Bio
Derek Wang, 35, has been named one of Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 under 40 class of 2019. The 40 under 40 program recognizes local professionals who are making major strides in their career while leaving a positive impact on their community. These individuals are helping shape Charlotte as a hub for all major industries. “This is a huge surprise,” Wang said. “I think this really represents what the Stratifyd team has accomplished. They are evaluating more than just me; it’s about what Stratifyd has been pushing for over the past few years. I see this recognition as a team win.” Derek grew up in Beijing and received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). Shortly after, he – along with the company’s two other co-founders, Li Yu and Thomas Kraft – began conducting government-funded research on the ways AI could be used to ingest, analyze, and visualize unstructured data. This post-doctorate work was the foundation on which Stratifyd was built. “I’m not surprised he’s a 40 under 40 honoree,” Yu said. “I’m just surprised that he’s almost 40.” Nonetheless, Kraft and Yu couldn’t be prouder of their mentor and friend. “He’s super motivated,” Kraft said. “When he puts his mind to something, he’s going to do it. This coupled with an extensive knowledge of tech and his inviting personality make him the perfect person to take Stratifyd to the next level.”