About Us
It’s hard to believe we’ve been around for a whole decade.
Ten years ago, an eclectic group of AAPI entrepreneurs came together at what was then called the “Circles” conference in Las Vegas. Back then, there really wasn’t an organization for Asian-American entrepreneurs. There are just certain things only other Asian-American entrepreneurs get: disappointing your parents by quitting your steady corporate job; working on a hundred ideas at once; figuring out how to get over yourself and delegate; knowing when to start an S-corp and how much to pay yourself; and asking, “Can I expense the ACE NextGen retreat?” (The answer is yes.)
Being in a room full of people who understood that journey was rare, energizing, and instantly meaningful. There was an amazing energy in the air that could barely be contained (much to the chagrin of the people presenting).
In the early days, our mantra was Connect, Elevate, and Give Back. In our first decade, we’ve done a great job of connecting through retreats, local chapters, conferences, and of course plenty of witty group chat banter.
This year, our focus is Elevate. To borrow a line from comedian Ronny Chieng: “We don’t say Happy New Year. We say, ‘HOPE YOU GET RICH!’” We’ve kind of adopted that as our unofficial Elevate battle cry. The fact it’s “hope YOU get rich” is a testament to the values of our community; we’re always trying to help others. Our goal isn’t just to grow our businesses financially, but to also elevate our lives and our community. When good people with good values build wealth, they do good with it.
And one day soon, this letter will begin with: We’re giving back.
Dale Ting
Board Chair, ACE NextGen Board of Directors
Our Story
ACE NextGen started in Boston in 2015.
Ian So and Cheuk Shian knew that entrepreneurship can be lonely. And the answer wasn’t yet another networking event or business mixer. They founded the “Asian Entrepreneurship Foundation” (AEF) as a group for peers to gather and support each other through their entrepreneurial journeys.
In 2016, Bill Imada - founder of marketing firm IW Group - convened a meeting of young AAPI entrepreneurs in Las Vegas. Bill introduced Ian and Cheuk to National ACE, and the still-new AEF renamed itself ACE NextGen.
Since then, we’ve grown into a nationwide community of AAPI entrepreneurs who seek to build their businesses alongside a network of trusted, like-minded business owners.
Our members range from people just beginning to dream about entrepreneurship to flourishing small businesses. We all share a passion for building businesses in communities filled with real relationships, not transactional networking.
Today, from local chapters to national gatherings, we’re nurturing new generations of AAPI entrepreneurs to do well, stay connected, and help others rise with them.
Our Values
Generous
We’re givers. We contribute, support, and open doors for each other, knowing that real value grows over time.
Authentic
We build real relationships based on trust, honesty, and vulnerability. Connection over sales. We are real and respect boundaries.
Humble
We value low ego, curiosity, and learning from each other. We’re all here to learn - and everyone has something to offer.
Community Oriented
Winning alone sucks. Winning with your community rules. Business isn’t a zero-sum game.
We can make 1+1 = 3
Growth Mindset
We’re always looking to learn and level up.
Our Legacy
2015
Beginning of Asian Entrepreneur Foundation
2016
Launch of Boston Chapter
1st Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California
2017
Launch of SoCal Chapter
1st Annual Retreat in Miami, FL
2018
Launch of Houston and Washington DC Chapters Origin conference in Boston, MA 2nd Annual Retreat in Nashville, TN
2019
Launch of New York Chapter and Inner Circles program Launch Conference in Houston, TX
2020
Re:Launch Virtual Conference
2021
Inauguration of Pathfinder Awards 3rd Annual Retreat in Maui, Hawai
