My Backstory

Raised in the historic city of Suzhou, China, often celebrated as the ‘Venice of the East’ my early childhood memory was mostly exploring the local gardens with temples, pavilions, and rock sculptures; a number of those dating from the 11th to the 19th century. I was always fascinated by nature and strongly curios about how biology worked: from insects to animals. At home, my parents shaped my early fascination with building business and impactful healthcare: my entrepreneurial father built a successful business with lessons from the School of Hard Knocks and a small family savings account, and my compassionate mother, a dedicated nurse worked tirelessly to provide the best care possible to her patients. Inspired by the drive and commitments of my parents, and without knowing anyone in Canada or even speaking a full sentence in English, I followed my passion in biology and decided to move by myself to Canada at the age of 15 to study science. During my Ph.D., studies in neuroscience at the University of Toronto, significant health changes in my family proved to be a pivotal moment in deepening my mission to make an impact from bench to bedside. After completing my Ph.D., I decided to follow an entrepreneurial path and co-founded a digital therapeutics company focused on neurological disorders. That journey was a tapestry of highs and lows, but when the chips were down I always reminded myself of the mission and impact and many thank you letters from patients who benefited from our products. Fueled by this experience I ultimately was open to new paths to make a positive impact on patients. I ultimately ended up pitching the Lumira team for capital and while they turned me down they did offer me the opportunity to join the team and engage in the world of venture capital. The idea of working with a group of really passionate, smart, and hardworking people at the intersection of business and healthcare to make the world a better place for patients reminded me of the inspiration I took from my parents. Just like starting the new chapter of my life in Canada when I was in high school, without any hesitation, I started my journey with Lumira and never looked back…

What Drives Me Today

As a passion-driven investor exclusively focused on healthcare, I am motivated by a profound desire to make a tangible, positive impact on patients’ lives. This goes beyond financial returns and includes being a part of revolutionary advancements that can transform healthcare. Investing in disruptive innovations offers the opportunity to contribute significantly to societal well-being. Additionally, there is a strong commitment to accelerating the commercialization of translational research from academic institutions. Transforming promising research into viable therapeutics or medical devices is crucial in providing better treatment options and improving the healthcare landscape. This holistic approach combines a personal passion for healthcare, a keen eye for innovation, and a dedication to nurturing ideas that can make a real difference in patient care and medical outcomes.