NAIOP SFBA is delighted to feature Isabella Wei, Co-Chair of the YPG Committee and Vice President on the Investments team at Tidewater Capital. A thoughtful and dynamic leader, Isabella brings curiosity, collaboration, and a deep love for problem-solving to everything she does—qualities that have made her an integral part of the NAIOP community.
“Real estate is a relationship-driven business, and NAIOP reflects that spirit perfectly. The organization provides a space for genuine connection and collaboration with people who share a passion for this industry.”
Isabella first became involved with NAIOP SFBA in 2017 through the Membership Committee and later joined YPG Class 10 (2023–2024). Today, as Co-Chair of the YPG Committee, she’s focused on cultivating the same meaningful connections that shaped her own journey. She values NAIOP for its spirit of community and the way it brings together professionals at all stages to learn from and support one another.
In her role at Tidewater Capital, Isabella’s work spans acquisitions and asset management, overseeing both new investments and the performance of portfolio assets across the Bay Area. Her focus lies in value-add and opportunistic investments across all product types—from offices in downtown San Francisco to mixed-use developments in Silicon Valley.
For Isabella, the most fulfilling part of her work is the problem-solving nature of real estate. “Every day brings new challenges, and every deal is a puzzle that involves balancing the needs of different stakeholders,” she explains. “I’m constantly learning and adapting, and that keeps me fueled.” She finds meaning in creating lasting impact through thoughtful investment. “Real estate is deeply connected to how people live and work. Even small improvements to a building can have a lasting effect on a neighborhood or city.”
Currently, Isabella is leading work on 351 California, a landmark property in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District that offers a front-row seat to the city’s ongoing recovery.
“At 351 California, we had early conviction in the city’s recovery, and it’s been deeply rewarding to see it play out in real time,” she shares. “We’re seeing startups grow rapidly as they work to catch their real estate up to their business needs. I understand their frustration in having to divert attention away from their core business, and I take pride in our role in making the process of officing their employees as seamless as possible.”
For Isabella, the project represents both a business opportunity and a personal commitment to San Francisco’s renewal. “I’m excited to be re-investing in our building and doing our part to help revitalize downtown San Francisco. There’s real momentum building for what’s next.”
Isabella credits her mentors for helping her find her footing early in her career and now pays it forward through mentorship and leadership. Her advice for those starting out is simple:
- Be curious. “Real estate is a complex ecosystem. Don’t just do what you’re told — take the time to understand why.”
- Treat everyone with respect. “This is a small industry, and the people you meet early on have a way of reappearing later."
- Work hard. “When you’re early in your career, lean into the energy you have — it’s the best time to accelerate your growth.”
Originally from Taiwan, Isabella spent summers in the Bay Area visiting family where she developed an early fondness for San Francisco. She moved to the city in 2017 to be with her now-husband and recently relocated to Burlingame. Before joining Tidewater Capital, Isabella worked for Bentall Kennedy (now BGO) in San Francisco, where she focused on product development and corporate strategy. Earlier in her career, she held an acquisitions role at Clarion Partners in Los Angeles, working across residential, office, retail, and industrial investments throughout the Western U.S.
A proud graduate of MIT and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Isabella combines analytical rigor with creative problem-solving, an approach that defines both her career and her leadership within NAIOP. Outside of work, Isabella enjoys sailing, playing padel, tending to her growing plant collection, and exploring new restaurants and baking recipes.