How WeChat Became the Everything App (Tech Strategy – Podcast 167)

In this week’s podcast, we focus on the phenomenon of WeChat, an app that has embedded itself into daily life as the ‘everything app’. I provide a strategic breakdown of how WeChat managed to achieve this status. Tune in to understand the graphics, slides, and insights shared on this platform, also available on iTunes and Google Podcasts

The Rise of Alibaba in 10 Slides (1 of 2) (Tech Strategy – Daily Article)

Years ago, I started mapping out the evolution of Alibaba with pictures. I was having a hard time keeping all the moving parts in mind. And I was becoming more and more convinced that digital company development is path dependent. What comes next depends on what just happened. Microsoft is only capable of its current […]

Get Ready for Alipay+ and Ant Group 2.0 (Tech Strategy – Podcast 129)

In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses the return of Ant Group after 2 years in restructuring. He talks about Ant’s new international payment initiative, Alipay+, and how it could disrupt the global payments market. He also discusses the challenges that Ant faces in its new incarnation, such as regulatory scrutiny and competition from other tech giants.

Ant’s Newly Launched Alipay+ Is Outstanding Platform Strategy (1 of 2)(Tech Strategy – Daily Article)

A few years ago, I wrote about how Alibaba.com was launching an ambitious global platform strategy around B2B cross-border transactions. Alibaba.com was attempting to build a marketplace platform that digitized and democratized global trade. It was a sweeping vision. Basically, they were creating digital tools and connections that enabled SMEs to buy and sell products […]

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5 Predictions for Nubank 2.0 (Asia Tech Strategy – Podcast 116)

In his latest Tech Strategy podcast, Jeff Towson delves into how digitalization is revolutionizing traditional barriers to entry. Drawing from his new book, ‘Moats and Marathons’, Towson examines six levels of competition, particularly focusing on those assets that can’t be easily built, bought, or transferred. From reputation and loyalty to unique technological capabilities, this episode offers a deep dive into the realities of competing in the digital age​.

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Stone Is Building a Digital-Physical Hybrid for Payments in Brazil (3 of 3) (Asia Tech Strategy – Daily Lesson / Update)

In Part 2, I laid out the story of Stone Company, a Brazilian digital native that is building out payment, financial and enterprise services for SMEs. My basic take was: I like the company’s basic value proposition (payment plus working capital services) for smaller merchants, especially compared to what they get from local banks. I […]

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Berkshire-Invested Stone Co Has Now Dropped +80% in 2021 (Tech Strategy – Podcast 109)

Stone Co is a Brazilian payment platform that provides merchants with a range of services, including point-of-sale terminals, credit card processing, and working capital loans. The company has been growing rapidly, but its share price has fallen sharply in recent months. In this podcast, Jeffrey Towson discusses the company’s business model, its competitive landscape, and its prospects for the future.