Rachel Neill Figgy

Rachel Neill, co-founder and CEO of Figgy, embodies resilience and innovation, transforming personal challenges into a thriving business. A mother of six from Madison, Wisconsin, Neill’s entrepreneurial path began as a single teen mom with no family support. Juggling childcare, education, and work, she put herself through the University of Pennsylvania and later excelled as an executive at Nordic Consulting, igniting her passion for startups. This foundation led her to co-found Carex Consulting Group, a staffing firm, before launching Figgy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic presented a unique circumstance: Neill, like many parents, struggled to keep her children engaged without screens while working from home. Spotting a gap in the market for safe, imaginative play solutions, she partnered with Chris Roepe, an engineer and retail expert, to create the Figgy Play Couch. Their vision was a modular, sustainable play couch designed for durability and creativity. Launching on Kickstarter in 2020, they aimed to raise $40,000 to test demand. The campaign hit its goal in eight minutes, selling out and kickstarting Figgy’s rapid ascent.

Under Neill’s leadership, Figgy grew from a pandemic-inspired idea to a million-dollar enterprise within its first year. She introduced U.S.-based manufacturing in South Carolina, using CertiPUR-US certified foam and Oeko-Tex certified fabrics—free of harmful chemicals—setting a high standard for safety and sustainability. Her patented Velcro connectors added a unique edge, enhancing versatility. Facing supply chain disruptions, Neill expanded retail channels, including Amazon and Canadian markets, while honoring pre-order prices despite rising costs, prioritizing customer trust.

Neill’s circumstance as a serial entrepreneur and parent fueled Figgy’s success. Her journey—from overcoming adversity to building a brand recognized by USA Today and earning the Retail Innovator Award—showcases a rare blend of grit, vision, and ethical leadership. Figgy’s growth reflects her ability to turn necessity into innovation, making her a standout nominee for the TITAN Business Awards.