In 2017, DVBCN launched a major feature series called "100 OTT Figures of the Year." This article featured an in-depth interview with Ms. Zhang Mo, the founder and CEO of Yi+, a company that has been making waves in the AI and video technology space. Known for her vision and relentless pursuit of innovation, Zhang Mo has proven that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
**Ideal and Persistence: The Journey of a Visionary CEO**
In June 2014, Zhang Mo founded Beijing Moshanghua Technology Co., Ltd. in Beijing, marking her second entrepreneurial journey. As the CEO, she quickly set the direction for the company, focusing on leveraging the value of visual information to uncover extraordinary insights. Her early experiences in education, combined with her work at Microsoft and IBM, gave her the confidence and insight needed to build Yi+ into a leader in AI-driven video technology.
**Q: Why did you choose to start your own business?**
**A:** I’ve always been drawn to the unknown and the challenges that come with it. Before starting my company, I studied computer science and business, and worked at companies like Microsoft and IBM. What really inspired me was a professor from Harvard who introduced me to computer vision. I realized this was the future—technology that could change the way we interact with the world. For me, entrepreneurship is the best way to make a real impact.
**Q: What is Yi+’s core mission?**
**A:** Yi+ is a computer vision search engine provider that offers image recognition and search solutions. Our goal is to make “smart eyes†everywhere, helping computers understand the world and enabling people to discover new ways of interacting with information. We want to revolutionize daily life through AI and bring about real commercialization of artificial intelligence.
**Financial Backing Fuels Growth**
Yi+ has enjoyed strong financial support since its inception. From seed funding to a recent B-round investment of 100 million yuan, the company has attracted top-tier investors, including Haitong Securities, Bairongjun Group, and Beijing Bank. Here’s a breakdown of their funding journey:
- **Seed Investment:** Zhang Mo won a competition in Silicon Valley and received $500,000 in angel funding.
- **Angel Round:** In October 2014, Yi+ secured $5 million from prominent angel investors.
- **Series A:** In November 2015, the company raised $10 million from Youku Tudou, Lebo Capital, and Three Banks Capital.
- **Series B:** In September of this year, Yi+ closed a 100 million yuan round led by Haitong Securities and other key players.
**Talented Team Powers Innovation**
The team behind Yi+ is composed of top talent from leading tech companies such as BAT, Google, and Microsoft. Over 71% of the staff are technical professionals, and many hold advanced degrees from prestigious institutions like Imperial College, Nanyang Technological University, and Columbia University.
Zhang Mo herself is a serial entrepreneur with experience at Huawei, Microsoft, IBM, and more. She holds a Master’s in Software Engineering from Peking University and a Master’s in Business Innovation from Nanyang Technological University. She started her career in Silicon Valley and Singapore before founding Yi+ in China in 2014.
**Q: How do you manage such a large team effectively?**
**A:** I believe in shared goals and personal growth. I often ask, “What kind of person do you want to become, and how can I help?†It’s not about managing people—it’s about serving them and creating a platform where they can thrive.
**Locking Into the Living Room Economy**
Yi+ has positioned itself firmly in the living room economy, focusing on family entertainment and video content monetization. Zhang Mo believes the smart TV is the heart of the home and the gateway to the smart home ecosystem.
- **Smart TVs as Control Centers:** With advancements in AI, smart TVs have evolved from simple devices to interactive hubs that control other smart home appliances.
- **TV as a Social Hub:** Despite the rise of mobile screens, families are returning to the big screen for shared entertainment and emotional connections.
- **Future of Education and Shopping:** Smart TVs are becoming platforms for learning, shopping, and social interaction, offering a one-stop solution for the entire family.
**Seizing Opportunities in the AI + TV Space**
As the smart age advances, the role of television is evolving. The combination of AI and TV has reinvigorated the industry, positioning smart TVs as the core of the future smart home.
Zhang Mo believes that AI startups don’t need massive investments to gain users. Instead, they should focus on long-term technological value. Yi+ has already made significant strides, deploying its “big-screen AI assistant†on Alibaba’s entertainment boxes, reaching millions of users.
**Q: What will users care about most in the future?**
**A:** Visual experience. Most of the information people consume comes through sight—whether watching TV, scrolling through social media, or taking photos. Yi+ is focused on enhancing these experiences through AI-powered computer vision.
**Q: What are Yi+’s main strengths?**
**A:** We have a strong team, solid technology, and a clear business model. Our data partnerships include Taobao, Weibo, and Youtu, giving us access to vast resources for training our AI models. Our technology is world-leading, with multiple patents and top rankings in global competitions. And our team includes some of the brightest minds in the industry.
**Products and Solutions for the Future**
Yi+ offers three core products: a product identification search engine, an image and video intelligent analysis engine, and a face recognition engine. These tools power a range of applications, from AI assistants on smart TVs to real-time ad placement and content recommendation systems.
One of the standout solutions is the “Virtual AI Assistant,†which allows users to interact with TV content in real time. It identifies actors, products, and scenes, providing additional information and recommendations. This technology is already integrated into smart TVs from Haier, Lynx, and others.
Another key offering is the intelligent video analysis engine, which detects objects, faces, and movements in real time. This technology is used for dynamic ad placement, improving both user experience and advertising efficiency.
**Looking Ahead**
Yi+ continues to push the boundaries of AI and video technology, transforming traditional media and reshaping how people engage with content. With a clear vision, strong team, and innovative solutions, the future of “TV + AI†looks bright—and we’re excited to see where it goes next.
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