McCardel and Caitlin Colgrove, Co-Founders of Hex, the collaborative data workspace trusted by teams around the world. Hex empowers data scientists, analysts, and business operators to explore, visualize, and share insights in one connected platform—bringing together code, no-code tools, and now AI-powered features that make data storytelling seamless and accessible to everyone. In this episode, Barry and Caitlin unpack Hex’s origin story, from their early days at Palantir to building one of the most beloved modern data tools. They share how deep empathy for early users shaped their product decisions, why great co-founding relationships require shared values and “stress testing,” and what it means to truly be “AI-first” in 2025. You’ll also hear lessons on problem-driven entrepreneurship, managing investor relationships, and how Hex is redefining what it means for everyone to be a data person. (00:00) Introduction (06:47) Where did Barry and Caitlin grow up and how has that shaped their view of the world? (09:12) Did Barry and Caitlin always think they would become founders? (10:02) How did time at Palantir shape Barry and Caitlin’s conviction to start Hex? (12:45) What was the “aha” moment that made Barry and Caitlin decide to actually start Hex full-time? (15:02) What advice would Barry and Caitlin give to founders looking to find or choose the right co-founders? (16:48) What is Hex’s core product and who is it built for? (18:18) Is Hex an AI-native company, and how does AI integrate into the product and strategy? (22:16) What is “Hex Magic,” and what has building AI features taught you about product development? (25:13) Who was the first person to believe in Hex and invest? (27:29) How do Barry and Caitlin work with their board, and what’s that dynamic like as founders? (30:07) How do Barry and Caitlin think about scaling culture as the company grows? (32:21) What are some of the biggest leadership lessons Barry and Caitlin have learned since founding Hex? (34:54) How do Barry and Caitlin maintain product focus while expanding features and teams? (37:12) What’s the vision for the future of data collaboration and AI in analytics? (39:15) How is the role of the data team evolving with AI? (40:15) So… humans — we’re here to stay? (42:05) What’s next for Hex and for Barry and Caitlin personally? (43:49) Who is a woman in Barry and Caitlin’s lives who has had an impact on them and their career? For The Room Podcast in your inbox every week, subscribe to our newsletter. Follow us on Instagram  Follow us on TikTok  Check out our guide to podcasting here!  Don't forget to subscribe to our channel on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music! Brought to you by Perkins Coie and Mercury.* *Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust; Members FDIC. WX Productions