Who Is Jess Mah?

A Journey of Purpose and Impact

Jess Mah has been building companies since her teenage years, creating a legacy that spans over a decade. From her early days in high school to the founding of multiple successful ventures, Mah has redefined what it means to be wealthy—not just in terms of financial success, but in purpose, relationships, and personal fulfillment.

Her journey began in a small town outside New York City, where her parents, immigrants from Hong Kong, instilled in her the values of hard work and entrepreneurship. By the age of 11, she was already launching her first business, custom gaming computers for classmates. At 13, she sold computer parts on eBay, and by 15, she had graduated high school. At 19, she earned a computer science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and co-founded inDinero, an accounting startup that put her on the radar of Silicon Valley.

Throughout her career, Mah has achieved milestones that many can only dream of. She was the youngest woman ever accepted into Y Combinator, the youngest to join YPO, and the youngest graduate of Harvard Business School’s Presidents’ Program. These accomplishments solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in tech and entrepreneurship.

Building Mahway: A Legacy of Growth and Honest Leadership

Today, Jess Mah is the founder of Mahway, a venture creation company focused on building transformative businesses across fintech, biotech, AI, and litigation finance. Founded in 2021, Mahway’s mission is to turn bold ideas into durable companies that create real value. Over her career, Mah has been part of the founding team of more than 10 companies and currently serves on five boards.

Mah believes that true success in entrepreneurship requires more than drive and ambition. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the ability to self-critique. As companies grow, so do the challenges, and it's during these moments that entrepreneurs must reflect on how they can evolve to overcome obstacles.

Living with Intention and Clarity

Mah used to chase success at full speed, constantly striving to prove herself through social media and external validation. But over time, she learned to let go of comparisons and focus on what truly matters. She now embraces a lifestyle that includes simple meals, subway rides, and time with her puppy. She avoids settling in one city, preferring to bounce between New York and San Francisco, driven by good people and challenging problems.

“Social media makes it hard to stay grounded,” she said. “We scroll through carefully edited versions of other people’s lives and forget that what we’re seeing is the highlight reel.” Watching friends burn out from relentless work habits deepened her resolve to live a balanced life.

Relationships as the Engine of Success

For Mah, relationships are the foundation of every great company she builds. She believes that business is not won solely on spreadsheets but through genuine human connection. Her events and intimate dinner parties have led to new ventures, attracted investors, and forged lifelong partnerships.

“I’ve raised money, hired executives, and launched companies all from the same place: my events and parties,” she said. “These moments compound in ways no spreadsheet ever could.”

This relationship-first mindset drives Mahway, which focuses on long-term impact rather than quick exits. The company’s portfolio includes fintech platforms, biotech research, AI initiatives, and more. Mah is committed to building companies that transform humanity, from financial access solutions to medical breakthroughs.

A Leader Defined by Clarity and Compassion

Mah’s leadership style is rooted in clarity and compassion. She tells people how much she believes in them and ensures that feedback comes from a place of care, not criticism. She also encourages team members to define personal life goals alongside business objectives, believing that healthy individuals build healthy companies.

Challenging the Status Quo

Mahway is more than just a business—it’s a tool to create meaningful change. She uses her company to build over a dozen ventures spanning fintech, biotech, AI, and litigation finance. “Everything I do professionally is used to starting or growing companies,” she said. “I have also personally backed so many amazing founders. The ability to invest in what you want to do—that is ultimately what matters.”

She rejects the idea that success is defined by a quick exit. Instead, she values relationships and the ability to build long-term businesses. “Wealth should be devoted to manifesting what you want to create in your life,” she said. “What will make you feel fulfilled? What will make you feel like you’re advancing the world?”

Creating Companies That Matter

For Mah, success is about purpose. She leans on her family, friends, and boyfriend to stay grounded. Her focus now is on building companies that stand the test of time and create real value for founders, investors, and the world.

Since launching Mahway, she has learned that doing less can achieve more. “I made the critical mistake of trying to go too wide and too broad too soon,” she admitted. “Since then, I have dramatically narrowed in on only a few things where I have more conviction of where I can win.”

Whether speaking on stage, consulting, or mentoring founders, Mah’s life is defined by intentional choices. She moves with clarity and freedom, no longer chasing someone else’s definition of achievement. She has spent years learning from those ahead of her, only to discover that true success is not about endless competition. It is about creating something that will continue to grow and impact lives long after she is gone.

“As a leader, I hope to leave a legacy around the companies we build, but as a person, I hope to leave a legacy as an example for others that you can and should have a great personal life alongside a great career,” she said. In the end, Mah knows her greatest investment is not in the spotlight, but in a future shaped by the work she leaves behind.