YangMing Jiang
CEO @ Focen | Entrepreneur, Guitarist, Skier
Focen
At 15, YangMing built a fully automatic, AI-powered focus app that helps students and people like him who constantly get distracted to stay on task. Unlike current focus apps, Focen starts and stops itself based on how you work, and classifies distracting apps and tabs by itself using AI.
focen.app
Somba
As a young entrepreneur, YangMing noticed the gap in networking opportunities for the rising numbers of ambitious teenagers being empowered by the modern age. So he built a solution in the form of Somba, a collaboration and networking platform for young people ages 13-17. In under 5 days, Somba reached over 100 users, and is continuing to grow.
somba.devBefore that
Pioneer Valley Marketing
YangMing co-founded a digital agency for small businesses across Western Massachusetts. He ran client acquisition door to door and was turned down 36 times before closing the first deal, learning how to handle rejection and adapt.
pioneervalleymarketing.netNextWorth
At 13, YangMing created a business funding concept where entrepreneurs could sell small percentages of their company in exchange for funding at a massive scale. It did not hold up, but working out why taught him how to test an idea before building it.
Seeds of Wealth
At 12, YangMing started a financial literacy project for students. Though it ultimately failed, YangMing was able to learn how to build a community and a platform, which would eventually lead to Somba.
Minecraft server
At age 8, inspired by the giant servers in Minecraft, YangMing built one of his own. Over the next 3 years, he would scale it, eventually making a total of $3,000 before ending it. This was his first introduction into the business and entrepreneurial world.
Off the clock
Guitar
YangMing has been playing the guitar since age 5, starting with acoustic, then transitioning into classical guitar at age 10. He was a finalist in Division 1 of the Connecticut Guitar Festival in 2024, and has continued to frequently perform for his community in Western Massachusetts.
Skiing
Since age 7, YangMing had a passion for skiing. In 2025, he joined the PVCICS ski team, and regularly competed in races.
Fencing
From 2023 to 2026, YangMing did epee fencing at the Riverside Fencing Club. Though eventually dropped due to time constraints, while he was there, he competed in regional tournaments, and practiced 3x a week.
Community
YangMing has been volunteering with the Chinese Association of Western Massachusetts since 2022, serving as emcee at their Spring Festival Gala for four years, and performing the classical guitar in their events as well.
Content
YangMing shares what he is learning on Instagram, talking about business, entrepreneurship, societal issues, and whatever else is on his mind. It is where the day to day of building Focen and Somba gets documented.
@jyang.ming