YONG QIAN

YONG QIAN

AI & robotics product Leader with 20Y global experience | Founded & Exited 2 startups. I am talking about robotics and startups.

Robotics Executive & Product Leader — Hardware + SaaS + AI

Seasoned product leader with 20+ years building and scaling robotics, industrial IoT, and cloud-connected SaaS products. Proven track record founding and scaling startups, driving product strategy and GTM for complex physical + software systems, and leading international engineering and product teams to deliver measurable customer and revenue outcomes. Now eager to join a high-growth product or innovation team, combining hands-on technical expertise with strategic GTM execution.

CORE STRENGTHS

  • Product strategy & roadmapping for hardware+software platforms
  • Go-to-market (GTM), pricing, and enterprise sales enablement
  • Cross-functional leadership: engineering, UX, operations, sales
  • Edge/Cloud architecture, IIoT, SaaS, mesh networking, WireGuard/VPN solutions
  • Customer discovery, field deployments, and P&L mindset
  • Fundraising, partner ecosystems, and enterprise customer success

SELECTED IMPACTS & METRICS

  • Launched and scaled multiple startups and products across IIoT, robotics, and AIGC; built user bases of thousands across 26+ countries.
  • Led consulting engagements and automation programs that produced multimillion-dollar savings for automotive suppliers.
  • Delivered GTM strategies that increased market share and revenue.
  • Built and managed distributed international teams (hiring across AMD, Alibaba, Oxford/Cambridge talent) and scaled teams of 20+ to deliver cross-continent launches.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Vice President of Products

Spirit AI, September 2025 -

  • Driving the vision, strategy, and roadmap for next-generation humanoid robots.
  • Bridging hardware, AI, and real-world applications to deliver scalable, commercially viable solutions.
  • Transforming cutting-edge R&D into products that impact multiple industries.

Director of Products

Steath Startups,July 2025 to August 2025

  • Transform customer needs into real-world products—leveraging IoT, SaaS, and AI—taking them from concept to launch.

Head of Product (Founder & CEO)

OmniEdge Inc, Austin, US, September 2021 to April 2025

  1. Directed product vision and roadmap for a next-generation mesh VPN and edge networking SaaS platform(OmniEdge Mesh VPN) that integrates device firmware, cloud orchestration, and multi-platform clients (Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Docker, Synology, OpenWrt).
  2. Built and launched DeepFashion AIGC platform — enabled designers/trainers to create and deploy custom generative models; scaled to thousands of active users across 26+ countries and converted pilot customers to paid plans.
  3. Defined enterprise product bundles (edge + cloud + support) and ran pilot programs with manufacturing and design houses that turned into repeatable enterprise deals.
  4. Owned GTM strategy: product positioning, pricing, enterprise pilot programs, and social growth channels, growing active users to thousands worldwide and converting paid users for both DeepFashion and OmniEdge Mesh VPN.
  5. Hands-on contribution to CI/CD, containerized deployments, and device integrations — reduced friction for enterprise pilots and accelerated time-to-first-value.

Head of Product & Technology (Founder & CEO)

JIEQI EdgeComputing, Co, LTD, Hangzhou, China, September 2018 to February 2021

  1. Built an IIoT SaaS product enabling remote connectivity and servicing for PLCs, robotics, and industrial vision systems using WireGuard-based VPN connectivity.
  2. Led product design and hardware+software integration on AWS; directed mobile/native client development and cloud orchestration.
  3. Secured institutional investment, established enterprise partnerships, and executed customer pilots that validated product-market fit.

ROBOT PROGRAMER(Asia-Pacific Leader)

Frimo (Germany) GmbH, December 2012 to September 2018

Global Operations & Coordination:

  • Provided comprehensive customer support and technical solutions on a global scale, coordinating efforts across Asia, headquarters, and international clients.
  • Played a key role in deploying automotive automation systems by integrating robotics with PLC technology, precision RL algorithms, and vision-based AI systems.

AUTOMATION ENGINEER

Frimo (Shanghai), April 2010 to May 2012

  • End-to-end delivery of industrial automation projects: feasibility, simulation, offline programming, and on-site commissioning.

ROBOTICS TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Staubli Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China, April 2006 to March 2010

  • Post-sale service, troubleshooting, and integrator training across China and APAC; developed the country’s first no-code robotics laser cutting system (VAL LASER).

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Founded and exited multiple ventures spanning IIoT, AIGC, and open-source networking, delivering commercial deployments and repeatable GTM playbooks.
  • Industry recognition: Golden Pin Design Award nominee; participant in NVIDIA Inception and AWS Accelerator programs.
  • Publications & talks on industrial internet, modular design, and AI in fashion; authored books on building Fashion AI SaaS and peer-to-peer VPN SaaS.

TECH STACK & TOOLS

WireGuard, OpenWrt, Docker, AWS, Kubernetes patterns, GitHub Actions, Python / Go, telemetry & analytics, product metrics (Mixpanel/Amplitude), CI/CD, AI model ops.

SKILLS

Industrial Systems:

  • Deep expertise in robotic systems integration, programming, and troubleshooting (ABB, Staubli, etc.). Familiar with CAD systems (AutoCAD, UG/Unigraphics, Rhinoceros) and industrial automation software (Siemens TIA, Staubli Robotics Studio, ABB Robotics Studio).
  • Knowledgeable in industrial communication protocols (DeviceNet, ProfiBus, Modbus, CANBUS, OPC-UA) and other industry-standard products.

Information Technology:

  • Programming Languages: Python, C/C++, TypeScript
  • AI: Deep Learning, Stable Diffusion, 2D/3D Computer Vision
  • Frameworks: Node.js, React
  • Tools: Docker, AWS, Git,

Business:

  • Product Strategy, GTM, Monetization, Fundraising, Investor Decks, Agile, Remote Team Management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Machine Design and its Automation, 2002-2006

  • Henan University of Science & Technology, China

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Language:

  • Chinese (Native language)
  • English (Full Professional Proficiency in oral and writing)
  • Spanish (Beginner)

Global Experience: I’ve worked in Asia, Europe, and the United States, giving me a deep understanding of international markets and cross-cultural collaboration.

Exits & Notable Ventures:

  • JIEQI (AI+IoT): Successfully exited a startup that revolutionized industrial connectivity, integrating AI-enhanced IoT solutions for machine vendors.
  • DeepFashion.us(AIGC): Achieved a successful exit with an AI-driven creative platform that empowered designers through personalized generative models.
  • OmniEdgeio (OSS): Completed a strategic exit from an open-source SaaS platform designed to replace traditional VPN infrastructures with advanced mesh networking.
  • Confidential Project(Robotics project for automotive)
  • Confidential Project(AI+Hardware+Software)

Publications & Speeches

  • “White Paper on Supply Chain Innovation and Application Based on Industrial Internet” (Editorial Board Member)[Link]
  • How to Build Fashion AI SaaS From Scratch: Learn the step-by-step process to create a cutting-edge Fashion AI SaaS platform.Amazon Link
  • Building Your Enterprise Peer-to-Peer VPN SaaS from Scratch:A comprehensive guide based on open source OmniEdge implementations.Amazon Link
  • Industrial Robots Empowered by Internet Technologies: How to Increase Core Added Value, 2018 Beijing, China, Tsinghua University [Link]
  • The Complete Guide to Former Founder Employment Success: Overcoming Bias and Landing Your Dream Role Amazon Link
  • Omniedge: Bring Intranet on the Internet,2022 Milan, Italy, Bocconi University [Link]
  • Leveraging the Power of Modular Design for Enhanced Manufacturing Efficiency [Link]
  • AI is facilitating the growth and development of the next generation of designers，2024,Beijing，China Fashion Summit [Link]

Projects

  • DeepFashion.us:Pioneered an AI-driven creative platform that empowers artists to design using personalized AI models—a breakthrough in creative technology.
  • OmniEdge Platform:Launched a next-generation mesh VPN-based private network, now serving over 7,000 users worldwide.
  • Industrial IoT System with AI:Engineered advanced IIoT tools (combining industrial routers, SaaS platforms, and AI) to boost manufacturing efficiency, serving globally recognized companies such as Staubli, Frimo, Adient, Yaskawa, Fanuc, and ABB.
  • Robotics Deployments for Global Auto Industry:Delivered automation solutions for leading automobile manufacturers including BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Ford, and Hyundai.
  • Innovative Industrial Solutions:Developed robotics systems for semiconductor wafer handling and auto-tracking painting, and executed the first global rollout of a no-code robotics laser cutting system (VAL LASER).
  • Confidential Project(AI+Hardware+Software and robotics projects)

Non-Profit Projects

  • roboticsfaq.com Non-profit robotics community 2012.06 — 2016.06
  • xulung.com Non-profit engineer training mooc 2015.11 – 2017.06，

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