Yifan Zhang
About Yifan Zhang
Yifan Zhang is the Managing Director at AI2 Incubator and serves as an advisor to multiple companies, with a background in economics from Harvard University.
Managing Director at AI2 Incubator
Yifan Zhang currently holds the position of Managing Director at AI2 Incubator, starting in 2023 in Seattle, Washington, United States. AI2 Incubator specializes in fostering new AI startups by providing deep technical expertise and strategic business guidance. Zhang’s role likely involves overseeing the incubation process, guiding startups from early-stage development through to scalable business growth.
Advisor Roles
Yifan Zhang serves as an advisor to multiple companies, including Cloud-fence, Paralog, Mason, joe - mobile ordering and rewards, and Markable AI. Her advisory roles at these companies enable her to provide strategic insights, facilitate decision-making processes, and guide startups toward achieving their business objectives.
Former CEO at Loftium
From 2017 to 2023, Yifan Zhang was the CEO and Co-Founder of Loftium, a company acquired by Flyhomes. During her tenure, she led the company through significant growth and development, ultimately culminating in its acquisition. Loftium pioneered innovative financial solutions to help homeowners increase their wealth via shared income from short-term rentals.
CEO in Residence at Techstars
Yifan Zhang served as CEO in Residence at Techstars from 2023 to 2024 in Seattle, Washington. During her time at Techstars, a global platform for investment and innovation, she provided mentorship and support to emerging entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, helping them navigate complex business landscapes.
Educational Background
Yifan Zhang studied Economics at Harvard University, achieving her AB degree in 2010. Her education at one of the world's leading universities provided her with a strong foundation in economic principles and business strategies, which she has applied throughout her extensive career.
Previous Work Experience
Yifan Zhang has accumulated diverse professional experiences, including roles such as CEO and Co-Founder at GymPact from 2010 to 2017 in the San Francisco Bay Area and as a board member, founder, and former CEO of Styleta, Inc. from 2009 to 2012 in Cambridge, MA. She also interned at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Flybridge in 2009, where she gained experience in the financial sector.
Awards and Recognition
Yifan Zhang has received notable accolades, being named in Entrepreneur's '50 Most Daring Entrepreneurs' and Forbes '30 under 30'. These recognitions underscore her innovation, leadership, and impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Public Service Involvement
Yifan Zhang is actively involved in public service, serving on Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s One Seattle Civic Partnership and having served on former Mayor Jenny Durkan’s Innovation Advisory Council. These roles highlight her commitment to civic engagement and contributing to societal advancement.