Ivan Zhao: Biography, Career, and Business Insights

Ivan Zhao’s Profile Summary

Company	Notion
Position	CEO
Source of wealth	Technology, Software Development, Productivity Tools, Startups
Also known as	Entrepreneur
Age	Unknown
Education	Studied Cognitive Science (University of British Columbia)
Citizenship	Canada
Residence	San Francisco, California, USA
Family	Not publicly disclosed
Website, Social Media	https://x.com/ivanhzhao

Biography

Ivan Zhao is a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Notion, the productivity and collaboration software company. Founded in 2013, Notion has grown into one of the most widely used platforms for note-taking, task management, and knowledge sharing, particularly among startups, creative professionals, and remote teams. Under Zhao’s leadership, the company has developed a reputation for its minimalist design, flexible functionality, and strong community-driven growth.

Before starting Notion, Zhao studied cognitive science at the University of British Columbia, where his interests in design, psychology, and technology began to converge. His professional background includes work as a designer and engineer, experiences that shaped his vision for creating a tool that could blend simplicity with versatility. Alongside co-founder Simon Last, Zhao guided Notion through early challenges, including near collapse in 2015, before the company secured funding and achieved rapid adoption globally.

Zhao has often emphasized the importance of user feedback and community engagement in Notion’s development. The platform has gained significant traction without traditional advertising, instead relying on grassroots adoption, online advocates, and word-of-mouth marketing. This approach has allowed Notion to expand into international markets and become a key player in the productivity software landscape.

Through his role in building Notion, Ivan Zhao has become a well-known figure in the technology sector. His visibility reflects the platform’s influence in reshaping how teams and individuals organize work, though he is not regarded as an authoritative or dominant voice beyond his company.

How did Ivan Zhao make money?

Ivan Zhao makes money in the following areas:

Technology, Software Development, Productivity Tools, Startups
What is Ivan Zhao net worth?

As of 2026, Ivan Zhao’s net worth is estimated to be $1.7 B.

What is Ivan Zhao also known as?

Ivan Zhao is best known as an entrepreneur, software designer, and co-founder of Notion. He is recognized for combining design and engineering to create one of the most popular productivity platforms worldwide.

Prominent achievements

Co-founder & CEO of Notion

Guided Notion’s expansion into global productivity software markets

Known for community-driven growth and design-oriented approach

X (Twitter) followers: ~55,8К+

Trading Strategy

Not a trader

What are Ivan Zhao’s key insights?

Ivan Zhao advocates simplicity, design-first thinking, and user empowerment. He emphasizes community-driven product development, believing that software should be adaptable, minimalistic, and shaped by user feedback rather than heavy corporate marketing.

Personal life

Not publicly disclosed

Useful insights

Fundamental principles of investing

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Benjamin Graham - "The Intelligent Investor"
- Summary:
  
  Written by one of the most influential investment thinkers, this book outlines the principles of value investing. Graham emphasizes the importance of analyzing a company’s intrinsic value, long-term investment strategies, and avoiding emotional decisions driven by market fluctuations. The book also discusses defensive investing, focusing on preservation of capital and minimizing risk.
- Why read it:
  
  This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the core philosophy behind successful long-term investing. Graham’s principles influenced generations of investors, including Warren Buffett, making it an essential guide to navigating stock market risks with a focus on minimizing losses.
Ray Dalio - "Principles"
- Summary:
  
  Ray Dalio, founder of one of the world’s largest hedge funds, shares the life and work principles that led to his immense success. The book covers Dalio’s unique management and investment strategies, focusing on radical transparency, truth-seeking, and the importance of learning from mistakes. It also provides practical insights into organizational behavior and personal growth, making it valuable beyond just investing.
- Why read it:
  
  Dalio's "Principles" is a treasure trove of wisdom for investors and business leaders who wish to improve their decision-making. It’s a guide on how to align personal and professional life through well-defined, actionable rules.