Jay Zhao

Founder & Partner

Leonis Capital

Jay Zhao is the Founder & Partner of Leonis Capital, an early-stage venture fund specializing in AI, fintech, and enterprise SaaS. With over a decade of investment experience, he has backed 8+ unicorns and contributed to 12+ IPOs and acquisitions, helping founders transform bold ideas into industry leaders. An entrepreneur-turned-investor, Jay started his career at Granite Ventures, supporting companies like Anaplan, Marqeta, and Airbnb. He later joined Walden Ventures and co-founded a strategic VC fund backed by TCL before launching Leonis Capital. Driven by the AI super-cycle, he focuses on breakthrough technologies reshaping the future. Beyond capital, Jay partners closely with founders, leveraging insights from his own entrepreneurial journey, where he built and exited a company before transitioning to venture capital. A recognized industry speaker, he shares expertise on AI investing, venture trends, and company-building, making him a sought-after voice at conferences, panels, and podcasts.