The Vanguardian was founded in 2018 by Nan Ni with the mission of protecting and nurturing talent. Since then, it has remained as a limited seat consultancy.

Nan is a graduate of Harvard College and The Lawrenceville School, where she was the Class of 2006 valedictorian. She currently resides in New York City with her partner and two dwarf rabbits, Ether & Mufasa.