Iris Y.
5.0
Coach for Cracking into VC
Studied at Harvard Business School
Worked at Apple
Available today at 11:00 PM 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
Princeton University
Pomona College
Dartmouth College
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Southern California
Cornell University
Washington University in St. Louis
Duke University
Columbia University
The Wharton School (UPenn)
Harvard Business School
24 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Knowledge
5.0
Value
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Supportiveness
5.0
Iris has helped clients get into these schools:
Iris has helped clients get into these companies: