Helping Parents Act Early: How Neo Sophia Is Making Developmental Support More Accessible

In this episode of Product Led Growth Leaders, host Thomas Watkins sits down with Riva Kajangu, Co-Founder and CEO of Neo Sophia, an AI-powered platform helping families detect and address developmental delays in children. Drawing from personal experience and professional insight, Riva reveals how the current system creates unnecessary friction for parents seeking answers—and how Neo Sophia is changing that.

Closing the Gaps in Developmental Health

Riva opens up about the emotional and logistical barriers many families face when navigating diagnoses like autism or ADHD. Delays in connecting with qualified providers—sometimes 30 to 40 days—can leave parents feeling helpless during their most critical moments. Neo Sophia tackles this head-on by giving parents access to early screening tools and resources designed to help them take the first step with confidence.

The conversation highlights how many caregivers don’t even realize that something might be wrong—or they wait too long, hoping things will resolve on their own. That’s where education plays a vital role. Neo Sophia not only surfaces early indicators but helps families proactively decide what to do next, whether it's seeking a formal evaluation or simply accessing support. Riva also details the company’s direct-to-consumer and enterprise model, including plans to integrate with schools and pediatric care providers to create an ecosystem of timely intervention.

In discussing product design, Riva shares how Neo Sophia is built to earn parent trust from day one—with HIPAA compliance, mobile-first accessibility, and verified content. The goal? To become every parent’s go-to resource for addressing developmental delays early—so fewer children slip through the cracks, and more families get the support they deserve.

About Riva Kajangu

Riva Kajangu is a product leader, tech founder, and passionate advocate for inclusive AI solutions in healthcare. In addition to building Neo Sophia, he hosts Riva’s Perspective, a podcast exploring the intersection of technology and humanity.

About Neo Sophia

Neo Sophia is a web and mobile platform that helps families screen for developmental concerns and connect with trusted providers and tools—faster. Designed with empathy, accessibility, and privacy in mind, it aims to be a one-stop hub for families navigating early childhood developmental challenges.

Links mentioned in this episode

• Neo Sophia Website

• Riva Kajangu on LinkedIn

Conclusion

This conversation with Riva Kajangu is a timely reminder that meaningful innovation starts with empathy. By simplifying access to early screening and support, Neo Sophia gives parents the power to act—and make informed decisions that can profoundly impact their child’s future.

Key Episode Highlights:

• Why long wait times for diagnoses leave families vulnerable

• The problem with passive parenting—and how to empower action

• How Neo Sophia blends AI with logic and verified content

• What it takes to build trust in healthcare tech

• The importance of mobile-first design and HIPAA compliance

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