Hanson Li has built his career around a simple but powerful belief: food connects people, cultures, and ideas. As founder and managing partner of Salt Partners Group, he has become a leader in reimagining what the food and beverage industry can be—bridging world-class dining experiences with cutting-edge technology to shape the future of how we eat, gather, and share.
After earning both his undergraduate and MBA degrees at Stanford — where he was recognized as a Siebel Scholar and Arjay Miller Scholar — Hanson spent a decade in private equity before following his entrepreneurial instincts. In 2014, he launched Salt Partners, which has since co-founded a portfolio of restaurant companies and invested in more than a dozen food-related technology and brand ventures. From Michelin-starred restaurants to neighborhood favorites like Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream, and from innovative platforms like Bikky to new takes on Chinese takeout with Lazy Susan, Hanson has consistently blended creativity with strategy to help businesses thrive.
Yet Hanson’s impact extends far beyond the companies he has built or backed. A trusted advisor in the industry, he shares his expertise and networks generously, sitting on the board of the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and the advisory board of OpenTable. His work reflects not only a vision for the future of food, but also a commitment to strengthening the ecosystem that sustains it.
Equally meaningful is Hanson’s dedication to community. A visible and active advocate for Asian American leadership, he has spoken at Stanford’s Asian Leadership Conference on forging unconventional career paths and increasing representation in the food and beverage industry. He serves on the board of the Center for Asian American Media, has been profiled by Gold House, and partners with nonprofits to encourage philanthropy within the Chinese American community.
For Hanson, investing is not just about capital — it is about people. Whether mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, championing diverse voices, or creating spaces where food brings people together, he is continually building opportunities for others to succeed.
