Alum Spotlight: Julian Cheng
Julian Cheng is currently a Vice President at Promus Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups with investments in more than 60 private technology firms. In addition to his Northwestern MEM, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Julian has a deep passion for mentoring the next generation of engineers, builders, and entrepreneurs to develop technology for disruptive business models. All of this, combined with his day job, requires massive amounts of energy which Julian never seems to runs short on.
We asked him a few questions about his MEM experience and the journey thus far, to which his responses were as follows:
Can you give us a short description of your role and job responsibility?
As an early stage technology venture capitalist, I have the privilege to invest in and support visionary software and hardware founders, teams, and companies in such areas as artificial intelligence, machine learning, space, robotics, computer vision, virtual and augmented reality, connected car, health tech, fintech, transportation, insurance, and others.
What’s your favorite class or teacher in MEM, why?
The MEM program and professors were outstanding so it is hard to choose one. Mike Marasco – NUVention Web, Donald McNeeley – Strategic Management, Larry Keeley – Innovation Frontiers, Dan Brown – Product Development were some of my favorite professors and classes. They helped me utilize my engineering background and apply it to entrepreneurship, market and financial analysis, and business feasibility. I apply their teachings on a daily basis in my role as a VC.
How has your MEM experience contributed to your career progression?
The in-class experience with outstanding MEM faculty and students constantly challenged me and encouraged my thirst for knowledge. They bridged the connection between engineering, business, and entrepreneurship. The extremely supportive faculty and rigorous curriculum helped to unlock my potential and catapult me to where I am today.
Word of advice to future students?
Northwestern’s MEM program will challenge and stretch you in unimaginable ways. I encourage all students to be active contributors to the program – to respectfully discuss, debate, challenge each other and soak up the knowledge and experience your professors and classmates bring to the program. Apply the knowledge daily to unlock your future, give back to the Northwestern and MEM community, and make a positive impact on the world.
I’m always happy to connect, feel free to reach out through LinkedIn or on Twitter.
