Ian Hsiao

Physics graduate from Peking University building AI powered tools that solve real problems. I learn fast and solve problems, from sending 10,000 emails to validate Paper Visualizer to reaching out directly and landing a software engineering internship at Heptabase.

Before I started my journey in the tech world, I explored many interests including math, physics, psychology, brain machine interface, 3D animation, and more. To see what I have worked on before, please visit my work.

Peking University Class of 2025 (Physics)
prev SWE Intern at Heptabase (YC W22)
Ian Hsiao

i learn fast.

  • scored 59/60 on Taiwan's SAT equivalent (top 0.8%)
  • learned web development from scratch to build products with 100+ DAU and $30 MRR in less than 6 months

i solve problems.

  • cold emailed to land my first engineering job
  • sent 10,000 emails to get users for Paper Visualizer
  • interviewed 80+ people to validate product ideas

if it speaks to you, here are some moments that capture my personality, interests, and the journey that shaped me into who i am today.

2025 - i like to brainstorm visually: asking questions, answering questions, and connecting the dots.

2025 - when my thoughts converge, they could look likes this: clean and structured

2025 - gap year ended, i returned to Peking University and graduated with a physics degree

2024 - digital nomad across europe

2024 - in germany with my friend Jan

2024 - i was a soldier for 4 months in Taiwan

2024 - took a gap year to travel and learn

2024 - bret victor's stuff fascinates me; and yes, i take extensive notes

2024 - i cold emailed the founder of Heptabase and tapped into the startup world (thanks Alan!)

2023 - apparently japanese is greek letter + chinese words

2020 - dad jokes are the best

2020 - made my computer sing some Ed Sheeran

2018 - always wanted a GoPro - duct-taped one myself (v1.0)

2018 - sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones (this one sucked)

2018 - duct tape GoPro mount v2.0

2018 - strapping a power bank to make it portable

2017 - who doesnt like a good challenge?

2016 - subway surf no.1 in china server

2016 - apparently you can run coc on a computer

2015 - fascinated by 3D animation and modeling, learned Cinema 4D

2015 - more 3D adventures

2015 - burnt the motherboard of my 2007 old laptop in the end (i was 13)

drag or scroll horizontally to see more moments from my journey