In the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, few names shine as brightly as Zhang Mo. As the dynamic CEO and founder of Yi+, Zhang Mo has made significant waves in AI, transforming her startup into one of China’s leading AI computer vision unicorns. Her journey from a tech enthusiast to a pioneering entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing her exceptional vision and leadership in the tech industry.
Early Life and Education
Zhang’s story begins with a strong foundation in education and a supportive family background. Born and raised in China, she grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. Her parents, both educators, instilled in her the importance of knowledge and perseverance. Zhang Mo’s journey in the world of Internet technology began with her studies at Peking University and Nanyang Technological University. Her quest for knowledge led her to further hone her skills at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, where she earned a Master’s degree in AI.
Career Beginnings
Before founding Yi+, Zhang gained valuable experience working with some of the biggest names in the tech industry. Her career began with internships and entry-level positions that provided her with hands-on experience in AI and computer vision. She soon moved on to work with global tech giants like Huawei, Microsoft, and IBM, each role shaping her expertise and vision. At Huawei, Zhang Mo was involved in cutting-edge research projects. At Microsoft, she was exposed to advanced AI technologies, and at IBM, she was part of teams that developed pioneering AI solutions. With this impressive background, she founded Yi+ in June 2014, aiming to revolutionize the way we interact with visual content.
The Birth of Yi+
Yi+ specializes in building visual engines for AI systems. In 2019, the company made headlines by breaking the world record for accuracy in the Pascal VOC comp4 object detection challenge, becoming the first computer vision software to exceed 90% accuracy. This achievement put Yi+ on the map as a leader in the detection, recognition, understanding, search, and recommendation of scenes, objects, merchandise, and faces in images and videos.
Collaborations and Achievements
Under Mo’s leadership, Yi+ has collaborated with major clients like Huawei, Weibo, Qihoo 360, JD.com, and Qupai. The company’s sub-brand, Clothing+, serves as a visual search engine for fashion products, making it easier for users to find exactly what they’re looking for.
Advocacy and Recognition
But Mo’s influence extends beyond her company. She has been a global ambassador for “She Loves Tech,” advocating for women’s independence and rights. She has also attended the Women’s Technology Global Entrepreneur Conference for two consecutive years and was named one of the top 10 female entrepreneurs in the world by the same conference. Her efforts to promote gender equality in the tech sector have made her a role model for young women everywhere.
Prestigious Invitations
Zhang’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been invited to prestigious events like the F4D UN First Lady Luncheon at the Pierre Hotel in New York, where she joined world leaders and influential figures to promote women’s and children’s welfare. Her presence at such events underscores her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Yi+’s Corporate Culture
Yi+ continues to thrive under Zhang Mo’s leadership, fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that helps female employees develop their careers in the tech sector. The company’s success lies in its ability to blur the lines between entertainment and life, providing users with innovative ways to interact with content through its powerful visual search engine, facial recognition tool, and analysis engine.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Zhang Mo has ambitious plans for Yi+ and beyond. She aims to continue pushing the envelope with innovative AI solutions that address real-world challenges. A key part of her vision is fostering a diverse and inclusive corporate culture that empowers all employees to reach their full potential.
In Zhang Mo’s own words, “Amazingly, there are still many people that doubt women’s ability to be successful in the tech industry. Although this is changing, there is still a long way to go. I hope my attendance, and that of all the successful women here today, shows young women everywhere that you can achieve your dreams. If you have passion, drive, and a relentless attitude, everyone can succeed regardless of background, gender, or race.”
Zhang Mo’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to her vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With her at the helm, Yi+ is set to continue breaking barriers and setting new standards in the world of AI and computer vision.
