Weimo Liu

Weimo Liu

CEO & Graph Database Expert | Innovator in Data Query Languages | Leader in Scalable Graph Analytics

""Driving innovation at the intersection of graph technology and real-world data challenges to unlock new insights and efficiencies.""

Weimo Liu is a visionary technology leader and expert in graph databases and distributed systems with a strong foundation in computer science research. As CEO of PuppyGraph and a recognized contributor to industry standards, he transforms complex data environments into highly accessible, scalable graph solutions that empower enterprises to gain deeper insights. With experience at Google and TigerGraph, Weimo brings a unique blend of technical mastery, strategic leadership, and user-focused innovation that delivers long-term value and competitive advantage.

Chief Executive Officer Industry Innovator & Standards Contributor Graph Database & Distributed Systems Specialist Technology Leader & Team Influencer

Executive Summary

Pioneering Leader in Graph Database Technologies and Data Query Innovation

Weimo Liu stands out as a dynamic technology strategist and engineer with a proven track record in pioneering graph query languages and enabling scalable analytics on large, distributed data systems. His career demonstrates deep expertise developing advanced database solutions that balance cutting-edge research with real-world application. With a Ph.D. in Computer Science and experience at Google, TigerGraph, and now leading PuppyGraph, Weimo bridges academia, industry innovation, and product leadership to create impactful data technologies. He excels in visionary thinking, technical depth, and collaborative leadership, delivering robust user-centric tools that redefine how organizations harness data relationships.

"Thrives in forward-looking roles where innovation meets practical impact, especially within fast-evolving data infrastructure and AI-driven analytics environments."

Graph Database Innovation

Spearheaded development of scalable, user-focused graph query languages and tools that simplify complex data relationships and improve analytics performance.

Leadership & Team Impact

Transforms visionary ideas into practical products, leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration to build impactful technology solutions.

Research Excellence & Industry Influence

Bridges academic rigor with industry standards, shaping emerging practices through research and leadership in international committees.

Key Differentiators

  • Deep expertise in graph query languages and scalable distributed systems
  • Proven leadership in founding and growing technology startups
  • Track record of delivering robust, user-friendly engineering solutions under pressure
  • Active contributor to international standards shaping the future of data querying
  • Strong academic foundation with a Ph.D. driving innovation and thought leadership

What's New

Opinions & Thoughts

  • Excited to share how PuppyGraph is featured at Datadog's DASH in NYC and Databricks' Data+AI Summit in SF, highlighting graph analytics for observability and distributed tracing.
  • Reflecting on the vibrant growth of the Apache Iceberg community through recent Bay Area meetups co-hosted by PuppyGraph, emphasizing innovative open table formats.
  • Shared upcoming presentation at Data Day Texas 2024 sharing how PuppyGraph enables unified graph queries on relational data stores without ETL or performance trade-offs.
  • Highlighted real-time security analytics architectures showcased at Apache Iceberg Meetup, integrating Redpanda, Apache Iceberg, and PuppyGraph for live graph queries on streaming data.

Results: Papers, Grants, Patents, Talks

  • Announced a joint talk at Databricks' Data+AI Summit with Coinbase on graph-powered observability data analysis and secure credential vending using Unity Catalog.
  • Shared real-world architecture and live demo details combining graph and stream technologies for security analytics integrating multiple open-source platforms.

Collaborations & Initiatives

  • Co-hosted major Apache Iceberg meetups featuring leading data engineering experts from Databricks, AWS, Google Cloud, and others fostering community and innovation.
  • Continued active role in Expert Group on Graph Query Language (GQL) under INCITS promoting industry-wide standards for advanced graph query capabilities.

News & Media Coverage

  • Featured as creator of PuppyGraph in growing industry discourse on novel graph queries for open table formats, gaining traction across companies like Dremio, Databricks, and Redpanda Data.

Professional Highlights

🚀 Leadership & Industry Influence

PuppyGraph • 2023-Present

Transformational CEO and Innovator in Graph Technology

Leading the charge in redefining how relational data can seamlessly be queried as unified graphs without ETL, driving significant advancements in graph analytics and observability for major enterprises. Sets strategic direction, fosters community engagement, and steers product innovation that bridges cutting-edge research with real-world application.

💡 Engineering Excellence & Innovation

Google • 2018-2023

Senior Software Engineer Driving Scalable SQL and Graph Query Innovations

Instrumental in the development of GoogleSQL dialects supporting diverse query engines, including BigQuery and Spanner. Blended research and engineering skills to deliver performant, scalable solutions impacting global data infrastructure and analytics capabilities.

🌐 Graph Database Innovation

TigerGraph • 2016-2018

Research Scientist and Developer of Scalable Graph Query Languages

Pioneered GSQL and other graph query language innovations enabling fast distributed graph operations and analytics. Demonstrated strong product insight and engineering leadership that contributed to making graph technology a foundational infrastructure for big data problem solving.

🎓 Academic Foundations & Research

The George Washington University • 2012-2016

Doctoral Researcher and Academic Contributor in Computer Science

Advanced foundational knowledge in computer science through doctoral research that propelled expertise in algorithm development, distributed systems, and database technologies. Combined theoretical insights with practical application focus, setting the stage for impactful contributions to industry.

📚 Early Academic Development

Fudan University • 2008-2012

Undergraduate Scholar and Research Assistant

Developed critical academic and technical skills in computer science, engaging early on in research assistance roles that demonstrated commitment to learning, collaboration, and technical problem solving within a rigorous academic environment.

Professional Identity

Roles & Competencies

Core Roles

Innovative Technology Leader Graph Database and Big Data Expert Research-Driven Software Engineer Visionary Entrepreneur and CEO Cross-Functional Collaborator and Community Builder

Key Competencies

Graph Databases & Distributed Systems 95%
Technical Leadership & Vision Setting 85%
Strategic Product Development 80%
Industry Knowledge in Big Data & AI 90%
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication 85%

Values & Purpose

Core Values

  • Excellence - Consistently delivers high-quality, robust, and user-friendly technological solutions that stand the test of time, as evidenced by impactful contributions to GoogleSQL, TigerGraph, and PuppyGraph.
  • Innovation - Pioneers novel approaches to complex data challenges, particularly by transforming graph analytics and real-time observability through cutting-edge solutions.
  • Impact - Focused on creating scalable, meaningful technology that empowers organizations to solve large-scale data problems efficiently and insightfully.
  • Collaboration - Builds strong professional relationships, contributing to dynamic teams and communities, and successfully hosts and drives industry meetups and talks.

Professional Purpose

To advance the frontier of graph-based data technology by delivering innovative, scalable, and accessible solutions that empower enterprises to gain deeper insights and make smarter decisions from their complex data ecosystems.

Career Impact Highlights

Leadership in Graph Query Language Innovation

As CEO of PuppyGraph and contributor on the Expert Group on Graph Query Language (GQL), spearheaded development of tools enabling seamless, ETL-free graph queries that have attracted industry-wide recognition and adoption.

Transformative Engineering Contributions at Google

Played a critical role in evolving groundbreaking database query technologies like GoogleSQL and F1 engine, enhancing how massive datasets are queried and analyzed efficiently.

Community and Ecosystem Builder in Data Engineering

Actively grows and nurtures thriving technical communities through organizing meetups, delivering talks, and fostering collaboration that accelerates innovation in open table formats and graph analytics.

Psychological & Relational Intelligence

Personality Framework

Big Five Personality Traits

Openness 90%

Demonstrates exceptional openness through a strong drive for innovation, curiosity about emerging technologies, and willingness to explore novel solutions in complex data landscapes.

Conscientiousness 85%

Exemplifies high conscientiousness with disciplined, meticulous work on engineering challenges and sustained leadership in product development and technical communities.

Extraversion 55%

Balanced extraversion facilitates effective networking, community engagement, and teamwork while maintaining the focus required for deep technical problem-solving.

Agreeableness 75%

Shows strong agreeableness reflected in collaborative leadership style, openness to feedback, and the ability to connect diverse stakeholders in technical and business contexts.

Neuroticism 30%

Lower neuroticism supports resilience under technical and leadership pressures, enabling calm, collected decision-making and long-term vision execution.

Estimated MBTI Type: INTJ

E Extraversion
70%
Introversion I
N Intuition
85%
Sensing S
T Thinking
75%
Feeling F
J Judging
70%
Perceiving P

INTJ: Weimo showcases the classic INTJ profile with a strategic, future-oriented mindset that excels in abstract thinking and problem solving. His dominant Introverted Intuition (Ni) drives a visionary approach to technology innovation, while Extraverted Thinking (Te) manifests as a structured, efficient execution style in managing projects and team leadership. His strong judging preference enables decisive action and goal orientation, making him a consummate planner and implementer of transformative ideas. Growth could be fostered through enhanced flexibility and interpersonal openness to balance his analytical focus.

Decision Making & Communication

Decision Making Style

  • 📊
    Strategic and Data-Driven - Prefers deep analysis and long-term impact over quick fixes, often relying on robust data and research insights to guide choices.
  • 📊
    Decisive and Goal-Oriented - Makes well-considered decisions promptly, balancing visionary goals with practical feasibility.
  • 📊
    Collaborative and Consultative - Seeks input from experts and stakeholders to enrich decision quality while maintaining clarity on ultimate objectives.
  • 📊
    Innovative Problem Solver - Embraces creative approaches and iterative experimentation to overcome technical challenges and refine solutions.

Communication & Collaboration

  • 📣
    Clarity and Precision - Communicates complex technical concepts clearly and succinctly, making intricate ideas accessible to varied audiences.
  • 📣
    Engaging Public Speaker - Effectively shares knowledge and vision at conferences and meetups, inspiring peers and fostering community growth.
  • 👥
    Team-Oriented Facilitator - Encourages open dialogue and knowledge sharing within teams, strengthening cohesion and innovative potential.
  • 📣
    Active Networker - Builds and nurtures strategic collaborations across organizations and industries to drive collective progress.

DISC Profile Analysis

D

Dominance

70%

Direct, Decisive, High Control, Results-Focused

I

Influence

60%

Interactive, Inspiring, Enthusiastic, Collaborative

S

Steadiness

50%

Supportive, Stable, Consistent, Diplomatic

C

Conscientiousness

75%

Careful, Analytical, Precise, Quality-Focused

Profile Type: DC

Weimo’s DISC profile combines decisive Dominance with precise Conscientiousness to produce a leadership style marked by strategic vision, high standards, and meticulous execution, complemented by effective communication and collaborative strengths.

Role & Environment Fit

Organizational Settings Where Weimo Thrives

Innovative Technology Startups 92%
Tech Giants with Cutting-Edge Data Platforms 90%
Research and Development Labs 85%
Open Source Software Communities 80%
Industry Standardization Committees 78%

Organizational Culture Match

Innovative & Agile
Collaborative & Community-Focused
Data-Driven & Analytical
Growth-Oriented & Learning-Focused

Performance Enablers

Workflow & Tool Stack

#GraphDatabases #DistributedSystems #DataAnalytics #SQL & #BigQuery #GoogleSQL #GSQL #Python #AgileDevelopment #GraphQueryLanguages

Weimo thrives in environments with access to advanced data tools and technologies that enable deep analytical work and rapid implementation of insights.

Motivation Triggers & Support Systems

Key Motivators
  • Creating impactful, scalable graph technologies that advance data querying and analytics
  • Driving innovation in real-world systems and seeing tangible long-term benefits
  • Engagement with like-minded technical communities and cross-industry collaborators
  • Ownership of vision and leadership in emerging data infrastructure domains
Optimal Support Systems
  • Strong peer and mentor networks built through academic and industry collaboration
  • Access to cutting-edge technology platforms and open-source ecosystems
  • Participation in standards organizations fostering innovation alignment
  • Opportunities for public speaking, knowledge sharing, and community building

Why These Enablers Matter

These enablers collectively create an environment that leverages Weimo’s deep technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and entrepreneurial drive, unlocking his highest professional impact potential by aligning purpose, resources, and recognition.

Hidden Talents & Personal Passion

Bridging East-West Technical Scholarship and Industry Innovation

“Weimo has a solid understanding of database foundations and product-market fit, combining strong academic roots with industry execution.”

Weimo’s academic formation in both China (Fudan University) and the US (George Washington University) allows him to integrate diverse technical methodologies and cultural perspectives, uniquely positioning him to navigate global tech ecosystems and bridge collaborative opportunities across geographies.

Global Technical Fluency

Comfort and proficiency working within international academic and professional contexts enrich his problem-solving perspectives.

Cross-Cultural Communication

Ability to engage and align teams and stakeholders from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering mutual understanding and synergy.

Product-Driven Engineering Creativity

Combines deep technical skills with a market-oriented mindset to build solutions that fit real user needs effectively.

Innovative Software Design

Strong record of designing robust, scalable software components, such as command-line interfaces under pressure, that optimize user experience and system performance.

Multilingual & Cultural Insights

Weimo’s educational and professional journey across China and the US, along with engagement in international standardization committees, indicate strong multicultural competence and likely bilingual capabilities, enabling him to operate fluidly in global tech communities.

Cross-Domain Synthesis

  • Database Systems ➔ Scalable Distributed Architectures
  • Academic Research ➔ Industry Product Innovation
  • Graph Query Languages ➔ Big Data Analytics
  • Technical Leadership ➔ Community Building & Standards Advocacy

Weimo's ability to synthesize knowledge across traditionally separate domains creates unique value propositions and innovative solutions that others might not see.

Second-Self Narratives & Personal Impact

Research-Driven Innovation

A rigorous PhD in Computer Science coupled with years of research assistantship shaped Weimo’s analytical rigor and foundational expertise, fueling his capacity to innovate at the intersection of theory and practice.

Educational Background
  • PhD in Computer Science – The George Washington University
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Fudan University
  • Research Assistant roles spanning academia and industry collaboration

Community Influencer & Technical Guide

Weimo actively contributes to the data technology community through organizing meetups, speaking at industry conferences, and shaping technical standards, exemplifying a commitment to mentorship and collective advancement.

Impact & Mentorship
  • Leadership in PuppyGraph’s community engagement and event hosting
  • Participation in InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS)
  • Public speaking engagements at leading AI and data engineering summits
  • Facilitating knowledge exchange and innovation dissemination across domains

Influence & Growth Radar

Visualizing Weimo's current influence and future growth trajectory across key professional dimensions.

Current
Potential Growth

Dimensional Analysis

🛠️ Technical Mastery

Reflects Weimo’s deep expertise in databases, distributed systems, and query languages, which forms the core of his professional value. Although highly skilled, continuous innovation and emerging tech integration offer room for growth.

🧑‍💼 Leadership & Influence

Encompasses Weimo’s demonstrated abilities in leading teams, taking CEO roles, and influencing product and technical directions, with further growth potential in strategic leadership and broader organizational impact.

💡 Innovative Product Vision

Captures his strengths in aligning technical excellence with user-centric product development, fostering solutions that are both technically solid and market-relevant.

🤝 Community & Network Building

Measures active engagement in meetups, conferences, and open-source efforts, highlighting a runway for expanding his influence and mentorship in the wider tech ecosystem.

🌏 Cross-Cultural Collaboration

Reflects the unique advantage gained from his multicultural academic and professional experiences, beneficial for global team synergy and partnerships.

📊 Standards & Industry Impact

Represents involvement in shaping technology standards (e.g., INCITS), a valuable niche blending deep technical knowledge with industry foresight and influence.