With over $150 million in funding raised across multiple frontier tech ventures, Zoe (Ziyu) Gao’s design influence has a visible mark on the future of Web3 and artificial intelligence. In industries where products often launch before their interfaces catch up, Gao steps in early, helping teams translate complex ideas into clear, user-focused platforms and investor-ready stories.
“Design communicates value before any line of code ships. Visual credibility is traction,” Gao explains.
Her role spans well beyond UI. She gives early-stage startups the credibility and clarity they need to grow across both the user and fundraising sides.
Building Early-Stage Credibility
Gao led the complete visual strategy for Satori, a decentralized derivatives trading platform that has generated more than $35 million in volume. She designed two user pathways, one for casual traders and another for pros running advanced strategies. This structure positioned the platform as both accessible and powerful.
That balance helped Satori secure a $10 million seed round. Coinbase Ventures, Polychain, and Jump Crypto backed the round. Gao’s interface work helped investors understand the product’s dual value.
Gao also built the brand from the ground up for Protagonist, a venture capital firm launched by founders from Saber Labs and Pipe. Her designs helped Protagonist enter the market with a $100 million fund and position it as a strategic partner across industries. The narrative clarity of her visuals helped the firm attract capital quickly. “Zoe’s well-designed decks have helped us cut our raise timeline in half.” – Partner, Protagonist.
Driving Investor Confidence Through Strategic Design
When Sahara AI needed to explain its decentralized infrastructure vision, Gao created design frameworks and investor materials that clarified the pitch. The company raised $6 million early and secured a $43 million round. Binance Labs and Samsung NEXT led the second round. Gao helped Sahara land partnerships with Microsoft, Amazon, and MIT.
“Investors want visuals that help them understand the product in three seconds or less,” Gao adds. “My job is to ensure that happens while keeping the vision intact.”
AGI Inc., a company focused on artificial general intelligence, also gained value from Gao’s design leadership. She built early product demos and investor-facing visuals. Her contributions helped AGI raise $20 million from Menlo Ventures and General Catalyst. Investors referenced her work directly in their feedback, which showed that design shapes capital outcomes.
Aligning With Broader Tech Policy Goals
Gao’s clients operate in sectors that align with government-backed innovation efforts. A 2025 executive order encourages the development of decentralized and open AI platforms. This policy directly supports companies like Satori, Sahara, and Moso.
Gao’s design contributions advance those goals by turning complex systems into accessible platforms. Adoption accelerates when the technology matches national priorities and the user experience is clear and welcoming.
From Concept to Launch: A Design Philosophy
The founders initially brought Gao in when the product was still a concept on paper. She guided it visually and strategically through development and launch. Her work builds confidence with investors, clarity for users, and legitimacy for the brand. That combination is uncommon but essential in today’s tech economy.
Clarity and trust define the current currency in tech. Gao delivers both with precision, strategy, and a design philosophy that turns complexity into connection.
Looking ahead, Gao’s focus remains the same: transforming breakthrough technology into experiences anyone can understand and trust. As new waves of Web3 and AI innovation emerge, she will bring her clarity-first design approach to the challenges that matter most: turning complex ideas into products that attract capital, earn user loyalty, and keep the United States at the forefront of digital progress.
