Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago

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In 2020, Airwallex lost nearly half its revenue overnight. Today it's worth $11 billion.

Jack Zhang reflects on the decisions that kept the company alive, raising capital during uncertainty, and leading through its toughest chapter.

This episode is a candid look at why Jack chose to keep building, even when a $1.2 billion acquisition was on the table.

Guest: Jack Zhang, founder and CEO, Airwallex

Connect with Jack Zhang
X: https://x.com/awxjack
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jack-zhang-05200222

Connect with Joubin:
X: https://x.com/Joubinmir
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854
Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com

Follow on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/kpgrit

Follow on X:
https://x.com/KPGrit

​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins: kleinerperkins.com

00:00 Trailer
00:31 Introduction
06:50 Working multiple jobs
19:13 The unexpected origin story
29:43 Purpose and drive
40:16 Strategic pivots and explosive growth
46:24 Founder intuition
54:52 Turning down $1.2B
1:10:28 Who Airwallex is hiring
1:10:41 What grit means to Jack
1:11:30 Outro