From a modest start to leading a $10 billion tech revolution, Ivan Zhao’s journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and the power of innovative design
Ivan Zhao is the creative mind and driving force behind Notion, a groundbreaking productivity app that has transformed the way millions of people organize, collaborate, and create. From his early days as a curious student in Canada to becoming a global tech entrepreneur, Zhao’s story is one of vision, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to design excellence.
Born in China, Zhao moved to Canada during his childhood. This early relocation exposed him to diverse cultures and ways of thinking, shaping his interest in the intersection of design, technology, and human behavior. Zhao pursued a degree in cognitive science at the University of British Columbia, a multidisciplinary field that combines psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy.
His academic training was pivotal, as it nurtured a mindset for approaching problems holistically. Zhao became fascinated by how tools could enhance human potential, an idea deeply influenced by his studies and a profound admiration for pioneers of computing like Douglas Engelbart, who believed in technology’s role in augmenting human intellect.
After university, Zhao worked as a designer, but he soon realized he wanted to create something that combined beauty and function—a tool that would empower people to think and work better. In 2013, he co-founded Notion Labs, Inc., in San Francisco alongside Simon Last. Their mission was ambitious: to design a flexible, all-in-one workspace that users could customize according to their needs without requiring any coding skills.
However, Notion’s early days were challenging. Despite its promise, the first version of the app failed to resonate with users. Funding was scarce, competition was fierce, and the team was on the brink of shutting down. Yet Zhao’s determination to fulfill his vision drove him and his team to rebuild Notion from scratch in 2015. This second attempt introduced a modular interface that allowed users to create databases, manage tasks, and take notes seamlessly in one platform. The result was a revolutionary tool that blended simplicity with versatility, paving the way for its future success.
At the core of Zhao’s success is his unique approach to leadership and design
By 2018, Notion was gaining traction among startups, freelancers, and tech-savvy users. Its ability to adapt to diverse workflows, whether for project management, knowledge sharing, or personal organization, set it apart from competitors. The app became especially popular among creative professionals who valued its aesthetic design and modular functionality.
Notion’s success was bolstered by Zhao’s emphasis on community. He encouraged users to share templates and workflows, creating a grassroots movement that extended Notion’s reach far beyond its original audience. This approach also fostered a sense of ownership among users, who became advocates for the product.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further accelerated Notion’s growth.
As remote work became the norm, teams and individuals turned to the app for its ability to unify fragmented workflows and keep everyone on the same page. By the end of the year, Notion was not just a tool but a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless imitators and solidifying its place as a leader in the productivity space.
In 2021, Notion reached unicorn status with a valuation of $10 billion. By 2024, it had amassed over 100 million users globally, becoming a staple in the digital toolkits of professionals, students, and organizations. What set Notion apart wasn’t just its features but the philosophy behind it. Zhao envisioned Notion as more than a productivity tool; it was a platform for creativity, problem-solving, and connection.
The funding and acclaim allowed Zhao to expand his team, invest in cutting-edge AI features, and enhance the platform’s capabilities. Despite its explosive growth, Notion maintained its user-focused ethos, a reflection of Zhao’s commitment to building tools that genuinely empower people.
At the core of Zhao’s success is his unique approach to leadership and design. Unlike many tech CEOs, Zhao prioritizes aesthetics and functionality equally, believing that a tool must not only work well but also inspire its users. His background in cognitive science and passion for art are evident in every aspect of Notion, from its clean user interface to its intuitive workflows.
Zhao is also deeply influenced by the history of computing and the philosophies of early tech visionaries. He often cites Engelbart’s idea of “augmenting human intellect” as a guiding principle, striving to create tools that help people think more effectively. This perspective has made Notion not just a product but a movement, resonating with users who share a desire to do more with less.
Today, Ivan Zhao is not only the CEO of Notion but a thought leader in the tech industry. His journey from struggling startup founder to the head of a $10 billion company is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and staying true to one’s vision. Yet Zhao shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to push the boundaries of what productivity tools can achieve, integrating AI to make Notion even smarter and more intuitive.
Zhao’s ultimate goal remains unchanged: to democratize computing and give users the tools to create their own solutions. Whether it’s a freelance designer organizing their projects or a multinational team collaborating across continents, Notion reflects Zhao’s belief in the power of technology to amplify human potential.
Ivan Zhao’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings to its position as a global leader, Notion embodies Zhao’s vision of a world where technology empowers people to think, create, and connect in ways they never thought possible. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Zhao’s impact will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.