Emily Zhen
Originally from the Chicago suburbs of Naperville, IL, Emily Zhen is a first-generation Chinese American dedicated to expanding access to healthcare, education, and financial opportunity. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School and dual undergraduate degrees—a BS in Economics (Finance) and a BA in Biology—from the University of Pennsylvania.
In her free time, Emily enjoys exploring national and state parks, swimming, playing tennis, and trying new dance classes. A lifelong music enthusiast, she loves playing piano, singing, and attending live performances. She also enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures.
Education
Originally from the Chicago suburbs of Naperville, IL, Emily Zhen is dedicated to expanding access to affordable and quality healthcare. She holds an MBA from the Wharton School and dual undergraduate degrees—a BS in Economics (Finance) and a BA in Biology—from the University of Pennsylvania.
In her free time, Emily enjoys exploring national and state parks, swimming, playing tennis, and trying new dance classes. A lifelong music enthusiast, she loves playing piano, singing, and attending live performances. She also enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures.
Professional
Emily Zhen is a Principal at HealthQuest Capital, where she invests in growth-stage healthcare companies across digital health, tech-enabled healthcare services, and life sciences (medical technology, devices, and diagnostics).
Before joining HealthQuest Capital in 2026, Emily launched and led the healthcare investing vertical at Zeal Capital Partners, investing in early-stage (Seed and Series A) companies across healthcare, financial technology and the future of learning and work. Prior to that, Emily was a multi-stage healthcare investor at New Enterprise Associates (NEA), deploying over $500 million across all stages—from incubation to post-IPO. She began her career in healthcare investment banking at Goldman Sachs and has also worked in digital health startups, clinical research, and at the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Emily is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Venture Capital, a member of the Emerging Venture Capitalists Association (EVCA) where she co-leads the healthcare group, and an advisor to AAPI founders through Gold House Ventures.