Alfred Lin

Alfred Lin is a prominent American venture capitalist and a partner at Sequoia Capital, where he has been instrumental in investing in and advising various successful tech companies. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at Collaborative Robotics, a company focused on developing collaborative robots (cobots) that enhance productivity across multiple industries, including healthcare and logistics.

Career Overview

Lin's career began in the late 1990s when he co-founded LinkExchange, which was sold to Microsoft for $265 million. He later served as the COO, CFO, and Chairman of Zappos.com, where he played a key role in scaling the company and leading it to profitability before its acquisition by Amazon for $1.2 billion in 2009. After leaving Zappos in 2010, Lin joined Sequoia Capital, where he has continued to make significant investments in various sectors, particularly in consumer internet and mobile companies.25

Role at Collaborative Robotics

As a board member at Collaborative Robotics, Lin contributes his extensive experience in technology and operational management to help guide the company in its mission to revolutionize human-robot interaction. His involvement in the company has been highlighted during funding rounds, including a recent $100 million Series B funding led by General Catalyst, emphasizing the potential of cobots in enhancing operational efficiency in industries facing labor shortages and increasing automation demands.14

Educational Background

Lin holds a B.A. in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University and an M.S. in Statistics from Stanford University. His academic background, combined with his entrepreneurial experience, has positioned him as a leading figure in the venture capital landscape, known for his "Midas touch" in investments.23