There have been some interesting China business events this month, including the stepping down of Vanke CEO Wang Shi. He is symbolic of the first generation of Chinese entrepreneurs, many of whom are now starting to retire.
This is my monthly recommended China reading list. If you would like to be on this list, you can sign up on the right.
Below are my recommended China articles and books for June.
Cheers, Jeff
– Articles –
Why ‘A Dog’s Purpose Soared in China While ‘Lego Batman’ Flopped
Alibaba Pictures and Tencent Pictures are creating powerful ecosystems for understanding and reaching Chinese consumers, both online and offline. They are becoming the “must have” partners in Chinese entertainment, especially for Hollywood.
Key Takeaways from Alibaba’s 2017 Investor Investor Day – Day One
Alibaba had its annual investor meeting in Hangzhou this month. Lots of good insights and announcements, especially about their M&A strategy. Here is the summary of Day 2 as well.
https://www.alizila.com/key-takeaways-from-alibabas-2017-investor-day-day-one/
China’s Biggest Developers Are Betting on $2,400 Nose Jobs
Chinese real estate developers keep trying to leverage in healthcare (and senior housing) facilities to get better access to land. Here is the latest iteration of this approach.
China’s Breakneck Metro System Growth, in One Amazing GIF
Just a great GIF showing the growth in metro systems across China.
https://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/post/19044/china-s-breakneck-metro-system-growth-in-one-gif
– Books and Reports –
American Wheels, Chinese Roads: The Story of General Motors in China
By Michael Dunne. I’m currently reading this book and it has great detail on GM and how joint ventures in China really work.
The latest Mary Meeker / Kleiner Perkins Internet Trends report is out. The Chinese section, done by Hillhouse Capital, is always worth reading.
https://www.kpcb.com/internet-trends
– My Recent Articles –
There is No New Chinese “Sharing Economy”. Didi, Mobike and Others Are Classic Disruptors.
This is a bit of a rant about the term “sharing economy”. Didi, Ofo, Mobike and the new micro-rental businesses (batteries, basketballs, etc.) are not really sharing. They are classic disruptors in “access and convenience”.
Five Questions for Understanding Didi, Mobike and the New Chinese Micro-Rentals (Part 2)
This is a simple framework for understanding these new Chinese disruptors (Didi, Tujia, Ofo, Mobike, etc.). I find this approach pretty useful.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/five-questions-understanding-didi-mobike-chinas-new-pt-jeffrey-towson
Why Didi Is Raising So Much Cash
With its latest capital raise, Didi likely has over $12B in the bank. It is very unusual for a start-up to raise and then sit on so much cash. Here is what I think is going on.
https://jefftowson.com/2017/06/why-didi-is-raising-so-much-cash/
– A Final Funny One –
Chongqing Building Has a Road On Its Roof, Netizens Wonder How Residents Get Any Sleep
This is really pretty crazy. Only in China.
https://shanghaiist.com/2017/06/21/chongqing-roof-road.php
——–
I write (and speak) about how rising Chinese consumers are disrupting global markets. (#ConsumerChina). This also includes work on:
- “China 2025″ – what a region transformed by Chinese consumers, companies and capital is going to look like. (#China2025)
- Photo by Stefan Wagener on Unsplash
