Hidden Gems: Meet Tommy Zhonghao Chen of T&J Brothers Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Zhonghao Chen

Hi Tommy Zhonghao, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always been drawn to exploration and taking risks, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to accomplish something meaningful. Born and raised in Shenzhen, China—a city that has thrived since the 1979 reform and opening-up policy—I grew up surrounded by rapid development and innovation. This environment, along with my family’s background in construction management and civil engineering, naturally influenced my decision to pursue landscape architecture when I started college in 2014 after moving to the United States in 2012.
Although I enjoyed landscape design, I realized it might not be my long-term career path. Seeking to broaden my skillset, I added an architecture minor and taught myself business management online. This journey led me to discover an interest in real estate and structural development. In 2018, a friend and I made our first significant pre-IPO investment in INmune Bio Inc. (NASDAQ: INMB), which yielded positive returns and fueled our ambition.
By 2019, we decided to scale up. Partnering with friends and family, we began raising funds for IPOs and private placements. In 2021, I earned my Master’s in Real Estate with a focus on sustainable development from NYU. Simultaneously, I gained practical experience working on ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) design-build projects during the pandemic, though my learning opportunities there were limited.
Through networking, I connected with a biotech company, Marizyme Inc., in 2019. This required extensive due diligence, especially given our limited experience, and involved many meetings and fundraising efforts. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully closed our first deal with Marizyme in 2020 and a second in 2021. In 2023, Marizyme achieved a significant milestone by receiving FDA clearance for its flagship product and obtaining SEC approval for a major U.S. exchange listing.
That same year, I had the opportunity to support Armlogi Holding Inc. in fundraising and advisory efforts, which culminated in its successful NASDAQ listing in 2024 under the ticker BTOC. These two achievements marked pivotal moments in my career. Alongside these ventures, I’ve also provided advisory to companies in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and the U.S., helping them expand and occasionally making strategic investments.
In recent years, I’ve become more selective, focusing on supporting companies that create meaningful impacts on human society and the environment. The journey has not been without struggles, including moments when we faced financial shortfalls that challenged our ability to sustain basic living expenses. However, these experiences have shaped me and reinforced my commitment to creating long-term value through impactful investments.
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our focus into building renovations, with a particular emphasis on implementing green strategies. By prioritizing sustainable development practices, such as energy-efficient upgrades, renewable energy integration, and materials reuse, we aim to contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment. This approach aligns with the growing global demand for environmentally responsible infrastructure and creates long-term value for both investors and communities. Our goal is not only to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of existing structures but also to support the transition toward a more sustainable future in real estate and construction.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting out, we didn’t have a lot of resources—whether it was money or experience—and there were times when we struggled to keep things going, even just covering basic living expenses. Raising funds early on was a huge challenge. We relied a lot on friends and family, and convincing people to trust us wasn’t easy when we were still building our reputation.

Then the pandemic hit, and that brought everything to a standstill. Deals we were working on were delayed or fell apart altogether, and we had to adapt to a world that felt completely unpredictable. For example, with our first biotech investment, the amount of due diligence required was overwhelming, especially with our limited experience. We had countless meetings and hurdles to overcome, but it was all a huge learning curve.

Every challenge taught us something, though. From managing cash flow under pressure to finding creative ways to rebuild connections, these tough moments pushed us to become more resourceful and resilient. It hasn’t been easy, but those struggles have shaped us and made us more determined to succeed. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those experiences—they’ve been key to our growth.

We’ve been impressed with T&J Brothers Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
T&J Brothers Group is an investment and advisory firm that focuses on sectors like biotech, real estate, and logistics. We help companies grow by providing strategic guidance, raising capital, and connecting them with the right networks. Our main focus is on working with businesses that create positive, lasting impacts—whether it’s through innovation, sustainability, or improving the way we live and work.

What sets us apart is our hands-on, personalized approach. We’re not just looking for quick financial returns. We want to be partners in long-term success. For example, we were proud to help Armlogi Holding Inc. achieve its successful NASDAQ listing. We’ve also worked with companies like Marizyme Inc. to navigate complex processes and grow sustainably.

What we’re most proud of is the relationships we’ve built and the positive changes we’ve contributed to. At T&J Brothers Group, we’re about creating real value—both for the businesses we support and for the broader communities and industries we impact. If you’re looking for a partner who values long-term growth and innovation, we’re the right fit.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, the biggest thing that’s worked for me is just talking to people. Lots of communication—reaching out, having honest conversations, and building relationships naturally. It’s not about asking for something immediately, but more about connecting, learning, and seeing where things go.

One piece of advice I’d give is that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve been there before and learned the hard way. Not everything that glitters is gold, so always trust your instincts and do your due diligence. Building genuine connections is key, but it’s equally important to be cautious and discerning when opportunities arise. Real, valuable relationships take time to build, so stay patient and authentic in your approach.