What’s the problem you’re trying to solve or the gap you’re trying to fill?
Modern women are balancing increasingly demanding lifestyles, yet they often lack convenient, science-backed nutrition that fits seamlessly into their day. The market is crowded with generic products, but few truly address women’s specific health needs with clean, targeted formulas. I created AEGE to fill that gap—offering portable, evidence-based nutrition that supports both wellness and beauty, without compromise.
What was the moment when you had the idea for this startup?
The idea took shape during my time at Yale SOM, where I immersed myself in coursework and conversations about global health and nutrition science. It truly crystallized after I returned to China, where evolving pandemic precautions kept daily life—and health choices—highly fragmented. Busy women were stretched thin, constantly juggling responsibilities, and often putting their own wellbeing last. I realized they needed a way to care for themselves that was both effective and effortless. That’s when it clicked: real impact starts with transforming nutrition from a luxury to an accessible, simple part of everyday life.
What’s the biggest milestone your startup has hit so far?
In under two years, AEGE has grown from an idea to a category-defining brand. Our most significant milestone came this year, when we earned triple-market recognition from iiMedia Research, a leading independent analytics firm, which awarded us high rankings in its lists recognizing online sales volume, word-of-mouth consumer buzz, and leadership in the nutrition shake space. This achievement was widely covered by Chinese media, including features in publications such as China Business News. Alongside selling over one million units of our flagship product, this wave of recognition from both independent analysts and the press affirmed that we’re truly meeting a need.
What was the most important resource Yale SOM contributed to your startup?
Beyond the rigorous academic framework, the most transformative resource was the ecosystem of principled entrepreneurship I found at SOM. It began in the classroom, where courses instilled in me the discipline to build ventures that are both ambitious and responsible—where scientific integrity, consumer trust, and social impact are integral from the start. That foundational mindset shaped AEGE’s core.
This ethos extended far beyond campus through the SOM and Yale alumni network. As a founding partner of the Yale Venture Club, I helped organize a field trip that introduced my SOM classmates to startups and investors in China, bridging student and alumni entrepreneurs. Since returning to China after graduation, I’ve stayed actively engaged, most recently supporting the Yale Shenzhen Alumni Association’s newcomer welcome event and the Yale Center Beijing’s holiday party with AEGE products.
From classroom theory to club leadership, and from cross-border programs to local alumni community support, Yale SOM provided not just a mindset, but a living, supportive network that continues to inspire and reinforce our mission.
