Yami, formerly known as Yamibuy, is a US-based e-commerce platform founded in March 2013 by Alex Zhou, a Chinese student at Kansas State University. The company was born out of Zhou's frustration with the limited availability and high prices of Asian goods in the United States. Yami's core mission is to provide a comprehensive online marketplace for Asian products, including food, groceries, beauty items, and household goods. The platform primarily serves the United States market, catering to the needs of Asian expatriates and enthusiasts of Asian culture.
Notable investors in Yami include GGV Capital and New Oriental Education & Technology Group. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as expanding its product offerings to include popular items trending on platforms like TikTok and establishing a strong community presence. With a workforce of 201-500 employees as of 2022, Yami has made a substantial impact by bridging the gap between Asian markets and consumers in the United States, enhancing accessibility to a diverse range of Asian products.
