From Consulting to Entrepreneurship: Meet Ryan!
Graduating MBA student Ryan Zhang (Class of ’25) embodies the Darden ethos of transformative learning and career journeys. He has charted a course from established management consulting to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship – all while embracing the full business school experience!
Consulting Foundation to Tech Passion
Ryan came to Darden by way of Tokyo where he worked in the world of management consulting as a Senior Manager at KPMG Consulting in Tokyo. There, he built a strong foundation, excelling in designing and implementing business strategies, processes, and systems. Through his everyday work, his passion for leveraging new technologies – particularly B2B SaaS and AI – sparked a greater desire to empower businesses and individuals in new ways.
Cultivating the Entrepreneur
When asked about his Darden experience, Ryan uses words like “whirlwind” and “lightning speed.” Not only engaged in classroom, career and club activities, he has witnessed the rapid evolution of AI, enthusiastically trying out every “GPT” he can find. With fresh energy and an open mind, Ryan has also been eager to immerse himself in the startup ecosystem and discover how to bring innovative ideas to life.
He intentionally curated his second-year Darden journey to fuel this entrepreneurial drive. Ryan shared that he “focused studies on digital product management, AI, leadership, and venture capital. I’m also actively engaged through events like the Darden Tech and Venture Capital Conferences, making connections via the Batten Institute, and participating in groups like TomTom and PyData.”
The academic rigor has been complemented by the hands-on experience conducting due diligence for a Seed Fund and a pivotal internship at AI startup bluesheets, based in Singapore.
What else has Ryan’s “whirlwind” Darden experience had to offer? He served as the EVP for the Asia Business Club at Darden and helped to organize Pride at Darden’s annual drag show, among other activities.
“[The Darden Drag Show is] more than just an event – it’s a powerful celebration where the stage belongs to anyone in the Darden community courageous enough to be authentically themselves.”
With the arrival of warm weather, you can find Ryan playing pickleball with friends at the Snyder Tennis Courts, taking all the tips they can get from UVA undergrads!
Launching Remeo.AI
Inspired and energized, Ryan is now channeling his focus into his own venture, building an AI agent. “Remeo.AI is an AI agent for project management designed to help decentralized or high-turnover teams stay organized and on track. Remeo.AI aims to empower businesses needing support for daily operations and critical AI transformations while offering IT and professional services firms greater efficiency and client transparency,” Ryan explained.
Connect with Ryan
Ryan Zhang’s journey has been a blend of strategic thinking, technological curiosity, community engagement, and showcases a zest for life. He’s eager to connect with Darden alums and anyone interested in Japan, AI, project management, startups, or maybe even a friendly game of pickleball!
A Note from the Darden Career Center
Darden students make a meaningful difference as transformational changemakers and leaders in organizations. To start the recruiting process, reach out to us at recruiting @darden.virginia.edu or create an account to view resumes and post roles in Darden Career Link.
