Culture, Code, and Community: How Entrepreneurship Is Redefining Asian Media and Identity
518 Memorial Way, Stanford, CA 94305
In a world shaped by algorithms, media fragmentation, and global identity shifts, entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in bridging cultures and catalyzing change. In this keynote fireside chat, Bay Area native Benny Luo — Founder and CEO of NextShark, a leading media platform for Asian and Asian American news and storytelling — shares his journey from launching the startup to generating over 1.5 billion organic impressions across digital platforms.
Drawing from his experience building ventures that span media, tech, and cultural storytelling, Benny and Dr. Richard Dasher (Director, US-ATMC) will explore what Silicon Valley can learn from Asian entrepreneurial ecosystems, how new media platforms are reshaping global identity, and why entrepreneurship rooted in culture may be key to addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
Together, they will examine how innovation across borders — and storytelling across generations — can help us become more connected global citizens in an era of division.
Benny Luo is the founder and CEO of NextShark, a leading media company for Asian diasporic news, culture, and community, reaching up to 20 million people weekly across social platforms. Under his leadership, NextShark has evolved into a multi-platform ecosystem with three core pillars: NextShark News, delivering impactful journalism on Asian and Asian American issues; NextShark Studios, producing original films, events, and creative content; and NextShark Ventures, a venture studio supporting Asian-led startups and projects.
NextShark’s reporting has been cited by The New York Times, Washington Post, Forbes, CNN, BBC, and more. Luo helped lead national media coverage of anti-Asian violence starting in 2020, establishing the platform as a trusted voice for the community.
Previously, he founded NewMediaRockstars.com, a pioneer in digital entertainment media, which was acquired in 2013. He was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Media in 2018.
Registration:
- To attend in-person, please register over Eventbrite here.
- To attend by Zoom, please register here.
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The Entrepreneurship in Asian High-Tech Industries series continues weekly until May 27, 2025. Seminars will be held in-person and on Zoom, Tuesdays, 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM.