My last day at Google

Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship

👋 Friends,

I can’t believe it’s December already.

It felt like just yesterday when we were writing our 2023 New Year’s resolutions, and now there’s only a month left to go before the year is over.

I just got back from Boston where I hosted a Tech Social with Silicon Valley Bank and Vention, and I’m headed to Miami today for Art Basel. I’ll be hosting something small there as well. You can RSVP here.

I love Boston. The cobblestone streets are beautiful, the food is delicious, and the city is full of smart, humble people. I’ll be making my way there more.

Today’s post is a little different. This is the post I shared with my network and community on my last day at Google.

After spending most of my career working in big tech and corporate, I am diving into the world of entrepreneurship. How do I feel? Both excited and nervous, eager but vigilant, and confident but cautious. But I have a feeling that 2024 is going to be remarkable.

Here’s what I shared in my post:

Thursday was my last day at Google.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work there with some of the smartest people in the world. It’s been nothing short of incredible.

But I’m excited for what’s next.

Three years ago, the idea of living in New York City, and working for a company like Google felt like a far-fetched idea. A distant dream. Yet I wanted to go for it.

When I told a few people about it, they told me it was impractical, and they encouraged me to be realistic.

But I realized: I'm going to regret not giving this a shot.

Over the next six months, I sent out thousands of cold emails, initiated hundreds of networking calls, and did dozens of interviews.

It worked, and I convinced Facebook to hire me, sponsor my visa, and relocate me so that I could live in the United States. A literal dream come true. Facebook: I love you.

Then, I arrived here as an immigrant in August 20202, during a uniquely uncertain time (the peak of COVID-19), with no network, no community, and no clue what the next few years were going to hold.

Never in a million years would I have imagined voluntarily quitting a company like Google and leaving the comfort of a consistent paycheck, health insurance, and the legal ability to stay in this country to pursue my "passion."

But once again, I'm going to regret not giving this a shot.

So I’m leaping into entrepreneurship, where I will be building something of my own.

And for added excitement, I’m sponsoring my own US visa and green card. Bonus fun.

I don’t want to share too much yet about what’s next. But my purpose continues to be to:
• To create unique and memorable experiences to bring extraordinary people together
• To inspire and empower the next generation of tech leaders and operators
• And to support, amplify, and invest in founders and builders

It has always been my mission to solve important problems and pave the way for others. Especially underdogs—people who aspire to accomplish difficult things at all costs.

Taken at my 1st Junto Club dinner…

The best way to get involved? Follow along and reach out if something sparks your interest. Whether it is a dinner series you want to attend, a company you want to invest in, or a job opportunity you’d like to be considered for, my DMs are open.

• TikTok: @andruyeung

• LinkedIn: Andrew Yeung

• Twitter: @andruyeung

If I have been helpful to you at some point and you’d like to send me good karma… a like, comment, or repost here would go a long way.

I love you all,

Andrew

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📌 Andrew’s Picks

Fascinating internet things I’ve come across:

• My Favorite AI Tools to Create Images, Songs, Videos, and Avatars in 10 Minutes or Less — A very well-compiled list by Peter Yang of all the AI tools you’ll need to create writing and art.

• Why It's Good to Be Transactional — Charlie O’Donnell, a legendary Brooklyn-based VC and super-connecter, shares his view on why being “transactional” makes sense for some. A thoughtful take.

• How to Work Only 6 Days a Month — While the title can be deceiving, Olly is an entrepreneur who has scaled his 7 figures while automating all processes and building a team that runs the show. I highly recommend you read it if you are a solopreneur.

• Boss Dinner (SNL) — Just for laughs. If y’all have worked a 9-5, you can probably relate.

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🖼️ Behind the Scenes

A secret gem I recently found: The Amtrak.

I took it to Boston and Montreal. The views were beautiful. It was quiet. And I even had my own little booth where I got hours of deep work in. It wasn’t too expensive either!

My new routine whenever I need to get deep work done:

• Book a 5+ hour train ride from New York

• Bring my laptop, books, a pen, and a journal

• Turn on noise-canceling earphones + airplane mode

• Go time

I was also thinking of getting a few founders together for a deep, focused work retreat to Boston or DC.

Want to join us? Reply to this email.