Driving change in business, culture and innovation
The fourth annual Asian American Summit in Northern California convened leaders from diverse industries to share insights on AI, entrepreneurship and much more. Through thought-provoking discussions and networking, the event showcased the future of innovation and how Asian Americans are driving progress and fostering community across business, culture and beyond.
160
Influential Asian American families
20
Cities
15+
Industries represented
Leadership in the Journey to the Future: America’s Race for AI
Ken Hao, Chairman and Managing Partner, Silver Lake
Anton Pil, Global Head of Alternative Solutions, J.P. Morgan
Anton Pil, Global Head of Alternative Solutions, J.P. Morgan
Ken Hao shared his journey from his family’s roots in China and Taiwan to leading one of the world’s largest technology investment firms. He reflected on the importance of deep relationships, embracing heritage, and taking calculated risks through Silver Lake’s “All In” investing approach to drive transformational value creation. The session explored Silver Lake’s investment philosophy, with a particular focus on the semiconductor industry and the massive opportunity presented by AI, as well as the growing role of family offices in private equity. Hao also emphasized the importance of Asian American leadership and spoke about his commitment to giving back in areas like healthcare and culture to help shape a more inclusive future.
Beyond the Trade: Leadership in Markets and Community
Peng Zhao, CEO, Citadel Securities
The CEO of Citadel Securities, Peng Zhao, shared his personal journey from Beijing to leading a global market-making firm, highlighting the influence of family, education, and risk-taking on his career. Peng discussed Citadel Securities’ technological approach to financial markets, the importance of recruiting passionate talent, and the evolving role of AI in finance. The session also addressed Peng’s philanthropic work with The Asian American Foundation, the significance of U.S.-China relations, and the impact of storytelling on Asian American representation.
High Stakes Education
Dr. Sriratna Pemmasani, Founder, The Pemmasani Foundation, UWorld
Dr. Sriratna Pemmasani shared the inspiring story of UWorld’s evolution from a small medical test prep site to a global educational powerhouse, driven by a commitment to affordable, high-quality learning. She shared lessons on scaling, teamwork and innovation. The session also highlighted her foundation’s focus on sustainable change, women’s empowerment and the importance of showing up as leaders in the community.
Asian American Alpha: Risks, Returns and Resilience of Private Markets
Amish Jani, Founder and Partner, FirstMark
Melissa J. Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Asia Alternatives Management LLC
Amir Malayery, Managing Director, Industry Ventures
Melissa J. Ma, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Asia Alternatives Management LLC
Amir Malayery, Managing Director, Industry Ventures
Industry leaders from venture capital and private equity explored the evolving landscape of private markets, emphasizing the value of illiquidity premiums and the impact of AI on investment strategies. The panel discussed the opportunities and challenges of investing in Asia, the importance of local expertise and the rise of secondary markets. Panelists shared actionable investment ideas, highlighting healthcare automation, embedded fintech and consumer AI as key areas of growth in a rapidly changing market.
Gastronomic Greats and the Pursuit of the Star
Srijith Gopinathan, Chef/Owner, Cal-India Collective
Richard Lee, Executive Chef, Saison
Richard Lee, Executive Chef, Saison
A true culinary delight, this panel brought together Michelin-starred chefs Gopinathan and Lee, who shared their personal journeys, family influences and the challenges of pursuing culinary excellence as Asian Americans in a demanding industry. They discussed the rigorous training, long hours and creative discipline required to achieve and maintain Michelin recognition, as well as the evolving role of social media in sharing culinary knowledge. The session concluded with the chefs presenting signature bites that reflected their cultural heritages and culinary artistry, highlighting the deep connection between food, identity and community.
Healthcare Stories of Success and Personal Growth
Andrew Cheng, President and CEO, Akero Therapeutics
Justin Kao, Partner, DFJ Growth
Chen Yu, Founder and Managing Partner, TCGX Ventures
Justin Kao, Partner, DFJ Growth
Chen Yu, Founder and Managing Partner, TCGX Ventures
Leaders from biopharma, life sciences investing and health tech shared how their Asian-American backgrounds shaped their careers, approaches to risk and leadership styles in the healthcare industry. They discussed the importance of diversity in driving innovation and business success, the challenges of representation at senior levels, and the need for self-advocacy and mentorship to help the next generation rise. The conversation also touched on supporting women in leadership, balancing humility with visibility and fostering inclusive networks to break through systemic barriers.
Outsider to Gamechanger
Vivek Ranadivé, Owner and Chairman, Sacramento Kings
Vivek Ranadivé shared his inspiring journey from arriving in the United States with just $50 to becoming a trailblazer in technology and the first Indian majority owner of an NBA team, the Sacramento Kings. He spoke candidly about how his childhood dreams, family values and love for learning shaped his ambition, and how he applied his passion for real-time data to transform both Wall Street and Sacramento’s downtown with a cutting-edge arena. Vivek also offered his personal perspective on the future of AI, emphasizing the exciting potential of 3D AI in the physical world, and celebrated the strong presence and influence of Asian Americans in today’s tech and business landscape.
Breaking Barriers: Asian American Icons and Legends in Film
Shannon Lee, CEO, Bruce Lee Enterprises
Joan Chen, Actress
Michelle Sugihara, Executive Director, Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment
Joan Chen, Actress
Michelle Sugihara, Executive Director, Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment
Shannon Lee and Joan Chen joined Michelle Sugihara for a candid discussion on Asian American representation in film and television. Drawing on personal stories and family legacies, they reflected on overcoming industry obstacles, the pressures faced by Asian women and the importance of authentic storytelling. The panel emphasized progress made, ongoing advocacy and mentorship for future Asian creatives.
Blending Health and Success: The Smoothie Revolution
Wan Kim, CEO, Smoothie King (SKFI)
Wan Kim, CEO and owner of Smoothie King, shared his personal journey from growing up in South Korea and working in his family’s business to taking bold risks and transforming Smoothie King into a global brand focused on healthy living. He discussed the challenges of changing company culture, overhauling product ingredients and leading through adversity, including the COVID-19 pandemic, by embracing innovation and a global perspective. Wan also reflected on his approach to parenting, emphasizing the importance of forging one’s own path and seeking growth through discomfort rather than following a predetermined legacy.
Breakout Sessions That Inspire
B-School Case Study: Your Path to Purpose-Driven Philanthropy
Examined real-world approaches for creating meaningful impact through philanthropy, equipping participants to pursue their own purpose-driven initiatives.
Husband and Wife Founders: From Startup to Scaling Hypergrowth
Reflected on the entrepreneurial journey of building and expanding a family business, covering the challenges and milestones of launching, scaling and securing investment.
Money and Wealth: Conversations with Your Children
Shared effective methods for opening up dialogue about wealth and legacy across generations, with an emphasis on passing down values and fostering responsible stewardship.
Tactical Investing Ideas In Times of Volatility
Provided actionable ideas for navigating uncertain markets, including techniques for portfolio diversification, risk mitigation and enhancing investment resilience.
Cybersecurity Unlocked: How Safe Are You?
Showcased innovations in AI-powered cyber protection, revealing new ways to detect threats, respond to incidents and safeguard sensitive data for families and businesses.
Executive Comp Alphabet Soup: ISOs, NQSO, QSBS and More!
Presented strategies for optimizing executive compensation, including stock options and tax-saving opportunities, while addressing the challenges of managing concentrated equity positions and effective risk management
Lessons from the Family Vault: Asset Allocation and Direct Investing
Discussed actionable investment strategies for navigating market volatility, including portfolio diversification, downside protection, income generation and risk management techniques to enhance resilience.
The Asian American Summit brings together leaders shaping success, offering families insights and strategies to seize opportunities and build lasting legacies.
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