Eric Yuan is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Zoom Communications, a company that has revolutionized the way people connect through video conferencing. Yuan’s journey began in Tai’an, Shandong Province, China, where he was inspired to create videotelephony software during long train rides to visit his girlfriend. After earning degrees in applied mathematics and geology engineering, he moved to Silicon Valley in 1997, joining WebEx as one of its first 20 employees. His contributions were pivotal in establishing WebEx as a leader in online meetings, culminating in its acquisition by Cisco Systems in 2007, where he served as vice president of engineering.

In 2011, after his innovative proposal for a mobile-friendly video conferencing system was rejected by Cisco, Yuan took a bold step and founded Zoom. The platform quickly gained traction, launching its first public iteration in 2013 and reaching one million users within months. Under Yuan’s leadership, Zoom has consistently been recognized for its ease of use and robust features, earning accolades from Gartner as a leader in web conferencing for several consecutive years.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant turning point for Zoom, as the demand for remote communication skyrocketed. By April 2020, the platform boasted over 300 million daily meeting participants, solidifying its status as a household name. Yuan’s strategic vision and commitment to user experience have driven Zoom’s growth, leading to a successful IPO in 2019 and a remarkable increase in market value during the pandemic.

Yuan’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; he was named Time’s Businessperson of the Year in 2020 and included in the Time 100 Most Influential People. As Zoom continues to expand its offerings, including Zoom Phone and Zoom Team Chat, Yuan remains dedicated to enhancing communication technology, ensuring that Zoom remains at the forefront of the digital collaboration landscape.