Ivan Zhao
Overview
- Source of Wealth
- Software
- Industry
- Technology
- Residence
- San Francisco, California
Biography
Ivan Zhao is the CEO and original founder of productivity software company Notion, which was last valued at $10 billion.
Notion's software is a minimalistic competitor to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
The software is popular among both business users and consumers. Zhao expects it to hit 100 million users in 2024.
Word-of-mouth growth has helped Zhao to keep Notion lean in employee count and profitable.
In turn, he has raised about $330 million at low dilution. He owns 30% of the company, Forbes estimates.
About
Zhao is particular about the design and aesthetics of a space. Notion's first three offices had a no-shoes policy.
He also hand-selected every piece of furniture in Notion's San Francisco headquarters.
His favorite is the Artek Aalto Stool, designed in 1933, which retails for about $400.