From Macleans College to Silicon Valley: Yang Fan Yun’s journey in AI
Posted on October 10, 2025
Former Macleans College student Yang Fan Yun (Snell House 2014 - 2018) is making remarkable strides in the world of artificial intelligence. He is the co-founder of Composite (composite.com), a browser-based AI software that automates everyday work tasks.
Described by Yang as an 'autopilot for your web browser', Composite predicts what a user needs and then performs the task on their behalf. By clicking, typing and navigating automatically, it transforms your web browser into an intelligent assistant capable of managing repetitive workflows.
Unlike other AI browsers, Composite operates directly within a user’s desktop browser rather than through a cloud-based system. This unique approach gives users greater control and a more seamless integration with their daily online work.
Since its launch in January, Composite has gained rapid momentum. Thousands of professionals from leading global companies - including Salesforce, Tesla, Google, Uber and DoorDash - have trusted Composite to eliminate routine browser tasks.
The company recently announced US$5.6 million (~NZD$9.8 million) in seed funding, with investment support from prominent backers such as NFDG, Anthropic, Menlo Ventures and New Zealand’s Icehouse Ventures.
Reflecting on his New Zealand roots, Yang told the NZ Herald 'As a Kiwi, I love being actively involved in the New Zealand startup ecosystem, where Icehouse Ventures is a leading player. I interned with Icehouse Ventures the summer after my first year at Stanford and, having been on the inside, I know I can deeply trust the team. Trust is the single most important trait we look for in an investor.'
Icehouse Ventures Chief Executive Robbie Paul also spoke highly of Yang, saying 'I did not need validation that Yang was exceptional, based on the time he spent with us at Icehouse Ventures. Nonetheless, it helped seeing a Stanford CS professor’s effervescent response when I asked about him.'
Now based in Silicon Valley, Yang continues to lead Composite’s growth and innovation.
After leaving Macleans College, Yang studied Economics at the University of Auckland before attending Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and a Master’s in Management Science and Engineering.
During his time at Stanford, Yang was awarded the Frederick Emmons Terman Engineering Scholastic Award, presented to the top thirty students in the School of Engineering. He also graduated as the Henry Ford II Scholar, achieving the highest grade point average in his class and the only recipient of the award from the Computer Science Department.
Yang’s academic excellence was recognised in 2019, when he received the Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence for achieving the highest overall level of academic performance among all NZQA Scholarship students nationwide.
From his early achievements at Macleans College to leading an AI start-up in Silicon Valley, Yang Fan Yun’s journey is a story of innovation, determination and global impact.
You can try Composite for free today at composite.com