About Ethan.
The short version
Ethan Lu is a founder, owner and investor who builds and runs a portfolio of businesses. He began his career on the investment committee of a San Diego family office with over $1B under management.
I studied Mathematics at the University of California, San Diego, with a minor in Accounting, starting in 2012.
In my senior year I joined one of the most active family offices in San Diego, and it marked the start of my career as a professional investor. I sat on the firm’s investment committee as a senior associate, at a time when it managed just over $1B across large-scale real estate, hospitality businesses and technology startups.
Today I build, own and run a portfolio of businesses. Every one of them follows the same three rules: profit first, build it to run without me, and build it as if I’ll sell it tomorrow.
Education & affiliations
University of California, San Diego
B.S. in Mathematics, minor in Accounting
Forbes Business Council
Member since 2020
California Board of Accountancy
Member since 2016
Common questions
Who is Ethan Lu?
Ethan Lu is a founder, owner and investor who builds and runs a portfolio of businesses. He began his career on the investment committee of a San Diego family office with over $1B under management.
What does Ethan Lu do?
Ethan Lu builds, owns and runs a portfolio of businesses. He also invests in technology aimed at six areas where old systems are failing people: environment, education, healthcare, access to equity, access to banking and legacy practices.
What is Ethan Lu’s philosophy for building a business?
Ethan Lu builds every company on three rules. Profit first: healthy margins, loyal repeat customers and clean books are what a business is actually worth. Runs without the owner: a team, systems and reporting that keep it running whether he is in the room or not. Built to exit: he builds every company as if he will sell it tomorrow, so the exit is a choice, not a scramble.
Why does Ethan Lu invest in technology?
Ethan Lu invests in technology because it lets us build the future at scale, in the cheapest, quickest and most efficient way. In his words: “There are only technical solutions. Everything else is noise.”
Where did Ethan Lu study?
Ethan Lu studied at the University of California, San Diego, where he earned a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Accounting.
Is Ethan Lu a member of the Forbes Business Council?
Yes. Ethan Lu has been a member of the Forbes Business Council since 2020 and has written Forbes columns on turning ideas into successful companies, building a growth engine for a startup, the no-code movement, consumer behavior in the digital era and sustainability.
How can I contact Ethan Lu?
Send a message through the contact form at ethanlu.co/contact for partnerships, press, investing or building something together. He reads every message.
Let’s talk.
For partnerships, press, or a conversation about building something that lasts.
Get in touch