Duke freshman Leon Zhang's Journey to Raising $350k & building a $1M Investment Firm | Ep 11

Leon Zhang, a Duke University freshman, entrepreneur, writer and researcher, shares his journey from childhood in China to becoming a research assistant at Columbia University at 13 years old!

Leon is an expert on China and its relationship with the outside World. He discusses the benefits of research and knowledge in solving real-world issues and the importance of understanding China's perspective in global relations.

Leon talks about his ventures in entrepreneurship, including founding Multum and raising $350,000 for his startup. He emphasises the value of building networks and the role of advisors in his success. Leon is the Founding Partner of Iuventus Capital which is raising $1m in capital.

Additionally, Leon highlights the significance of education and his role as an advisor for Yuto, bridging the gap between American and Chinese businesses.

In this conversation, Leon Zhang shares his experiences in building trust and facilitating investments, his future plans and mindset, advice for young entrepreneurs, the startup culture at elite universities, venture capital and entrepreneurship in China, and finding happiness and success. He emphasises the importance of trust, courage, and dedication in entrepreneurship and encourages listeners to pursue what makes them happy.

Takeaways Building trust is crucial in business relationships and can lead to successful investments and partnerships.

Being flexible and open to change can lead to exciting opportunities and personal growth.

Young entrepreneurs should have the courage to pursue their ideas and not wait for the perfect opportunity.

Engaging with the startup culture at universities can provide valuable connections and opportunities.

Venture capital firms look for individuals with a combination of maturity, courage, and dedication to their cause.

Entrepreneurship in China offers unique opportunities and challenges, and success requires understanding the local market and demands. Success is defined by personal happiness and fulfilment, and individuals should prioritize doing what makes them happy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:20 Childhood and Research Position at Columbia

03:13 Becoming a Research Assistant at Columbia University

06:23 Benefits of Research and Knowledge in Solving Issues

09:39 Writing Papers and Impact on Identifying Problems

12:45 China's Perspective on US Relations

15:22 Misunderstandings between China and the US

18:06 Improving US-China Relations

21:33 Venturing into Entrepreneurship with Maltem

22:03 Building Multum and Its Purpose

25:21 Starting Multum and Raising Funds

27:32 Building a Network and Juventus Capital

36:50 Importance of Education and Duke University

39:15 Advising Yuto and Blending Expertise

48:36 Building Trust and Facilitating Investments

51:06 Future Plans and Mindset

52:50 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

57:29 Startup Culture at Elite Universities

01:01:47 Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship in China

01:05:17 Finding Happiness and Success

01:06:25 Final Thoughts and Inspiration

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Youtube:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2133964/14121435