Seeing the Unseen (eBook)

GUOLI CHEN, PHD, is a Professor of Strategy at INSEAD, one of the world's top-ranking international business schools. He received his doctorate in strategic management from Pennsylvania State University and is an expert in China strategy, value innovation, strategic leadership, and corporate governance. JIANGGAN LI is the Founder and CEO of Momentum Works, a Singapore-headquartered venture outfit that enables digital economy across emerging markets through insights, community, and ventures. Momentum Works counts some of the top tech entrepreneurs from China, Southeast Asia, and the United States as investors. Its subsidiary Momentum Academy has been entrusted by corporates, startups, and investors for actionable insights and immersive learning experiences.

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xi

About the Authors xiii

Introduction 1

Part I: Understanding Chinese Tech Companies

Chapter 1: The Shark versus the Crocodile 15

Chapter 2: Strategy and Tactics of Chinese Tech Companies 29

Chapter 3: Everyone Is Going Global 39

Part II: Pop- Leadership

Chapter 4: Leadership 47

Chapter 5: People 73

Chapter 6: Organization 101

Chapter 7: Product 123

Part III: Resteering the Wheel

Chapter 8: The Inflection Point 151

Chapter 9: The Global Chinese Community Fills the Gaps 161

Chapter 10: Connecting the Dots 185

Chapter 11: Cross- Pollination of Global Markets 199

Epilogue 217

Index 219

"The authors do a masterful job of demystifying the key factors driving the rise of world class technology and entrepreneurship from China. Through first-hand experience as entrepreneurs, strategy leaders, and investors from China doing business globally, they offer insights and practical approaches for entrepreneurs everywhere to better compete both in China and abroad."
--BLAKE LARSON, Global Tech Entrepreneur

"A standout in the multitude of works explaining what Chinese technology companies do and how they do it, Seeing the Unseen expertly explains their 'why' and offers a practical framework for collaboration--or competition--with Chinese founders as they take on the world. Interwoven with well-placed forays into China's rich history, a delight to read."

--DMITRY LEVIT, Partner, Cento Ventures

"Seeing the Unseen discusses the past, present, and future of Chinese tech firms. It discusses why and how giants rose in the past, the challenges faced today in the global arena, and what we can expect in the future. The book provides deep insights to anyone who wants to know about Tech China and rising players from emerging markets."

--FENG ZHU, Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

"Seeing the Unseen deciphers much of the philosophy in action on how entrepreneurs think and how they make crucial decisions. There are many gold nuggets in understanding why key events in Chinese entrepreneur history happened the way they did."

--JIANFENG LU, Chairman, Wiz Holdings (wiz.ai), Serial Entrepreneur and Investor

"My great grandparents once told us to keep on learning all the way to China, as the rich history there offers a lot of lessons for our work and life. This book, which is very detailed and informative, shows just that. It is a strong combination between in-depth research and life experience of the Authors in the Tech Industry. A must read!"

--KAMESWARA NATAKUSUMAH, Country Leader and President Director, Willis Tower Watson Indonesia

"For those who are interested in or embedded in the ecosystem of Chinese tech firms, Seeing the Unseen is a delightful and thorough guide full of information and insights. Reading it is not only a must, but a wonderful journey led by Guoli and Jianggan. Both have a profound yet objective understanding of the history and leadership of Chinese Tech Giants and how they impact the world."

--RANDOLPH HSU, Founder of Ondine Capital

"For anyone interested in Chinese tech companies, don't walk, but run, to get this book. As deeply embedded experts in the Chinese tech context, the authors raise the curtain on China and its rising tech giants."

--RIITTA KATILA, W. M. Keck Sr. Chaired Professor of Management Science, and Research Director of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, Stanford University

"Seeing the Unseen explains many of the enigmas that I experienced as an expat while working and living in Asia. If I could go back in time, I'd better understand why Chinese tech companies operate the way they do, and how to better work with them. Fully recommended reading!"

--RODRIGO BECERRA MIZUNO, Chief Technology Officer, Televisa Univisión