Yaz El-Baba

“Embrace the grind.”

Yaz is a Partner at Emergence Capital. As a competitive boxer and mixed martial artist, Yaz understands and appreciates the relentless hustle required to achieve success - whether it be getting your hand raised in combat, or building a successful technology company.

Prior to joining Emergence, Yaz worked in both Business Operations, and in Corporate Development at LinkedIn. While in Business Operations, Yaz helped lead go-to-market strategy for two of LinkedIn's largest business lines (Talent & Marketing), and product strategy for a new product launch in LinkedIn's Sales business. During his time in Corporate Development, Yaz was involved with LinkedIn's M&A and corporate venture strategy & execution. Before LinkedIn, Yaz worked in Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis at Microsoft, and in Real Estate Private Equity at Bloomfield Capital.

Yaz studied Finance & Strategy at the University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business, where he graduated with High Distinction, and studied Islamic Studies at the School of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

At Michigan, Yaz led an undergraduate pro-bono consulting group, commentated for the Big Ten Network, and was captain of the University of Michigan Boxing Team. As captain of the boxing program, Yaz led the co-ed group to 3 team National Titles, and was the individual 125 lb National Champion at the 2014 Collegiate Boxing National Championship. Aside from boxing, Yaz is a competitive Muay Thai fighter, and a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.