Garry Tan

Garry Tan, the well-known entrepreneur and investor, was born on March 21, 1981. He would grow up to become a significant figure in the technology and venture capital sectors. Tan’s early life experiences and education laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in software development, investing, and business leadership.

In June 2003, Garry Tan graduated from Stanford University, where he studied Computer Systems Engineering. His education provided him with a solid understanding of both the technical and business aspects of technology, setting the stage for his future entrepreneurial ventures. Tan’s time at Stanford was instrumental in forming his ideas about technology and innovation.

Garry Tan joined Microsoft in November 2004 as a Program Manager on the Windows Mobile team. During this time, he gained valuable experience working within a major tech company, which allowed him to further develop his skills in software development and project management. His tenure at Microsoft provided him with insights into large-scale software development and innovation at a corporate level.

In 2008, Garry Tan co-founded Posterous, a blogging platform that simplified the process of sharing content online. Posterous was part of the Y Combinator winter 2008 batch, which helped the startup gain early traction and visibility in the tech community. As a co-founder, Tan played a critical role in developing and promoting the platform, which attracted a dedicated user base before being acquired by Twitter in 2012.

In August 2011, Garry Tan joined Y Combinator as a partner. During his time at Y Combinator, he provided mentorship and support to numerous startups, helping to guide them through the early stages of growth and development. His background as a successful entrepreneur equipped him with the insights needed to offer valuable guidance to new companies, many of which went on to achieve notable success.

In March 2015, Garry Tan co-founded Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments. Initialized Capital was designed to provide both funding and hands-on support to ambitious entrepreneurs committed to building impactful companies. Under Tan's leadership, the firm has made numerous successful investments in a variety of tech startups, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the tech ecosystem.

On May 10, 2019, Garry Tan appeared on The Tim Ferriss Show, where he discussed his career, investment strategies, and insights on the tech industry. This interview allowed him to share his experiences and lessons learned from both entrepreneurship and investing, providing listeners with valuable advice on how to navigate the challenges of building and scaling startups.

Garry Tan spoke at the Collision Conference in June 2021, sharing his perspectives on the evolving landscape of technology and venture capital. His speech highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs in a rapidly changing world. Tan's insights were well-received, providing a comprehensive look at what it takes to succeed in the competitive tech industry and the role of venture capital in fostering innovation.