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July 15, 2024

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In this interview, we delve into the inspiring journey of Walden Lam, the co-founder of Unspun, a company on a mission to revolutionize the fashion industry through sustainable practices and innovative technology. Walden shares his story, from his early exposure to manufacturing in Hong Kong to the challenges of raising capital for a deep-tech venture in Silicon Valley. He discusses the initial years of Unspun, the complexities of operating a global supply chain, and his vision for the future. Walden also reflects on how his Asian heritage has influenced his entrepreneurial journey and offers valuable advice for young entrepreneurs.

HanYue: Tell us about how Unspun was started. 

Walden: I grew up in Hong Kong, in a family that did manufacturing, so I always had exposure to that. I graduated undergrad during the financial crisis, which forced me to reconsider my career paths. My initial projects out of undergrad were climate-related, exposing me to the complex problems and the structured, yet often inflexible, approaches usually taken in strategy consulting. 

HanYue: What were the first 2-3 years of Unspun like? 

Walden: My journey to the GSB was fueled by hypotheses about consumer-facing ventures. Just weeks before graduation, I learned through a Design school blast about a co-founder opportunity that aimed to bring additive manufacturing (like 3D printing) to commercial applications. This meeting, where I saw a desktop mockup, changed the trajectory of my life. Every Silicon Valley VC then was really scared of “deep-tech” companies, it was a hard time raising capital for what we wanted to do.

HanYue: What was it like to operate a company that has operations on both coasts? 

Walden: In the early years, Unspun resembled an R&D company, keeping our product development under wraps until late 2022. After going through a hardware accelerator and securing government grants, we spent our initial months in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, leveraging the good manufacturing ecosystem. Operating on both coasts highlighted the benefits of a global supply chain, essential for managing garment production still predominantly based in Asia, but processed globally.

HanYue: What is next for Unspun? What is your vision? 

Walden: Our unwavering vision focuses on reducing emissions globally—a significant challenge given the industry’s varied estimates on emission impacts, ranging from 4-9%. Our goal is not just to be a standalone brand but to influence the industry by integrating lower-impact practices into their manufacturing practices. We’re starting with basic products and gradually expanding into more refined and performance-oriented categories, aiming to transform efficiency and cost into a platform beneficial for all.

HanYue: How has being Asian influenced your entrepreneurship journey? 

Walden: Growing up in Hong Kong has shaped my approach to both life and business. It has fostered a curiosity and a desire to break out of local confines, driving me to pursue opportunities abroad. I always raise my hand when it comes to getting out of my own environment. Back in my consulting days, I volunteered for a project in Nigeria – my colleagues thought I was crazy. 

But I always had the notion that there’s so much that happens outside your own bubble. This openness has been instrumental in building a company with a flexible, global perspective, partnering with brands and manufacturers across continents. With the company, we now have brand partners in the EU, manufacturing partners in Asia, and capital partners elsewhere. That opened up lots of opportunities. Our goal is to influence a global industry, we need that mindset and curiosity.

HanYue: It sounds like growing up in Hong Kong has given you open-mindedness and the courage that you are not afraid to deal with people and environments different from yours. That is VERY precious. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs these days? 

Walden: My advice for young entrepreneurs is to adopt a long-term perspective. Do not be afraid of having a contrarian view.  We are really focused on building a cross-generational company that endures and transcends time. 

Another piece is to think more like an architect of your own company, and less about your individual contribution, hopefully charting a course for the company that can sustain you, you don’t have to do everything all by yourself.

HanYue: That’s a really insightful take. Where can we find Unspun jeans now? 

Walden: You can find more about us at unspun.io, where you can shop for our customized jeans online. We also launched a small collection at NY Fashion Week, which is still available. 

As Unspun continues to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion, Walden Lam’s journey serves as a testament to the power of innovation and global collaboration. Keep an eye on Unspun as they strive to reshape the industry, one custom pair of jeans at a time.

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Building Tomorrow: How Nan Lin Redefines Homebuilding with 3D Printing 

For Nan Lin, entrepreneurship isn’t just business; it’s freedom. A freedom earned through sacrifice, relentless execution, and a refusal to accept the limits of a broken system. As the founder of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, Lin is reimagining the housing industry, tackling its inefficiencies with cutting-edge technology and a bold vision. His mission? To build stronger homes faster, at lower costs, empowering communities and challenging the status quo.

From Immigrant Roots to Visionary Leadership 

Lin’s journey began at age 10, when he immigrated to America with his mother. While adapting to a new country, he was inspired by his loving parents’ sacrifices, which shaped his relentless drive. “I saw the lengths they went to give me a better life,” Lin says. “Their love and dedication became my compass.” Years later, that resolve led to the creation of Kaizen Capital, where he transforms underutilized properties into vibrant housing solutions: ADUs, subdivisions, condo conversions, and luxury short-term rentals. By unlocking hidden value in land, he delivers market-rate and affordable housing that strengthens neighborhoods.

But Lin saw a deeper problem: traditional construction is slow, costly, and vulnerable to fire, pests, and natural disasters. Frustrated by an industry stuck in the past, he founded 4DIFY to lead a new era of construction through 3D-printed concrete homes.

Nan Lin | Founder and Principal of Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY

3D Printing: The Future of Housing, Today

Lin’s vision for 4DIFY was sparked by a frustrating reality: “Wildfires destroy neighborhoods every year, yet we keep building stick-frame homes that burn like kindling,” he says.

After visiting several 3D printer manufacturers, Lin partnered with New York–based SQ4D. It took nearly a year to secure exclusive licensing rights, navigate regulatory hurdles, and obtain building permits, but he got it done.

Now, 4DIFY is building California’s first community of 3D-printed concrete homes. As this article goes live, their first printed home is nearing completion, despite heavy regulations and a steep learning curve. The team is already outperforming traditional timelines and cost benchmarks. The second and third homes will soon print simultaneously, targeting completion in two months, effectively one home per month at under $200 per square foot.

Despite challenges as an Asian immigrant, Lin managed to transform them into motivation and success. 

“We’re aiming to build at half the cost and in a quarter of the time,” Lin says. “That’s not a dream. It’s the direction we’re heading.”

Built with concrete, reinforced with rebar, and topped with metal roofs, these homes are resilient against fire, wind, earthquakes, mold, and pests. They’re also designed for long-term savings, with lower maintenance, less waste, and reduced energy and insurance costs.

“Critics doubted it would work,” Lin reflects. “But seeing is believing. This is the future.”

A Philosophy of Purpose and Resilience

Lin’s journey has been marked by relentless challenges, some seemingly insurmountable. “Obstacles never stop,” he admits. Yet he transforms adversity into opportunity, fueled by a positive mindset, solution-driven focus, and disciplined execution. His trusted team is his backbone. “No one succeeds alone,” he says. “My team turns the impossible into reality.” This resilience shapes his leadership, blending bold vision with purposeful action to create opportunities, particularly for communities long excluded from wealth-building. “Housing isn’t just a product,” Lin says. “It’s a platform for empowerment.”

Recognition and Inspiration

Lin’s impact is gaining notice. The Sacramento Bee named him one of the Top 20 AAPI Change Makers, and he was honored in the Business Elite Awards’ 40 Under 40. But for Lin, the real reward is inspiring others. “I want to show the next generation of Asian entrepreneurs what’s possible when we claim our seat at the table,” he says.

Lin wants to create opportunities for those marginalized by elevating the future of construction, making it more accessible for his community.

Join the Housing Revolution

Nan Lin isn’t just building homes, he’s redefining what’s possible. Through Kaizen Capital and 4DIFY, he’s creating a future where housing is affordable, resilient, and sustainable. Follow his journey and see the revolution unfold.

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