Ivan Zhao

Ivan Zhao is the co-founder and CEO of Notion, a productivity software company that has transformed how individuals and teams organize their work. Born in China, Zhao began his tech career in the United States, specifically in Philadelphia and Seattle, before moving to San Francisco in 2011. His journey into entrepreneurship started when he recognized a significant gap in the market for versatile digital organization tools.15

Early Career and Founding of Notion

Zhao initially worked at Inkling, an eBook startup, where he began developing the first version of Notion. He teamed up with Simon Last and Akshay Kothari to create a platform that evolved from a tool for building apps to a comprehensive workspace solution that combines note-taking, project management, and databases.23 The initial concept was to allow users to create their own applications without needing coding skills. However, they quickly realized that most users preferred ready-made solutions rather than app-building capabilities.12

Vision and Philosophy

Zhao's vision for Notion centers around democratizing software creation, enabling users to customize their digital environments easily. He emphasizes solving real-world problems rather than just creating technology for its own sake. This approach has been pivotal in shaping Notion into a widely adopted tool across various industries.24

Achievements and Impact

Under Zhao's leadership, Notion has grown significantly, reaching a valuation of $10 billion. The platform is now used by millions globally, known for its flexibility and user-friendly interface. Zhao continues to advocate for innovation that enhances human productivity and creativity through technology.56

In summary, Ivan Zhao is not just a tech entrepreneur but a visionary who has fundamentally changed how people interact with digital tools, making complex processes accessible and manageable for everyone.