William Gao
William Gao is a Chinese-American entrepreneur and investor. Gao gained media attention in 2011 when he co-founded SmartStudy, a Seoul-based education company that produces educational content for children. The company’s flagship product, “Pinkfong,” a children’s education brand, gained widespread popularity with their catchy tunes and engaging videos. The viral “Baby Shark Dance” song has since become a cultural phenomenon, amassing billions of views across various platforms.
Gao has also made significant contributions to the tech industry. He has invested in various startups, including the cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase, and the meal delivery service, DoorDash. He has also worked with influential figures in the tech industry, such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos.
One of the milestones in Gao’s career was his collaboration with the Chinese tech giant, Tencent. In 2018, Tencent acquired a majority stake in SmartStudy, valuing the company at over $800 million. The acquisition allowed SmartStudy to expand its reach and develop new educational products for children.
In addition to his work in the tech and education industries, Gao is also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. He has spoken at several events and conferences about the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees.