Gratitude and Reflections: Three Years at Leonis Capital

Thanksgiving just rolled by, bringing with it a milestone that means a lot to me - three years since the inception of Leonis Capital.

It's more than a date on the calendar; it's a time to pause, reflect, and share stories. Let me take you through three quick stories of my life that explain why I wake up excited about Leonis every single day.

The First Story: Belief

This one’s about yours truly. Picture a small village in China - that's where my journey begins. In the 1980s in China, dreams often got tangled up in the confines of a score-centric education system and societal expectations. There I was, a kid under a dim lamp, wrestling with English, a language as foreign to me as the moon. But here's the twist - English turned out to be my ticket to an entirely new adventure.

I poured my hopes and rough English into admission essays for schools overseas - the US, UK, Singapore - I tried them all. In the end, it was a school in the US that took me in and offered me a scholarship. The day the letter came, I remember calling my parents, tears mixing with laughter. There was someone, thousands of miles away, who believed in a kid they'd never met. That's where I learned a life-changing lesson: belief can move mountains, or at least, it can move a kid across the world.

The Second Story: Investing in Others

The second story is about Alex. Fast forward a few years in the U.S., and I found my voice, thanks to a public speaking group. It was empowering, and I was eager to plant that seed back in China. That's where I met Alex Li, a mirror image of my younger self, struggling with English but hungry to learn.

Together, we kickstarted a public speaking chapter. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but watching Alex evolve and seeing how the chapter we nurtured impacted hundreds was like watching a plot unfold where everyone's a hero. It's moments like these that showcase the real magic of investing in others - you get to create a meaningful impact that way.

The Third Story: Unconditional Inclusion

The third story is about Alan. In college, while dabbling in my first startup, I connected with Alan through a mentorship program. Alan was a school alumnus, about 25 years my senior. This wasn't just about business graphs and market strategies; it was about life lessons. Alan and his wife didn't just mentor me; they welcomed me into their family unconditionally, teaching me the ropes of life in America and the art of paying it forward.

Alan was patient, more like a friend than a mentor. Decades on, and we're still as close as ever. Just last week, we caught up over Thanksgiving dinner, and all those years just seemed to flash by. Friends like Alan don't just guide you; they leave an imprint on your soul.

So, there you have it - three stories spanning over two decades since I left China. They're not just memories; they're the reasons why I love what I do.

For me, venture capital is not just about the thrill of tech innovation or backing the next big thing. It's about the people, the challenges, and the life lessons that keep you grounded, yet always dreaming.

Life is full of different chapters - some with people who lift you up, others that test your patience. But each one holds its own value. And in a world where it's easy to overlook those who seem different or to dismiss the underdog, that's where I find my calling.

That's why I started Leonis three years ago - to back the unlikely, the underestimated, and the optimists carrying chips on their shoulders. Because, at the end of the day, that's what makes this journey personal, and oh so worth it.