Rick Yang
Partner, Head of Technology·New Enterprise Associates
Bio
Professional summary
Rick Yang is Partner and Head of Technology at NEA. NEA's profile says he joined the firm in 2007 and now heads its technology investing practice, with a focus on fintech, consumer, and AI application investments. In addition to board positions at NEA portfolio companies, he serves on the Stanford Department of Athletics' investment fund board and the Stanford Engineering Venture Fund board. He is also an All Raise VC Champion and mentor for BLCK VC. Before NEA, Rick worked at Credit Suisse. He earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University, where he was also on the swim team.
Investment focus
Stage, sector, and overall fit
Stage
Sector
Thesis
How to approach
Framing and angles for outreach
Pitch framing
Pitch a technology company with strong founder/investor fit around fintech, consumer, or AI applications, and emphasize value alignment and direct communication.
Partneralization hooks
- 1His NEA interview emphasizes accessibility, truth seeking, and value alignment as traits founders should seek in an investor.
- 2Stanford engineering and athletics background, including service on Stanford-related investment boards.
- 3Mentorship and ecosystem work with All Raise and BLCK VC.
Recent signals
What the partner has said or done recently
NEA profile frames him as current head of the firm's technology practice and explicitly names AI application investments.
Background
Career, education, and skills
Career history
- New Enterprise Associates (NEA)Partner, Head of Technology2007 - Present (16+ years)
Education
- Stanford UniversityUndergraduate degree (competitive swimmer, walk-on)
Skills
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