Andrew Lao
Investment Associate
San Jose, California, United States
Venture and innovation professional with 4+ years of experience in early-stage IB advisory, global accelerator, and cross-border investment. Proven ability to source deal flow, lead technical and market diligence, build founder-investor ecosystems, and support portfolio companies. Strong background across AI, sustainability, deep tech, and dual-use technologies. Seeking to contribute by sourcing transformative technologies and driving strategic investment opportunities.
Experience
Investment Associate
Costa Norte Capital · Full-time
Oct 2024 – Present · 1 yr 5 mos
• Contributing to $180M+ in early-stage investments through relationships with VCs, CVCs, accelerators, and family offices. • Sourcing, evaluating, and proposing startups across AI, deep tech, and dual-use technologies, and leveraging an investor network to validate technology signals and co-investment opportunities • Advising APAC founders expanding to the U.S. with investor readiness, GTM strategy, and industry partnership mapping.
Investment Analyst
Hult Prize Foundation · Full-time
Mar 2021 – Jul 2024 · 3 yrs 4 mos
• Contributed to $4.5M+ in seed-stage investments by evaluating a 10,000+ startup pipeline at the world’s largest student startup competition/accelerator, with focus on climate and sustainability technologies. • Built 100+ partnerships across corporate, governments, and universities to strengthen innovation ecosystems and founder support networks as the only staff in APAC.
Intern
KPMG · Full-time
May 2023 – Oct 2023 · 5 mos
• Performed market and scenario analysis for multinational banks using MSCI Risk Manager, supporting risk evaluations Monte-Carlo simulation and aligned with Basel regulatory frameworks. • Developed SQL/XML reporting tools and ETL workflows improving portfolio data accuracy and analytical speed for OTC clients. • Contributed to ESG research used in financial risk management systems.
Education
National Chengchi University
Master’s, Finance
Jun 2022 – Jul 2024
National Dong Hwa University
Master’s, Computer Science
Jun 2021 – Jul 2023
National Dong Hwa University
Bachelor’s, Computer Science
Jun 2016 – Jul 2021
Skills
Languages
Mandarin
Native or bilingual proficiency
English
Native or bilingual proficiency