How Ivan Zhao Built a $10 Billion Digital Workspace Gen Z is Flocking To

Ivan Zhao, the visionary cofounder and CEO of Notion, has built more than just a digital workspace — he’s crafted a platform that’s rapidly becoming an essential tool for the next generation. As Gen Z continues to dominate the digital landscape, Ivan Zhao’s success with Notion is impressive, with the company now valued at $10 billion. But what sets Zhao apart from other tech founders is his unique approach to business, which draws inspiration from ancient philosophy.

The Genesis of Notion: A Bold Vision from Ivan Zhao and Simon Last

It all started in 2013 when Ivan Zhao and his cofounder Simon Last launched a startup aimed at making app and website development simpler. However, the initial product didn’t catch on as they had hoped. Rather than succumbing to failure, Zhao and Last made a bold move — they relocated to Kyoto, Japan, seeking clarity and a new perspective. It was in Kyoto, with its serene surroundings and deep philosophical roots, that the duo reimagined Notion as a flexible digital workspace designed to meet the diverse needs of users.

This pivot to creating Notion marked a turning point in their entrepreneurial journey, as the platform soon became an all-in-one tool that combined note-taking, task management, collaboration, and more. Today, it’s the workspace that millions of Gen Z users flock to for its unparalleled customization and simplicity.

Ivan Zhao’s Success with Notion is Impressive — But It’s About More Than Just Business

While Notion’s rise is a story of entrepreneurial triumph, it’s also a reflection of Ivan Zhao’s personal philosophy. Zhao is not only the CEO of Notion, but also a thinker deeply inspired by nature and systems theory. He applies these principles to his company in a way that sets him apart from typical Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. Zhao doesn’t view business simply as a race to scale; he sees it as a process of building systems that work harmoniously.

“Nature is the perfect system,” Zhao explains. “If you observe the balance in nature, it’s all interconnected. I want Notion to function the same way — where every part of the company serves a larger purpose.”

This deep belief in the power of systems thinking has allowed Zhao to craft a company culture and product that thrives on feedback loops and continuous improvement. The result? Notion has evolved into a truly adaptable platform that grows with its users — a trait that’s been integral to its success with Gen Z and beyond.

How an Ancient Philosophy Built a $10 Billion Company

Zhao’s approach to scaling Notion is deeply rooted in ancient philosophy. Inspired by systems thinking, Zhao believes that just like a healthy ecosystem, every component of Notion should work together to foster long-term growth and sustainability. His product development process is designed to be fluid and responsive, just like a natural environment.

This philosophy extends to Notion’s customer service as well. Zhao receives notifications directly to his phone each time a user submits a support ticket, reflecting his commitment to integrating user feedback into the platform’s ongoing evolution. This continuous loop of feedback ensures that Notion is always evolving to meet the needs of its diverse user base, including students, creators, and professionals.

Ivan Zhao’s Leadership Style: Leading Through Systems, Not Hustle

What truly sets Ivan Zhao apart from many other tech leaders is his focus on building systems that are sustainable and adaptable. Rather than focusing solely on short-term growth or following the traditional “hustle” mentality, Zhao thinks in terms of long-term evolution — much like the systems found in nature.

“I believe that success in business doesn’t come from the hustle culture,” Zhao says. “It comes from creating a system where every part is connected and working toward a common goal.”

This philosophy has not only shaped the way Notion operates internally but has also influenced its external success. Zhao’s ability to think strategically and implement systems thinking has helped Notion grow rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience and product quality.

The Future of Notion: A Digital Workspace for the Modern World

As Notion continues to expand, Ivan Zhao’s vision remains focused on creating a platform that empowers users to work smarter, not harder. Notion’s recent expansion into a template marketplace — where users can sell custom templates — adds an entirely new dimension to the platform, enabling creators to monetize their expertise.

Zhao’s success story is a testament to the power of blending modern technology with ancient wisdom. His philosophy of interconnected systems has created a company that doesn’t just thrive in the competitive tech world — it evolves with its users, creating a unique and sustainable digital workspace for the modern age.

For Ivan Zhao, the journey is just beginning. With a company valued at $10 billion and millions of users worldwide, Notion’s potential is limitless. As he continues to lead the company, Zhao’s commitment to integrating systems thinking and philosophy into his business model offers a blueprint for the next generation of tech leaders.