Douglas Yu

A JOURNALIST’S JOURNEY. When Douglas Yu dreamed of becoming a journalist, he never imagined it would one day lead him to start his own company. Today, Douglas is the CEO and founder of Diamond Brew, America’s first brewless coffee. His company revolutionizes the coffee experience by offering instant gratification without grinding, brewing, or waiting. “Our mission is to create a new realm of convenience,” Douglas explains, “where every drop of coffee delivers unparalleled flavor and quality.”

Douglas’s journey began in eastern China, near Shanghai, where he developed a love for the English language and Western media. Encouraged by his mother, he attended an English Saturday school at the age of seven. His fascination with English and American culture led him to spend time with a couple from Oklahoma, who helped him hone his language skills and deepen his appreciation for American culture.

Determined to pursue a career in the newsroom, Douglas moved to Boston to study multimedia journalism at Emerson College. However, his path was not easy. “On the first day, two professors told me that international students would never make it in journalism,” Douglas recalls. Heartbroken but resolute, he set out to prove them wrong. After completing his degree and working various freelance jobs, he landed a role at William Reed Business Media in Chicago, covering the food and beverage industry. His work there eventually caught the attention of Forbes, where he secured a senior contributor position writing about the F&B through a financial lens.

Douglas’s achievements as a journalist were fueled by his desire to challenge traditional notions of success and defy the expectations placed upon him. “In my twenties, I was driven by a need for validation,” he admits. But as he learned more about the founders and executives he interviewed, he realized that true fulfillment came from building something meaningful and for the long term. This epiphany inspired him to launch Diamond Brew.

Initially, Douglas was scared to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. However, he remembered the words of another college professor who had become a mentor: “Our number one enemy in our lives is fear.” Embracing this mantra, Douglas overcame his fear of the unknown and committed to creating a product that would make a significant impact on the coffee industry. Diamond Brew was born.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Douglas’s journey has been shaped by both challenges and strengths. “Growing up, many of us play different roles – who we are and how we present ourselves,” he explains. “But being LGBTQIA+ has enhanced our emotional intelligence and empathy, which are crucial in business.” Douglas believes that this sensitivity helps him connect with others, whether they are from marginalized communities or facing personal struggles.

CRAFTING CONVENIENCE. Douglas is particularly proud of Diamond Brew’s innovative approach to coffee. By providing a convenient, high-quality product that caters to the preferences of younger generations, Douglas believes Diamond Brew stands out in the multi-billion-dollar coffee industry. “We’re creating something that fits their trends,” Douglas says. “Our coffee offers 160 milligrams of caffeine per serving—on par with a double shot of espresso—without the hassle of brewing.”

As Diamond Brew grows, Douglas remains driven by the desire to inspire others who, like him, have been told their dreams aren’t possible. He often reflects on the Chinese word for “crisis” 危机, which combines the characters for “danger” and “opportunity.” This perspective fuels his optimism even in the more difficult days of his founder journey. “Even in the toughest situations, there’s always a chance to win.”