Yigang Yang

Topic - Venture Capital

Venture capital is a critical force in driving innovation and economic growth. It refers to the financing provided to startups and early-stage companies with high growth potential. Venture capitalists not only offer the capital needed for these ventures to scale but also provide strategic guidance, industry expertise, and valuable networks to help them succeed. This type of funding is often associated with technology, healthcare, and other high-impact sectors where innovation can lead to significant market disruption.

The venture capital process involves identifying promising startups, evaluating their potential, and making calculated investments with the expectation of long-term growth. In return, venture capitalists typically receive equity in the company, sharing in the risk and reward. Through this approach, venture capital has played a crucial role in the success of many groundbreaking companies, shaping industries and advancing new technologies.

About Yigang Yang 

Yigang Yang, is the Founding and Managing Partner of WaterStar Capital, an Atlanta based high-tech venture capital. Since the firm moved from Seattle to Atlanta in early 2019, Mr. Yang has led three VC funds under WaterStar Capital management to invested into 15 American and Canadian high-tech startups. With more than 30 years of North America, Greater China and international capital market, fund management experience, Mr. Yang established WaterStar’s patent driven investment philosophy focusing on North American high-tech startups. Currently, Mr. Yang serves as board directors for LumiThera Inc., board member for Seattle Gummy Company, KitoTech Medical Inc., and Product Creation Studio, Ltd. Previously he also served on the board of directors of Buderim Group Limited, an Australian public company. Prior to founding WaterStar Capital in 2016, he was the CEO of the largest Agricultural and Food Investment PE Fund in Asia - COFCO Agricultural Industry Investment Fund. In 2009, Mr. Yang was the President of Tianjin Yanshan Capital Management Co., Ltd., where he established the first Chinese leasing industry fund. He also served as the board of director of Tianjin Bohai Leasing Co., Ltd., a Chinese public company. From 1994 to 2009, Mr. Yang worked in New York as Managing Director for Asia Capital Group, Vice President for Credit Suisse First Boston. Prior to transferring from Credit Suisse China to Credit Suisse First Boston New York in early 1994, Mr. Yang was the Chief Credit Officer at Credit Suisse Beijing Representative Office. 

About WaterStar

WaterStar is a venture capital fund management firm specializing in IPdriven equity investments in early- to mid-stage high-tech startups. The
firm targets small companies with innovative technologies, offering not
only capital but also business intelligence and resources to enhance their
value. WaterStar also employs a strategic approach to safeguarding its
portfolio companies' intellectual property (IP) assets. Ultimately, the firm
leverages diverse exit strategies to maximize returns for its fund investors.