Tianyi "Joe" Zhu is an entrepreneur and investor renowned for his expertise in international trade and cross-border development. As Co-Founder and Partner of Heartland Trade Enterprises, Joe drives business development for multiple U.S. states while overseeing technology investments in the oil and gas sector. Previously, he served as Managing Partner of Playground Capital, where he facilitated the U.S. market entry of Nanjing Wande Group, China’s largest playground manufacturer. Under his leadership, the company established a strong foothold and forged strategic partnerships, including a landmark alliance with North America’s leading playground manufacturer.
 

With over a decade of experience as an angel investor, Joe co-founded West Suburban Angels, significantly growing it into one of Chicago’s premier angel investment groups. He also co-founded SmartHealth Activator, where he catalyzed the growth of biomedical startups in collaboration with federal health institutions. His efforts culminated in the establishment of a $50 million, 100,000-square-foot Biotech Innovation Park in partnership with Rosalind Franklin University, driving economic growth and creating hundreds of jobs through strategic investments and partnerships.
 

Joe’s contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Asian Hustle Network’s Unsung Heroes Award, Chicago United’s Business Leaders of Color Award, and recognition by the Asian-American Business Development Corporation as one of the "Top 50 Outstanding Asian-Americans in Business."

A prominent advocate for Asian American leadership, Joe serves as National Co-Chair of the Leaders Forum, a bipartisan network of business executives and thought leaders launched at the White House in 2014. In 2020, he was honored by the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA) on their Top 40 Asian Pacific Americans Under 40 in Politics & Public Affairs list. Additionally, he is one of fifteen leaders selected nationwide to serve on the Millennial Debt Commission in Washington, D.C. and has acted as an Ambassador for the National Asian American Chamber of Commerce (National ACE).
 

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe is a former professional boxer who competed in the 2008 Chinese Olympic Trials and earned the title of World Amateur Thai Boxing Champion.