Reinventing Email with AI - This YC Startup Might Replace Gmail

What if your inbox didn’t just organize itself — it acted on your behalf?

Nizar Abi Zaher, founder of Zero, is building the AI-native email client that reads, replies, filters, and organizes without you lifting a finger. In this tactical, fast-paced conversation, we explore his path from Cal.com engineer to YC founder — and how he's going head-to-head with Superhuman.

From open-source strategies to voice-powered inboxes, Nizar breaks down how Zero is redefining email — and what it takes to ship fast, build in public, and stay top of mind.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Zero was built around what people hate

• How YC pushed them to launch before they were ready

• How being open-source accelerates product velocity

• What Superhuman got wrong — and what Zero does better

• How social presence became their biggest moat

• What email looks like in 5 years (hint: voice + AI agents)

📌 Watch now and subscribe for more smart, fast, founder-first interviews.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Zero: The AI-Powered Email Client

00:42 Meet the Founder: Nazar's Journey

01:24 The Problem with Email and Zero's Solution

02:56 Differentiating from Competitors

05:21 Rapid Development and Open Source Benefits

11:08 The Importance of Social Media Presence

14:57 Strategies for Effective Social Media Use

21:26 The Value of Authenticity on Social Media

24:07 The Importance of Onboarding

27:02 Launching and Iterating Quickly

29:31 Voice and Email Innovations

32:42 The Future of Email

40:57 The YC Experience and Final Thoughts

🎧 Listen on the go:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4m2K7ah

Apple: https://apple.co/4cZ8RMm

My other YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GJarrosson