The complete story of how I went from borrowing money from friends and family to closing VC rounds across 7 ventures
My journey began at 15, winning a school startup competition and making my first $2,000. That spark led me to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with one dream: to become a builder. The next seven years taught me what it truly takes to build something real.
I spent 10 days in Shanghai raising money to launch my first business - a travel product platform. The development took months, but I learned that having an idea and building a sustainable business are completely different challenges. I pivoted to a content agency, but lost clients due to quality issues. I ran an event agency that bled money. I trusted a large marketing firm that burned my cash with zero results. I had conflicts with my co-founder, ending another venture overnight.
My smart farm startup won competitions but failed to secure permits. My team quit from exhaustion, leaving me alone to launch a 'cloud farming' service that failed to monetize despite initial traction.
My final venture, a BioAI startup, seemed promising. We raised over $300,000 from angels and VCs, secured office space at Hong Kong Science Park, and hit multiple milestones. But market shifts, dense patent landscapes, and hiring mistakes eventually burned through all our capital. The company that once attracted investors closed its doors. Those who sought my advice when I was succeeding disappeared when I failed.
Over 7 years, I went through every stage of startup funding. Each step taught me something money can't buy:
After experiencing both failures and successes, I realized the world's startup ecosystems are incredibly diverse. Each region offers unique opportunities, cultural approaches, and funding landscapes. Silicon Valley isn't the only game in town anymore.
In the AI era, I believe everyone will become AI-powered entrepreneurs. Individual creators can now leverage AI to operate like entire organizations. My goal is to build the base camp where these solo entrepreneurs gather, connect with skilled individuals, and explore new possibilities together.
The Vibe is built on the belief that AI will democratize entrepreneurship. We're creating a platform where solo entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools, form project-based alliances, and operate without traditional organizational overhead.
This isn't just about sharing knowledge. It's about building a global community of AI-powered individuals who support each other's growth while exploring the world's most innovative ecosystems. We're preparing for the era where everyone becomes an entrepreneur.
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