On Growing Up

Born in Shanghai, amidst the bustling streets of Pudong, I come from extremely humble origins (no crazy rich asian here!). As the granddaughter of Chinese tailors and farmers, my story should be a familiar one — it is the story of immigration and coming from nothing. Both my parents defied the odds to pursue higher education. This feat is doubly impressive considering the rarity of securing a college degree during that time. But after the Tiananmen Square Massacre, we moved to Texas to follow the American Dream.  

Settling in Houston, my father, an entrepreneur, charted his own course in the realm of robotics, pioneering its application in the oil and gas industry. Witnessing the rise and fall of his venture during the tumultuous times of the Great Recession left a mark on me, igniting a passion for supporting founders.

My trajectory in the professional arena mirrors the trials and triumphs of my upbringing. Every endeavor, every milestone, is a testament to the lessons learned from persevering as an outsider and the unwavering pursuit of progress in the face of adversity.

Why Venture Capital

For me, it is personal. I grew up at the feet of entrepreneurship. From an early age, I have witnessed the journey of startup formation, understanding firsthand its time-consuming and all-encompassing nature. During my most formative years, I was a primary witness to the rise and fall of a startup. That profound feeling of desperately wanting to help but being unable to (at the time) propelled me into a career focused on company building. 

Championing the underdogs has always been at the heart of my mission. Whether it is providing capital, guidance, or simply a listening ear, I am committed to leveling the playing field for those with bold ideas and unwavering determination. Each founder represents an opportunity to make a difference, and I am honored to play a part in their journey towards world domination.

Why Amplify Partners

My personal journey with the Amplify team started almost a decade ago. Amplify was the first team who emboldened me to own who I am, rather than play the game. They taught me to lean into my uniqueness, rather than shy away from my differences. 

Because of that, it has always been my dream to join the team. Amplify isn't just a venture firm — it is a sanctuary for rule breakers, daring outcasts, and truth seekers. It's where bold dreamers who defy the odds thrive, refusing to conform to conventional norms. Amplify resonated with me deeply from the start.

My Investment Philosophy 

As a venture capitalist, I see myself as a perpetual student. I believe in engaging with the best minds and staying at the forefront of innovation. I seek out trailblazing technical experts, visionary product thinkers, and skilled engineers, absorbing their perspectives to shape my investment strategy. My goal is to synthesize diverse viewpoints into investable opportunities at the earliest stages, driving my investment philosophy forward.

At Amplify, I invest in AI, developer tooling, infrastructure, data, and modern SaaS applications (especially those infused with AI). The potential in these areas is significant, particularly in industries where incumbents struggle with agility or leveraging AI due to data constraints. This creates unique opportunities for disruptive innovation, and I'm eager to explore these uncharted territories.

When it comes to founders, I'm drawn to those with exceptional storytelling skills and a unique approach. I tend to gravitate towards individuals whose backgrounds defy the typical Silicon Valley mold but demonstrate undeniable passion and determination. These trailblazers embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, showing unwavering commitment to overcoming obstacles. 

Outside of Work

On the weekend, you can catch me at live electronic shows with my friends or chasing my 80-pound Husky Malamute around. I’m also a bit of a travel fiend. I didn’t have the opportunity or resources to travel until my 20s. I prioritize it now because travel is the surefire way to grow empathy for yourself and others. Immersing yourself in new geos and connecting with strangers forces you to challenge and broaden your belief system.

My next endeavor? I would love to write a fantasy or sci-fi novel based on my aggregated travel experiences. I grew up in the fiction department at the public library as a kid. It’s also why my eyesight is absolutely horrendous!