Iris Y.

Iris Y.

5.0

Coach for Cracking into VC

Studied at Harvard Business School

Worked at Apple

Available Saturday at 12:00 AM UTC

Protected by the Leland Experience Guarantee

Available Saturday at 12:00 AM UTC

Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.

Iris’s Venture Capital Qualifications

Experience level: Associate

Open to working with clients outside the U.S.

Iris has helped clients get into these companies:

Welcome to my profile! With a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, I can bring a unique perspective to coaching aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in the venture capital industry. I've built several startups in both consumer and healthcare and worked in VC doing early-stage investing. I started off my career with a background as an operator and found my way into VC after doing operations, product, design and engineering - I have experience as a VC investor at Playground Global, where I worked on seed to Series A deals in the biotech and climate tech sectors. With my expertise in venture capital and product management, I am here to help you navigate the world of venture capital and achieve your career goals. Don't hesitate to reach out and let's discuss how I can support you in your journey!

Iris can help with:

Skill Building

Venture Capital Strategy

Deal Sourcing

LinkedIn Review

Resume Review

Networking Strategy

Due Diligence

Technical Interview Prep

Iris also coaches for MBA, Career Development, Product Management, and College. View all.

About Iris

Hi 👋! I'm Iris, a Harvard Business School graduate with nearly a decade of experience mentoring and coaching students through college, MBA, and job applications at Fortune 100 companies and in product roles. I've helped low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students through The Phoenix Scholars at Stanford and built organizations like Stanford Women in Design to provide career resources for women in design and business. As a freelance coach, I have a proven track record of helping clients gain admission to top schools like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and MIT. My personalized approach focuses on highlighting each client's unique strengths and crafting compelling narratives that showcase their true potential. I work closely with clients to provide strategic advice, constructive feedback, and unwavering support throughout the application process. By building strong relationships based on trust, I create a supportive environment that allows clients to explore their goals, overcome challenges, and develop the confidence to succeed. My mission goes beyond admissions; I aim to equip clients with the tools and self-awareness needed for a fulfilling career. With my background as an operator, VC investor, and startup founder, I've navigated various roles and pivots throughout my career. I'm here to be your champion and guide, helping you unlock your full potential and achieve your dreams.

Why do I coach?

The most fulfilling aspect of coaching for me is the opportunity to help someone reach their goals and unlock their potential in the process. It's a privilege to be a part of your unique journey and provide the support and guidance you need along the way. I believe everyone has a compelling story to tell, and I'm passionate about helping you share yours. As a first-generation Chinese American, I understand the challenges that women, minorities, and "non-traditional" applicants face when breaking into the MBA world. Drawing from my own experiences, I'm committed to helping you navigate this process and craft an application that truly showcases your strengths. When you work with me, you'll have a dedicated partner who is invested in your success. I'll work closely with you to identify your unique qualities, create a strong narrative, and build the confidence you need to pursue your dreams. If you're ready to take your application to the next level, I'm here to help. Let's collaborate to create an admissions package that authentically represents who you are and the bright future ahead of you. Reach out today, and let's start this transformative journey together.

Work Experience

Founder

Stealth Startup

December 2023 - Present

Investor

Playground Global

2022 - 2023

Playground is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in transformative businesses that drive progress and create multi-generational impact. We manage $1.2B, focused mostly on Series A investments (with the occasional Seed or Series B investment) in categories such as decarbonization, automation, AI/ML, security, infrastructure, life sciences, aerospace, and next-gen compute. Worked on Series A deals in Q3 2023: Atomic AI (Biotech) & Ideon (ClimateTech) Fundraising, Venture Capital and +2 skills

Senior Product Manager

January AI

May 2021 - September 2021

Building our in-app mobile user experience at January using biometric data to help consumers visualize daily health insights and modify their behavioral patterns (left to pursue MBA) Product Management

Product Manager

Brilliant

2018 - 2021

Product Manager for the mobile experience at Brilliant focused on expanding Brilliant’s portfolio into new smart home products Product Launch, Go-to-Market Strategy and +7 skills

Product Manager

Ultraleap

2017 - 2018

Acquired (Post-Series C aka Ultraleap) Business Strategy, New Product Release and +2 skills

iPhone Product Operations Manager & Product Design Engineer

Apple

January 2015 - December 2017

Led and managed largest iPhone UX research program for iPhone 6s & iPhone 7 launches. Ops iPhone new product integration manager, focused on end-user experiences, conducting and designing usability flows for key end-user scenarios. Focused on key user interaction areas for new technologies - 1st iPhone Taptic Engine (6s) & Force Touch launches, 1st Dual camera changes, and lightning fast Touch ID experiences.

Education

Harvard Business School

Master of Business Administration - MBA

2021 - 2023

Activities and societies: Women in Investing Board, Healthcare Club Entrepreneurship and Alumni Board, Entrepreneurship Club, Venture Capital & Private Equity Club, Tech Club

Stanford University

Bachelor of Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design

2010 - 2014

Activities and societies: Stanford Women in Design Founder, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Talisman & MixedCo Acapella Groups, Stanford Opera, Stanford Muay Thai

Iris was also personally admitted to