I Embraced Every Chinese Custom—Then Made a Risky Move That Shocked Everyone!

In the fast-moving world of technology, the journey from student to startup founder can often be filled with twists and turns. Yuhao Xu, a former engineer at Meta (formerly known as Facebook), has experienced this evolution firsthand. After earning his degree in computer science from Zhejiang University, one of China's prestigious institutions, Xu pursued the American dream by studying software engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His aspirations mirrored those of many Chinese students: a stable career at a Big Tech company in Silicon Valley.

Xu's family, who ran small businesses in China, instilled in him the value of stability and status. They viewed a job at a major tech firm as a ticket to a secure life. In 2018, following his graduation, he began his career at Meta, working on the Stories feature. Here, he found himself surrounded by talented peers, engaging in projects that could impact millions. His first role involved optimizing a button in the app—a seemingly simple task that held the potential to generate millions in revenue based on user engagement.

Leaving Stability for Innovation

While the structured environment of a large corporation provided a clear path to success with opportunities for promotions and team expansions, Xu soon realized that true innovation often occurs outside of these established frameworks. "Big companies are usually about scale and about how to optimize its metrics," he noted. This realization prompted a significant shift in his career trajectory.

After nearly three years at Meta, Xu returned to China in 2021 to work for the Japanese startup SmartNews, where he focused on AI projects. The rise of AI technologies, particularly with the emergence of tools like ChatGPT, reignited his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2024, he co-founded Kuse, an AI-powered visual workspace. At this point in his life, shortly after getting married, Xu made a conscious choice to prioritize innovation over financial certainty. "Money and certainty were a big part of what I gave up," he reflected, acknowledging the support of his family in this transition.

Xu's journey offers valuable insights for young professionals contemplating a similar leap into entrepreneurship. "When younger people ask me whether they should start a company or join a startup, my answer is usually no. People underestimate the risks," he advised. The pressure of entrepreneurship is not solely financial; it can also strain personal relationships. While many of his former classmates continue to enjoy the comforts and predictability of jobs at Big Tech, Xu finds satisfaction in the dynamic and often unpredictable world of startups.

The Landscape of Opportunities

The global economy has been characterized by volatility in recent years, and this has impacted young professionals worldwide, pushing some toward risk-taking while others seek security. In the Chinese community, Xu observes two distinct trends. "Some people take even more risks. Others want a safer job," he explained, highlighting the paradoxical nature of today's job market.

The advent of AI has lowered the barriers to startup creation, allowing more individuals to consider entrepreneurship. "In every industry, everything can be rebuilt with AI," Xu shares, emphasizing the transformative power of technology. However, the landscape has changed since 2020; layoffs have become a common occurrence, creating a more cautious environment for professionals, particularly those on work visas. This precarious situation can make the prospect of leaving a stable job for a startup even more daunting.

For Xu, the uncertainty of startup life is a double-edged sword. The constant need to adapt marketing strategies, technical solutions, and customer-facing products adds layers of complexity to running a business. Yet, he finds joy in the challenges, stating, "I’m much happier than before." The journey from a structured corporate environment to the thrill of startup innovation illustrates the evolving narratives of professionals in today's technology landscape.

Ultimately, Yuhao Xu's story is a testament to the shifting paradigms of work and aspiration in the technology sector. As potential entrepreneurs weigh the risks and rewards of startup life, Xu’s experiences serve as a guiding narrative, encouraging them to find what truly resonates with their goals and values in an ever-changing economic landscape.