How Ian Ang Built Secretlab – From Rebellious Gamer to Visionary CEO🎮🚀

TL;DR  

Ian Ang’s journey from rebellious gamer to CEO of Secretlab is a story of resilience, innovation, and passion. 

Despite being a university dropout and an unconventional student, Ang co-founded Secretlab, a gaming chair company now valued in the hundreds of millions. 

His competitive spirit, focus on constant improvement, and commitment to his mission have transformed Secretlab into a global brand. 

In this post, we explore Ian Ang’s story, the principles that guided his success, and the lessons we can all learn from his inspiring journey.

From Gaming Enthusiast to Visionary CEO  

Not every successful CEO was a star student or followed a conventional path to the top. 

Ian Ang’s story is a reminder that passion, persistence, and a clear vision can lead to extraordinary success. 

Growing up, Ang was far from the typical overachieving student. 

Instead, he spent countless hours immersed in gaming, a world where he not only found joy but also honed skills that would later prove invaluable. 

In 2014, driven by his love for gaming and a desire to build something better, he co-founded Secretlab with his friend, Alaric Choo. 

Together, they created a company that went beyond just making gaming chairs – they redefined ergonomics for a new generation of gamers and professionals alike. 

Now, at the age of 28, Ian Ang is recognized as Singapore's youngest Entrepreneur of the Year and a global leader in the gaming industry.

The Success Story of Ian Ang and Secretlab

1. Passion First, Profit Later  

For Ian Ang, Secretlab began as a passion project. 

He and Alaric wanted a gaming chair that combined style, comfort, and durability without breaking the bank – a product they themselves would use and enjoy. 

The first model, Secretlab THRONE V1, was an instant hit. 

Within just a month, they broke even, proving that passion-driven projects can lead to massive success when there’s a genuine need in the market.

2. Building a Culture of Innovation  

Secretlab’s success didn’t stop with their first chair. 

Under Ang’s leadership, the company continued to innovate. 

Every product launch was an opportunity to improve, using feedback to refine designs, materials, and ergonomics. 

Secretlab also expanded into partnerships with entertainment giants like HBO and Blizzard, creating limited-edition chairs that resonated deeply with fans.

Ang’s management philosophy is grounded in openness and collaboration. 

Secretlab follows a “best ideas win” approach, where anyone – even an intern – can have their ideas heard. 

This egalitarian culture fosters creativity and pushes the brand to continually raise its standards.

3. Facing Challenges Head-On  

Like any entrepreneurial journey, Ian Ang’s path hasn’t been free of challenges. 

From product issues to supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretlab faced several setbacks. 

But Ang’s resilience and long-term thinking helped the company weather these storms. 

At one point, Secretlab’s survival was on the line, but instead of resorting to layoffs or drastic cost-cutting, Ang pledged his personal assets to keep the company afloat. 

His unwavering commitment and belief in his vision helped Secretlab emerge stronger.

4. Innovating Ergonomics for the Modern World  

Today, Secretlab’s mission goes beyond gaming chairs. 

Ang and his team are committed to “modern ergonomics” – creating products that support a range of activities, from work to gaming to relaxation. 

Secretlab’s Ergonomics Advisory Board collaborates with doctors and scientists to design chairs that adapt to people’s diverse needs and movements. 

This shift reflects Ang’s dedication to improving lives through thoughtful, user-centered design.

What We Can Learn from Ian Ang

1. Unconventional Paths Can Lead to Extraordinary Success  

Ian Ang’s journey reminds us that you don’t need to fit the traditional mold to achieve greatness. 

His story shows that success can come from unexpected places, like a passion for gaming. 

For those of us who feel that we don’t fit into society’s expectations, Ang’s story is a powerful reminder to embrace our unique strengths and interests.

2. Innovation and Improvement Are Constant Journeys  

Ang’s approach to business reflects a mindset of constant growth. 

Whether it’s developing new products or improving existing ones, Secretlab’s journey has been one of relentless innovation. 

This commitment to always striving for better is a valuable lesson in both business and life.

3. Resilience Is Key to Long-Term Success  

Ang’s decision to keep pushing forward despite the pandemic’s challenges demonstrates the importance of resilience. 

Instead of giving up, he found ways to support his business and his team. 

For any entrepreneur or leader, resilience in the face of setbacks is critical for long-term success.

4. Create a Mission, Not Just a Product  

Secretlab’s mission of supporting modern lifestyles through ergonomic design reflects Ang’s deep commitment to improving people’s lives. 

Building a business with a meaningful mission can transform a simple product into a brand that resonates with people on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts: A Visionary Leader Redefining What’s Possible

Ian Ang’s story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and vision. 

From his early days as a gamer to his role as a CEO, Ang has always stayed true to himself. 

Secretlab is more than just a successful business – it’s a brand that was born out of a genuine love for gaming and a desire to improve people’s lives.

As the company continues to grow, Ang’s dedication to innovation and mission-driven leadership will undoubtedly keep it on the cutting edge of the gaming and ergonomics industries.

If there’s one thing we can all take from Ian Ang’s journey, it’s this: Success isn’t about following the crowd. It’s about finding what makes you unique, embracing it, and having the courage to pursue it relentlessly.

Inspiration Spotlight

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• Secretlab co-founder Ian Ang named Singapore's Entrepreneur of the Year

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