Profit first
Revenue is vanity. I build for healthy margins, loyal repeat customers and clean books, because that’s what a business is actually worth.
Founder · Owner · Investor
I build and own companies.
I’m Ethan Lu. I started my career on the investment committee of a San Diego family office with over $1B under management. Today I build, own and run a portfolio of businesses.
As seen in
The story so far
2012
UC San Diego
B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Accounting.
2016
Family office
Joined the investment committee of a San Diego family office with over $1B under management across real estate, hospitality and technology.
Today
Owner & operator
Founder and owner of a portfolio of businesses.
How I build companies
Every company I own follows the same three rules, from the first day to the day it changes hands.
Runs without me
A company that needs its owner every day is a job. I build the team, systems and reporting so it runs whether I’m in the room or not.
Built to exit
I build every company as if I’ll sell it tomorrow. Knowing the number, removing what drags it down and keeping options open makes the exit a choice, not a scramble.
“There are only technical solutions. Everything else is noise.”
— Ethan Lu
Selected writing
Four Steps To Turn Ideas Into Successful Companies
Whether you’re a startup founder or just a spectator of the startup ecosystem, have you ever wondered how great startups are built?
Read the articleLet’s talk.
For partnerships, press, or a conversation about building something that lasts, send me a note. I read every message.