Lucy Guo, the dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Scale AI, continues to make waves in the tech world with her unconventional approach to business and relentless drive for innovation. Often described as one of Silicon Valley’s most intriguing figures, Guo’s journey from a Thiel Fellow to tech millionaire has made her a role model for a new generation of founders.
Best known for co-founding Scale AI alongside Alexandr Wang in 2016, Lucy Guo played a pivotal role in developing the data-labeling platform that became a cornerstone for artificial intelligence companies. Scale AI quickly rose to prominence, earning multi-billion-dollar valuations and partnerships with major players in tech and defense. While Wang continued to lead Scale AI, Guo left in 2018 to pursue new ventures an exit that only fueled curiosity around her next moves.
Since then, Lucy Guo has launched several high-profile projects, including the talent platform Backend Capital and stealth mode startups aimed at disrupting everything from social media to finance. Her latest venture, Passes, seeks to reinvent how creators monetize content online, focusing on empowering digital influencers with more control over their revenue streams. With Passes, Guo is once again proving her ability to spot and act on emerging market gaps.
In interviews, Guo often highlights her passion for solving complex problems and challenging the status quo. “I don’t really like doing things the traditional way,” she told Forbes in a recent feature. “I like building things that don’t exist yet or breaking systems that no longer work.” This mindset has earned her not only investment capital but also a devoted following among founders and aspiring entrepreneurs. She frequently shares unfiltered insights on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where her candid takes on fundraising, work culture, and identity as an Asian-American woman in tech spark widespread engagement.
Despite some controversy and bold statements that occasionally polarize opinions, Lucy Guo has remained a formidable presence in tech, navigating venture capital, media attention, and product development with equal intensity. Her willingness to take risks and speak frankly about the challenges of startup life sets her apart in a landscape often dominated by corporate polish.
Looking ahead, many in the tech community are eager to see what Lucy Guo does next. Whether she’s launching tools for creators, backing underdog startups, or questioning the norms of Silicon Valley, one thing is clear: Lucy Guo isn’t just building companies she’s rewriting the playbook for what it means to be a modern tech founder.
