JESSICA Young Trailblazer Awardee: Sophiya Chiang

As a young entrepreneur, Sophiya Chiang is redefining the status quo in the dynamic realm of technology. Her pioneering journey founding deploy exemplifies her commitment to an equitable, inclusive tech industry. As Sophiya says, "I want to show young girls interested in tech that you can pursue it too."

Sophiya's vision for deploy goes beyond business; it is a quest to democratize innovation and advocate for gender equity in tech, a sector long dominated by men. She shares, "I hope to make this ecosystem more open and distributed." Sophiya represents female empowerment and leadership in tech. With resilience, Sophiya navigates tech's complex challenges through continuous growth. Her outlook reflects an empowering philosophy:

"You can't control your environment, just your feelings."

This guides her groundbreaking work with purpose, championing a cause that transcends entrepreneurship. Sophiya is paving the way for future women in tech with her inspirational story of success.

A Passion Ignited by Diverse Experiences

Sophiya Chiang's approach to technology and entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in her early experiences, marked by a stark contrast in educational environments. She vividly recalls:

"Growing up in Hong Kong, the tech scene was male-dominated. There weren't many women I could look up to."

Her educational journey at a women's college in the United States offered a strikingly different perspective. She was surrounded by empowering female leaders, an experience she describes as transformative: "Studying at a women's college in the U.S. opened my eyes. It was empowering to see women leading in every field." However, her subsequent experience at Imperial College London, where she often found herself as the only woman in advanced computing courses, underscored the gender imbalance she had observed in her youth. Sophiya reflects on this challenge:

"At Imperial College, I was often the only woman in the room. It was intimidating, but it taught me to find my voice."

These contrasting experiences, from a supportive, women-led environment to the male-dominated world of Imperial College, crystallized Sophiya's commitment to fostering gender inclusivity in technology. She shares, "I hope my role at deploy, working closely with the startup ecosystem, shows others that success in this field is possible."

Breaking Barriers, Fostering Innovation

deploy to Sophiya is not merely a business endeavor but a crusade against the entrenched inequities in the venture capital world. She shares a positive outlook for the startup scene in Hong Kong:

"The energy and excitement around innovation and building startups are palpable. In five years, I see deploy significantly impacting the Hong Kong startup ecosystem and bridging the gap with the global market."

Reflecting on the founding of deploy, Sophiya shares a poignant observation that ignited her passion: "I noticed a stark disparity in who gets venture capital. deploy was born out of a need to level the playing field." This insight stemmed from her firsthand experiences and observations of the industry's biases.

Driven by a purpose that transcends mere profitability, Sophiya articulates deploy's broader aim:

"We're not just a company; we're a movement. deploy is about opening doors for the underrepresented in tech."

Her words resonate with a deep-seated commitment to altering the status quo in tech funding. Through deploy, Sophiya seeks to dismantle barriers and foster a more inclusive environment for innovation.

The Journey from Ideation to Impact

Reflecting on her experience, Sophiya notes the importance of resilience: "You have to be resilient. I think it's how you deal with failure, rejection, and people shutting you down... You still need to come out of it okay." Sophiya built a foundation for transcending boundaries by engaging diverse groups in open dialogues. From these interactions, her startup evolved from concept to movement, symbolizing inclusivity and innovation in tech. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs:

"Always set goals and enjoy the process, as it's often a lonely journey. Even though I faced challenges, I try to live with no regrets, making decisions I'm comfortable with."

The path was not always smooth, as Sophiya reflects: "In Hong Kong, I doubted my abilities, focused only on tech, not business skills." Through perseverance and learning from failures, she found success. Sophiya's journey offers valuable lessons for overcoming obstacles through resilience.

Overcoming Obstacles with Determination

Sophiya Chiang's path in the tech industry has been paved with challenges, each serving as a testament to her unwavering determination and innovative spirit. She candidly reflects on her experience with her first job, saying, "At my first startup job, I wish I had more confidence. I started as a project manager, then transitioned to AI engineering by advocating for myself. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up and pursuing what I am capable of." She adds advice for those looking to follow a similar entrepreneurial path:

"The biggest advice I can give, especially to women in tech, is to not worry about what others think. Most likely, they aren't thinking about you, and this mindset can be liberating."

Chiang faced industry biases head-on, turning the obstacles she encountered into catalysts for growth and innovation. Her approach was about overcoming challenges and seeing them as vital opportunities. As she says, the most crucial aspect in navigating these environments is to find a community:

"Finding a supportive crew in a male-dominated space can be uplifting, which motivated me to start deploy. I saw many founders struggling due to lack of access to venture capital, which often relies on personal networks."

This attitude of resilience in the face of difficulties is eloquently encapsulated in her reflection on startup failures: "I think that is also the biggest inspiration behind all of this."

Empowering Aspiring Tech Leaders with Practical Wisdom

Sophiya Chiang greatly emphasizes resilience and a growth mindset when guiding aspiring tech entrepreneurs. She understands the importance of harmonizing a deep passion for technology with a commitment to personal development. Sophiya believes both are crucial in the entrepreneurial journey. She says, "It's important to have your North star in mind; know that as long as you're making progress towards the right direction, that's all you can ask for in life."

Sophiya does not define meeting goals as success. For her, following your dreams should be the guiding force, not the finish line:

"Success or goals should not be your only motivation. What happens when you hit your KPIs? It's about doing what you love and not giving up on it."

Sophiya also strongly advocates for having role models and equity in leadership regarding gender. She hopes her success can serve as a model for other women entrepreneurs. As she explains, "Growing up, I didn't see many women in tech as role models. Having worked in various startups, I want to show that it's possible to succeed in technology, especially for young girls." Sophiya adds, "Having inspiring women alongside you in tech can be incredibly empowering. It allowed me to envision where I could be and the impact I could make."

Beyond Technology: A Vision for Change

Sophiya's role in technology goes beyond professional accomplishments; it is about making a lasting impact and nurturing growth. She is an empowering model for those looking to succeed in Hong Kong. She candidly acknowledges, "In Hong Kong's financially driven world, it's crucial to do what you want and not worry about others' opinions. This mindset has been paramount to my success today." Beyond her work at deploy, Sophiya is eager to expand her influence through educational initiatives, mentorship, and advocating for gender equity in tech. Her social media offers a glimpse into her journey, capturing her entrepreneurial adventures and broader aspirations to inspire and empower the next generation of tech trailblazers.

JESSICA Magazine, 2023