Jerry Yang is a prominent Taiwanese-born American entrepreneur and venture capitalist, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Yahoo! Inc. His journey began in 1994 when he and David Filo created “Jerry and David’s Guide to the World Wide Web,” which evolved into Yahoo!, a pioneering internet directory that attracted significant traffic and investment. Under Yang’s leadership, Yahoo! went public in 1996 and quickly became a leading internet company, showcasing his vision and strategic acumen in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Yang served as CEO from 2007 to 2009, during which he navigated the company through challenging times, including the rise of competitors like Google. His strategic decisions included a landmark investment in Alibaba, acquiring a 40% stake for $1 billion, which later yielded substantial returns for Yahoo! This investment is often cited as one of the best in American corporate history, highlighting Yang’s foresight and understanding of the global internet market.

After leaving Yahoo! in 2012, Yang founded AME Cloud Ventures, focusing on investing in data-centric startups. His firm has supported over 50 companies, including notable names like Zoom and Evernote, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to fostering innovation in technology. Yang’s influence extends beyond business; he has been a mentor to many startups, sharing his expertise and insights with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

In addition to his business achievements, Yang is actively involved in philanthropy and community initiatives. He has made significant contributions to educational institutions and cultural organizations, including a $75 million donation to Stanford University. His commitment to social causes is further exemplified by his role in co-founding The Asian American Foundation, aimed at addressing racism and supporting the AAPI community. Yang’s multifaceted career reflects his dedication to technology, innovation, and social impact.