Eric Yuan: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Eric Yuan’s Profile Summary

Company	Zoom Video Communications
Position	Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zoom Video Communications.
Source of wealth	Equity stake in Zoom Video Communications, salary and compensation as CEO, stock options and company growth dividends.
Also known as	Philanthropist, Public speaker.
Age	55
Education	Shandong University of Science and Technology - Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics, China University of Mining and Technology - Master's degree in Engineering.
Citizenship	United States
Residence	San Jose, California, U.S.A.
Family	Eric Yuan is married and has three children.
Website, Social Media	https://www.zoom.com/

Eric Yuan’s biography

Eric Yuan was born in 1970 in Tai'an, Shandong, China. He earned a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics and a master's degree in engineering from Shandong University of Science and Technology. Yuan’s passion for video conferencing technology began during his early years in China, when he had to travel long distances to see his girlfriend, leading him to envision a tool that could bridge geographical gaps. In 1997, he moved to Silicon Valley, though it took him multiple attempts to secure a U.S. visa. Yuan started his career at WebEx, a video conferencing company, where he played a pivotal role in its development. WebEx was later acquired by Cisco Systems, and Yuan became Vice President of Engineering at Cisco. However, he became dissatisfied with the existing video conferencing products and decided to build something better. In 2011, Yuan founded Zoom Video Communications with the goal of making video communication frictionless. His leadership and foresight helped Zoom become a globally recognized platform, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it became indispensable for remote work, education, and social interactions. Yuan is widely regarded for his customer-first approach, his strong engineering background, and his emphasis on creating user-friendly, high-quality products. He became a U.S. citizen in 2007 and is recognized as one of the most influential tech leaders of the modern era.

How did Eric Yuan make money?

Eric Yuan makes money in the following areas:

Equity stake in Zoom Video Communications, salary and compensation as CEO, stock options and company growth dividends.
What is Eric Yuan net worth?

As of 2025, Eric Yuan’s net worth is estimated to be $4.9B.

What is Eric Yuan also known as?

Eric Yuan is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through his contributions to education and healthcare causes. He has pledged millions of dollars to initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide and supporting remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yuan is a sought-after public speaker, frequently appearing at industry conferences and events where he shares insights on leadership, technology innovation, and entrepreneurship. His personal story of perseverance and vision, from his early struggles to his success with Zoom, has inspired many.

Prominent achievements of Eric Yuan

Named Time's 2020 Businessperson of the Year, Zoom's market capitalization exceeded $100 billion at its peak during the pandemic, recognized by Forbes as one of the richest self-made billionaires in tech, included in Bloomberg’s list of world’s billionaires, instrumental in Zoom's rapid global expansion and widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What are Eric Yuan’s key insights?

Eric Yuan’s business philosophy revolves around customer-centricity, simplicity, and continuous improvement. He believes in creating products that solve real-world problems and are easy to use. His leadership style emphasizes humility, listening to users, and always striving to make a positive impact. Yuan values work-life balance and promotes a corporate culture of empathy, ensuring that employees feel valued and empowered. He often highlights the importance of perseverance, innovation, and maintaining a vision for the long term.

Eric Yuan’s personal life

Eric Yuan’s family consists of his wife, with whom he has been married for several decades, and their three children. While Yuan tends to keep his personal life private, it is known that his family has played a significant role in supporting him throughout his entrepreneurial journey. His wife, in particular, was a key influence during his early years, encouraging him to pursue his move to the United States to further his career in technology.

Useful insights

Understanding market forces

In my experience, to truly succeed as an investor, it’s essential to understand the driving forces behind market behavior. Market movements aren’t random—they’re influenced by a range of economic theories and dynamics. The following books provide valuable insights into these forces, offering a deeper understanding of how global financial markets operate and what shapes their trends.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb – "The Black Swan"
- Summary:
  
  Taleb explores the concept of rare, unpredictable events—so-called "Black Swans"—that can have massive impacts on markets and society. These events are often overlooked by traditional risk management models, leading to devastating consequences when they occur. Taleb illustrates how these unpredictable shocks shape our world, often more than gradual, expected changes.
- Why read it:
  
  This book challenges conventional thinking about risk and uncertainty, showing that many major historical and financial events were "Black Swans." It's a vital read for investors who want to build resilience in the face of market volatility.
John Maynard Keynes – "The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money"
- Summary:
  
  Keynes revolutionized economics by focusing on total demand within an economy and its effect on output and inflation. His theory suggested that government intervention could stabilize economic cycles through fiscal and monetary policy. The book also explains the consequences of under-consumption and the role of interest rates in managing economic stability.
- Why read it:
  
  For investors interested in macroeconomic trends and policy impacts, Keynes’ work is essential. Understanding the Keynesian framework can help investors predict how government actions might influence market performance.