Sly is a first generation American of Singaporean immigrants. His passion for human connection stems from his childhood in Mississippi, and work in developing countries for three years. He’s driven by empathetic design of cutting edge technologies for positive impact. He is Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of the venture capital-backed startup Emerge, which seeks to foster meaningful bonds across distance and time.

He is also former founder and Advisor to the Board of The Hydrous, a 501(c)3 nonprofit on a mission to fostering open access oceans. Their methods of 3D capturing coral reefs underwater have been used in over 20+ international universities and NGOs. Their current projects include a VR film, a joint educational program with Google Expeditions, archiving coral specimens at the Smithsonian Institute, and leading expeditions with Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue. Their work has been featured in WIRED, Fast Co, and TED.

Mr. Lee is a Forbes 30 Under 30 class of 2018 recipient, a Singularity University Global Solutions Program 2015 Alumnus, World Economic Forum Global Future Council Member for AR/VR, and can be found surfing Venice Breakwater most mornings. He is dedicated to creating a more connected and empathetic world, and envisions a future based on love for our environment and one another.