Member Spotlight: A Conversation with Wendy Li
What She’s Currently Doing:
Wendy lives on the Upper West Side of New York City and is the Co-founder and CIO of a fintech startup redefining access to investing. Her platform offers a one-stop-shop for retail investors to seamlessly engage in both public and private markets—combining the ease of use of Robinhood with expanded investment opportunities. As a mom of three (ages 11, 8, and 5), Wendy is building this ambitious venture while navigating the joys and demands of raising a young family. With her youngest now out of diapers, she seized the window to launch something big—backed by internal capital and the clarity of purpose to build at scale.
Q: You’ve made the conscious decision to pour yourself into a high-growth startup while raising young children. How are you navigating the personal trade-offs that come with that?
A: It’s an intense and deeply personal balance. I chose to do something professionally that requires my full focus—something large and consuming—and that comes with inevitable sacrifices. Social time, friendships, and even moments with my kids can feel too fleeting. I often ask myself, “Why do I feel so pulled to do this, even when I don’t need to?” There’s no capital pressure, yet the drive to build is so strong it feels almost irrational. Sometimes I wonder, am I broken for wanting this so much? But I come back to the belief that we are modeling something powerful for our children—resilience, purpose, a strong work ethic. Some days are easier than others, and yes, there’s guilt. But I’m working toward peace and love the choices that I have made. I’m proud, and I hope my kids one day will be too.
Editor’s Note:
We’ve stuck with one very powerful and important question to highlight a topic that often comes up in private conversation. Wendy’s story reflects a recurring theme we’ve heard from many Spark members—the desire to build something meaningful, even when it comes with emotional trade-offs and logistical strain. Time and again, members share their tension between legacy and presence, ambition and gentleness, growth and grounding. What we’ve seen is this: there’s power pausing, and clarity in the company of those who understand. If you’ve felt this same pull—whether as a parent, founder, or steward of your family’s future—you’re not alone. Keep remembering your why, and let this community be a place where those tensions are held with compassion and encouragement.