Yanchun “Lily” Li is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and global philanthropist with over two decades of leadership experience spanning finance, healthcare, education, entertainment, blockchain, and artificial intelligence.
In 2002, Ms. Li co-founded American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc. [AOBO], leading the company to Wall Street. In 2005, she made history by pioneering the first IPO of a mainland Chinese pharmaceutical company on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)—a groundbreaking achievement that drew recognition from eleven major U.S. media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, which hailed her as a “discoverer of the stock market.” She became a symbol of innovation and cross-border entrepreneurship.
In 2017, Ms. Li founded Harvard Wealth Strategy & Management in the United States, serving as a strategic bridge for investment between China and the U.S. The firm specializes in advising founders and CEOs on IPOs, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructuring, helping clients navigate complex financial and cultural landscapes and realizing cross-border business opportunities.
Under her leadership, Harvard Wealth Strategy has built a strong track record in biotechnology, medical devices, big data, and energy, offering premier investment opportunities to Chinese listed companies and global enterprises seeking U.S. market expansion. Over two decades, Ms. Li has shaped billion-dollar enterprises while serving as a thought leader in global diplomacy, leadership, and health innovation.
Academic and Global Engagement
Since 2018, at the invitation of Ambassador Nicholas Burns (former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and then current U.S. Ambassador to China), Ms. Li has been an active contributor to Harvard University’s Future of Diplomacy Project, promoting research and dialogue on peace, leadership, and global security.
In 2023, she started to support the Leadership & Happiness Lab at Harvard University led by Professor Arthur Brooks, dedicated to advancing the science of leadership and well-being at individual, organizational, and societal levels.
Ms. Li currently serves as a Trustee of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), supporting global health initiatives focused on equitable vaccine access and life sciences innovation.
She has been a member of Harvard Kennedy School Dean’s Council.
She is also the Founder and Chair of the Lily Li Future Foundation (LLFF), a global philanthropic organization committed to empowering young leaders, advancing education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and fostering cross-cultural understanding between East and West. Through LLFF, Ms. Li has championed youth entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and art and culture initiatives that bridge communities across continents.
Guided by her global vision and humanistic values, Ms. Li continues to build bridges between business, academia, and humanitarian causes – creating meaningful impact across industries and societies worldwide.
