Today we’d like to introduce you to Ning Zhang
Hi Ning, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins at Peking University, where I pursued a dual degree in Finance and Statistics. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for my future career in business and technology. During my time there, I was a founding member of the Capital Markets Association, which ignited my passion for finance and investment.
After graduation, I joined General Electric’s Corporate Audit Staff and Financial Management Program. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into global business operations and financial management. It was here that I honed my skills in risk assessment, strategic analysis, and financial modeling.
In 2010, I took a leap into entrepreneurship, co-founding Wozai Technologies. We launched China’s first mobile ad exchange platform, scaling it to over 100 million daily ad impressions. This venture taught me the intricacies of the mobile advertising ecosystem and the challenges of building a startup from the ground up.
My entrepreneurial success led me to Wandou Labs, where I served as VP of Monetization. During my tenure, we grew revenue from $5 million to $100 million in just three years. I spearheaded the development of an In-App Purchase platform and launched several major advertising products, significantly boosting the company’s revenue streams.
Following this, I joined JD.com as Director of Corporate Development, where I led strategic investments and partnership projects. This role broadened my understanding of e-commerce and corporate strategy on a larger scale.
Since 2018, I’ve been with Zhihu Inc., currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer and SVP. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to lead company operations, drive user growth, and oversee strategic initiatives. I’ve been instrumental in our financing rounds and played an active role in our NYSE and Hong Kong IPO processes.
Throughout my career, I’ve maintained a passion for sharing knowledge. I’ve authored a book called “Creators,” write a popular newsletter on “Platform Thinking,” and contribute regularly to Bloomberg BusinessWeek.
This journey has been a continuous learning experience, blending technology, finance, and strategic leadership. Each role has built upon the last, allowing me to develop a comprehensive understanding of business operations and innovation in the digital age.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
While my career has been rewarding, it certainly hasn’t been without its challenges. Like any journey in the fast-paced world of technology and business, there have been significant hurdles to overcome.
One of the most notable struggles came during my time as a co-founder and CEO of Wozai Technologies. Launching the first mobile ad exchange platform in China was a monumental task. We were essentially creating a new market, which meant educating potential clients, building trust in a novel technology, and competing against established advertising channels. The pressure of scaling to 100 million daily ad impressions while managing the uncertainties of a startup was intense.
Another significant challenge arose during my tenure at Wandou Labs. Growing revenue from $5 million to $100 million in just three years required not only innovation but also rapid adaptation to market changes. Building the In-App Purchase platform from scratch presented technical challenges and required delicate negotiations with mobile carriers and payment solution providers. We had to constantly innovate to stay ahead in the highly competitive mobile advertising space.
At Zhihu, leading the company through its IPO processes on both NYSE and Hong Kong exchanges was a complex and demanding endeavor. Navigating the regulatory requirements, managing investor expectations, and ensuring the company was prepared for public scrutiny required immense effort and attention to detail.
Throughout my career, I’ve also faced the ongoing challenge of staying ahead in an industry that evolves at breakneck speed. The rapid advancements in AI, changes in user behavior, and shifts in the global economic landscape have required constant learning and adaptation.
Balancing the demands of high-level corporate roles with my passion for writing and knowledge sharing has also been a struggle at times. Maintaining a popular newsletter and contributing to publications like Bloomberg BusinessWeek while managing executive responsibilities requires careful time management and dedication.
Despite these challenges, each struggle has been a learning opportunity, contributing to both personal and professional growth. They’ve shaped my leadership style and deepened my understanding of the tech industry’s complexities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work is centered at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and operational leadership, particularly in the digital and social media space. As the Chief Operating Officer and SVP at Zhihu Inc., China’s largest Q&A platform, I specialize in driving user growth, product development, and strategic initiatives that shape the future of online knowledge sharing.
I’m known for my ability to scale businesses rapidly and sustainably. At Wandou Labs, for instance, I grew revenue from $5 million to $100 million in just three years. This knack for identifying growth opportunities and optimizing operations has become a hallmark of my career.
One of my key specialties is in monetization strategies for digital platforms. I’ve built In-App Purchase platforms, launched innovative advertising products, and consistently improved value propositions for advertisers. My experience spans from startup environments to large, publicly traded companies, giving me a unique perspective on how to drive growth at various stages of a company’s lifecycle.
I’m also recognized for my expertise in strategic planning and investments, particularly in the AI and EdTech sectors. At Zhihu, I’ve directed corporate development activities and made strategic investments that have created million-dollar revenue opportunities.
What I’m most proud of is my role in democratizing knowledge and fostering learning communities. Whether it’s through my work at Zhihu, my book “Creators,” or my “Platform Thinking” newsletter, I’m committed to sharing insights and fostering intellectual growth.
What sets me apart is my multifaceted experience across different roles and company sizes, from entrepreneurial ventures to multinational corporations. This diverse background allows me to approach challenges with a holistic view, combining financial acumen, technological understanding, and strategic insight.
Moreover, my ability to not just execute but also articulate complex business concepts sets me apart. As a regular columnist for Bloomberg BusinessWeek and an author, I’ve honed the skill of translating intricate business and tech concepts into accessible insights for a wide audience.
Lastly, my global perspective – gained from working with international companies and navigating cross-cultural business environments – enables me to bring a broad, inclusive approach to problem-solving and innovation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Any big plans?
I’m excited to share that I’m planning some significant changes in my career trajectory, with a particular focus on expanding my horizons to the United States, and specifically to the vibrant tech ecosystem of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has become a hotbed for innovation, especially in areas where technology intersects with entertainment and media – something that aligns perfectly with my background in digital platforms and content. I’m looking forward to immersing myself in the LA tech scene and contributing to its growth.
One of my primary goals is to engage in angel investing in the LA area. The startup ecosystem here is incredibly dynamic, and I’m eager to support and mentor promising entrepreneurs, particularly those working on innovative AI applications. I believe my experience in scaling platforms and navigating the complexities of the Chinese tech market can provide a unique perspective to LA-based startups looking to grow globally.
I’m also seriously exploring the possibility of launching my own AI-focused startup right here in Los Angeles. While it’s still in the planning stages, I’m envisioning a venture that leverages cutting-edge AI technologies to address significant challenges in knowledge sharing and personalized learning. Los Angeles, with its diverse talent pool and creative energy, seems like the perfect place to bring this vision to life.
Additionally, I plan to continue and expand my thought leadership activities. I’m considering adapting my “Platform Thinking” newsletter to include more perspectives from the LA tech scene, and I’m exploring partnerships with local universities and tech incubators to share insights and foster cross-cultural innovation.
This transition to Los Angeles represents an exciting new chapter in my career. I’m looking forward to becoming an active member of the LA tech community, learning from local innovators, and hopefully contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a global tech hub.
While these plans represent a significant shift, the core of my mission remains the same: to drive innovation in how people access, share, and create knowledge in the digital age. By bringing my experience to Los Angeles and engaging with the local ecosystem, I hope to create value and foster connections between the Eastern and Western tech worlds.
I’m energized by the prospect of applying my experience to the unique context of Los Angeles, learning from the diverse and creative community here, and being part of the city’s exciting tech future. I can’t wait to dive in and see what we can build together in this incredible city.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://pt.plus
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/neozhang
- Twitter: https://x.com/neozhang
