Ada Chen's Journey from Startup Founder to VP Marketing at SurveyMonkey

This article highlights the impressive career of Ada Chen, a successful entrepreneur and now VP Marketing at SurveyMonkey. Chen's story is a testament to her skills and dedication in the tech and marketing space, showcasing a path from founding and growing startups to leading marketing at a unicorn company in Silicon Valley.

A Career Marked by Success and Innovation

Chen's resume is filled with accomplishments. She boasts two successful exits, a deep understanding of marketing, and a background that includes working for giants like Microsoft and ultimately joining SurveyMonkey, one of the billion-dollar companies in Silicon Valley.

• Started her career at Microsoft after attending UPenn.
• Moved to San Francisco to be with her fiance (now husband), Sachin Rekhi.
• Joined Mochi Media, a gaming and advertising startup, as one of the first dozen employees.
• Helped Mochi Media grow to over 100 million monthly users before it was acquired by Shanda Games for $80 million.

Building Connected: A Successful Startup Acquired by LinkedIn

Chen's entrepreneurial journey continued with the founding of Connected alongside her husband Sachin, a company backed by Trinity and 500 Startups. Connected aimed to revolutionize how professionals manage their relationships.

• Connected's innovative technology was quickly recognized by LinkedIn.
• LinkedIn acquired Connected, forming the basis for their new Contacts product.

Joining the Ranks of a Tech Giant: VP Marketing at SurveyMonkey

Chen's impressive track record led her to SurveyMonkey, a well-known tech company that provides online survey tools and insights. As VP Marketing, she is responsible for leading the company's marketing efforts.

• This is a testament to her skills and experience in the tech and marketing space.
• Her success highlights the potential for entrepreneurs to transition into leadership roles at established tech companies.

The Value of "Connected" in the Tech World

Chen's journey emphasizes the significance of "connected" in the tech world. From networking with startups to building relationships with tech giants, the ability to foster connections is crucial for success.

• Her involvement with Mochi Media, a gaming and advertising startup, demonstrates the importance of building strong connections within the tech community.
• The acquisition of Connected by LinkedIn underscores the power of connecting with established players in the tech industry.
• Her leadership position at SurveyMonkey highlights the value of networking and establishing connections to advance a career.

Lessons for Aspiring Tech Leaders

Ada Chen's story provides valuable lessons for aspiring tech leaders, particularly those in the marketing space.

• Be willing to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
• Develop a strong network of contacts in the tech world.
• Build a solid foundation in marketing and demonstrate a passion for innovation.

Looking Ahead

As Ada Chen continues to lead marketing at SurveyMonkey, her experience and insights will likely shape the company's future marketing strategies. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech leaders, showing that with dedication and a strong network, success is attainable in the dynamic world of Silicon Valley tech.