Irene Au

Palo Alto, CA

Irene Au

Palo Alto, CA

I am an operating partner at Khosla Ventures, working with portfolio companies to make their design and UX great. I build high performing teams, establish design practices, mentor and grow the next generation of great designers, and design interfaces and experiences. I drive strategic discussions at the highest levels of companies, focusing first on user needs to inspire product innovation.

As former head of the design teams for Google and Yahoo, I have been one of the biggest employers of UX talent. I have led design and user experience at Google, Yahoo, Netscape, and Udacity.

I was first introduced to yoga at the age of 16 and recommitted to my practice when my hectic career and passion for group exercise and fitness led me to pursue yoga for its many benefits. I draw on many styles of yoga, combining choreographed flow sequences with proper alignment to make yoga accessible yet challenging. My sequences are well-rounded, with a focus on safety, joining movement with breath, and having fun.

I passionately believe in yoga's ability to make the mind, body, and spirit healthy, and I love to share my love for yoga. I hope to see you in class sometime!

  • Work
    • Designer, executive, yoga teacher, Montessori mom
  • Education
    • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • University of South Carolina