ShaoLan Hsueh

ShaoLan Hsueh is a London-based Taiwanese author, designer, venture capitalist, and technology entrepreneur recognized as the creator of Chineasy, a visual system for learning the Chinese language. Hsueh developed Chineasy to make reading Chinese accessible and engaging, transforming Chinese characters into pictograms that teach foundational radicals and demonstrate how they combine to form words and phrases. Collaborating with illustrator Noma Bar, Hsueh has contributed to language education, cross-cultural communication, and design innovation.

Hsueh began her entrepreneurial career early, writing four best-selling books on software in Taiwan while studying for her MBA. Her books received Book of the Year honors and were bundled by Microsoft. She co-founded pAsia, a significant internet company in Asia, and later established Caravel Capital to advise technology startups. Her experience spans publishing, internet entrepreneurship, and venture capital across Asia and Europe, providing a global perspective that informs her work with Chineasy.

Following her TED Talk in Long Beach, California, Hsueh launched Chineasy, which gained international attention and was supported by thousands of backers. Fast Company recognized Chineasy as one of the "World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies backed by Kickstarter." Hsueh delivered a second TED Talk, "The Chinese Zodiac Explained." Her book, "Chineasy, The New Way to Read Chinese," has been translated into multiple languages, and she authored "Chineasy Everyday."

Chineasy has received recognition in the design and technology sectors, including the Wallpaper* Magazine Design Award for "Life-Enhancer of the Year," "Best Designs of the Year" by the Design Museum in the UK, and D&AD awards. The Chineasy app was an Apple Design Award finalist for Delight & Fun. Hsueh also produces the "TalkChineasy" podcast, which teaches Chinese phrases in short episodes and has been featured by Apple and Amazon. She hosts the Thrive Global podcast "How to Thrive: Lessons From Ancient Chinese Wisdom."

Hsueh has been named among "Leading Ladies in Tech" by The Sunday Times and recognized by Apple Inc. and Entrepreneur.com for her contributions to technology and creative entrepreneurship. She has served on the Development Advisory Boards of Saïd Business School at Oxford University, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Asia House, establishing her as a thought leader in culture, design, and technology.