About Synapse Studios
We've been building software since 2003. Today we help teams put AI to work, with the same engineers who've shipped 200+ projects.
From Web Development to AI Enablement
Chris Cardinal and Bob Eagan founded Synapse Studios in Tempe, Arizona, in 2003. It started as a web development partnership. Today we're a full-service software firm that builds custom applications and enterprise systems and helps teams adopt AI.
For 20+ years we've built software for startups, mid-market companies, and enterprises in healthcare, finance, education, and retail. Technology trends come and go. Our focus hasn't changed: build software that solves real problems for the people who use it.
We bring the same practical approach to AI. AI is only worth it if it helps your team do better work. That's why our AI enablement starts with your people and gets them using AI tools in weeks, not months.
Our Approach
We don't parachute in with a slide deck and disappear. We're builders. We work with your team to learn your workflows, find where AI can help, and build tools people actually use.
Everything happens in-house: strategy, design, development, testing, and deployment. No outsourcing, no hand-offs, nothing lost between teams.
We keep it simple: transparent pricing, clear communication, and work that delivers value. If something isn't working, we'll tell you. If there's a better way, we'll recommend it. We won't sell you services you don't need.
What We've Built
Some of our client work turned into products of its own.
Experience That Matters
Leadership Team
Decades of experience in software engineering, product strategy, and technical diligence.
Chris Cardinal
Co-Founder, CEO
Chris has led technology, product, and diligence work for private equity firms and their portfolio companies for 20+ years, including multi-billion-dollar investments.
Bob Eagan
Co-Founder, CTO
Bob has led software and hardware teams for 20+ years and serves as a fractional technology leader for growing companies.
Kim Stearns
Director of Product
With 12+ years in product leadership, Kim has launched 100+ products and coached product teams worldwide to build products and product cultures that last.
Aaron Bruce
Director of Engineering
Aaron has spent 20+ years in software engineering and 10+ years in engineering leadership, including consulting for engineering teams around the globe.
Our Board
Operators and executives who advise us on strategy, growth, and how we go to market.
Lindsey Wendler
M&A Advisor and Investment Banker
Lindsey is an investment banker who advises companies on sell-side and buy-side M&A, valuations, restructuring, and capital raising. She has held Managing Director roles at Dresner Partners, Skystone Securities, and National Transaction Advisors, and was named one of Opus Connect's Top 25 Women in M&A.
Derek Phillips
Chief Revenue Officer, Vectra AI
Derek leads the global sales organization at Vectra AI, the AI-driven cybersecurity company. He was previously Chief Revenue Officer at Claroty and held senior leadership roles at Kudelski Security, including Deputy CEO and Chief Revenue Officer.
Clint Carlos
Serial AI Founder
Clint is a serial AI founder with multiple exits. He leads enterprise AI solutions at Atonom, which builds AI agents for sales, marketing, support, and HR teams. He has co-founded several AI companies, including Soar and Workplace AI, and earlier advised Fortune 500 executives at Gallup.
Kyle Kennedy
Banking Executive, Bell Bank
Kyle brings 25+ years of experience in Arizona banking. At Bell Bank he has served as Southwest Region President and Arizona Banking Director, building the bank's commercial banking presence in Phoenix.
Steve Zylstra
President and CEO, Arizona Technology Council
Steve has led the Arizona Technology Council and its SciTech Institute since 2007. Before that, he led the Pittsburgh Technology Council and Catalyst Connection, and held business development and engineering roles at Simula Technologies and Ford Motor Company.