BioTech and HealthTech: pipelines for upcoming unicorns – Rupert Hoogewerf

 

Rupert Hoogewerf

Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun Report Chairman and Chief Researcher, presented on Wednesday in Beijing “the Hurun Future Unicorns – Global Gazelles Index 2024, a list of the world’s start-ups founded in the 2000s but not yet listed on a public exchange and most likely to ”go unicorn”,(meaning hitting a valuation of US$1bln) within three years,” writes the ECNS.

ECNS:

Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun Report Chairman and Chief Researcher, noted that Hurun Gazelles represent the most exciting startups in the world that are most likely to “go unicorn” within three years. Their animal counterpart is famous for agility and incredible bursts of speed, reaching speeds of close to 100 km/h. In much the same way, Hurun Gazelles have to run fast, or – like their animal counterparts – they may get eaten and never make it to a Hurun Unicorn.

“The idea behind the Hurun Gazelles is to help them find more investors, strategic partners and service providers as well as encourage the founders to think bigger, grow faster and go further,” noted Hoogewerf, adding that over a quarter of Hurun Gazelles are already leveraging AI to transform sectors, with fintech, blockchain, and SaaS seeing the most disruption.

Specifically, BioTech and HealthTech represent the hottest pipeline for the next generation of unicorns, the Hurun Gazelles. Innovations in medical devices, BioTech, and digital health are transforming disease treatment, diagnostics, and patient care, with China and the U.S. leading this healthcare revolution, Hoogewerf explained.

According to the List, China has more Hurun Gazelles than the rest of the world combined except for the U.S. In the past five years, China has seen the number of Hurun Gazelles more than tripling from 70 to 258. BioTech and semiconductors stand out as the industries with the most number of future Chinese unicorns. By city, the “Big Two” are Shanghai and Beijing, followed by Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Suzhou.

More at the ECNS.

Rupert Hoogewerf is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Would you like him at your meeting or conference? Contact us or fill out our speakers’ request form.

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Expect an uptick in joint ventures – Mark Schaub

 

Mark Schaub

China lawyer Mark Schaub expects an uptick in joint ventures in 2025, and in his latest China Chit-chat, he explains the pros and cons of this legal vehicle. “Due to geopolitics and business uncertainty,” he writes.

Mark Schaub:

I am also predicting an uptick in JVs in China – due to geopolitics and business uncertainty but mostly because I have a book out on JVs. Available at all good bookstores –Amazon

The first insight of the book is that while the world loves a good, clean, linear story life is chaotic and messy. The classic description in most case studies is the plucky international company sees an opportunity/threat, finds a partner, negotiates terms, and then signs on the dotted line.

It is not like that in real life – the JV process is more like throwing dirty (often with skid marks) laundry into a washing machine: messy, repetitive, and often something goes missing while it is happening and no-one knows how or where it went.

Question 1: Is a JV the Right Solution for me? For my partner?

JVs are invariably a solution to a problem – an opportunity that could not be passed up? A problem too complex to tackle alone? A way to enter a new market? Method to gain access to intellectual property? Reduce risk by shared funding?

The question of whether a JV is the right solution has two parts. First is a JV the right fit for you? Second, what is the motivation of your partner? Are they equally invested?

Invariably the partner initiating a JV believes teaming up is better than going it alone but sometimes they find out they were happier alone. Many JVs fall apart because they were doomed to fail from the start because no one understood the motivations.

Mark Schaub answers four more questions during this China Chit-chat.

Mark Schaub is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Would you like him at your meeting or conference? Contact us or fill out our speakers’ request form.

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Expect the digital yuan back on China’s 2025 agenda – Winston Ma

 

Winston Ma

The introduction of the digital yuan didn’t make much headlines in 2024, but financial expert Winston Ma, an adjunct law professor at New York University and former managing director at China’s sovereign wealth fund, expects the debate will be back in 2025, he tells the Cointelegraph.

The Cointelegraph:

China’s central bank digital currency was once one of the industry’s hottest topics, but 2024 saw a relatively quieter year for the digital yuan.

Still, Winston Ma, an adjunct law professor at New York University and former managing director at China’s sovereign wealth fund, predicts a strong push for the digital yuan’s overseas expansion in 2025…

Despite … setbacks, China remains committed to its digital finance ambitions. At the third plenum, which is China’s most authoritative meeting with President Xi Jin Ping in attendance, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China announced plans for a renewed focus on the internationalization of its currency, including advancing the digital yuan…

Then in November, Shanghai, China’s financial hub and most populous city, unveiled plans to boost digital finance, including improving digital yuan acceptance.

Ma said that the digital yuan expansion could be met with resistance from the US.

“[This] may be a year where China’s CBDC overseas expansion efforts, especially with the BRICS countries, would meet with challenges from [Donald Trump], as he indicated in his recent tweet about defending the US dollar supremacy,” Ma says…

China has tested retail cross-border digital yuan payments with Singapore. It’s also part of the mBridge project, a wholesale cross-border experiment with the central banks of Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.

More in the Cointelegraph.

Winston Ma is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Would you like him at your meeting or conference? Contact us or fill out our speakers’ request form.

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What challenges BYD is facing – Arnold Ma

 

Arnold Ma

2024 was a bumper year for BYD, but it might face tough challenges to maintain its current lead in the automotive market, says marketing analyst Arnold Ma, founder of Qumin, in Campaign Asia. “Initiatives such as reducing carbon footprints, ensuring fair labour practices, and engaging in community development that resonate positively with stakeholders should continue to stay in focus,” he writes.

Arnold Ma:

Looking ahead, BYD’s brand prospects appear very positive and robust, but certain challenges must be addressed to maintain momentum: Imminent tariffs from the EU and potential ones from the US pose risks to BYD’s international sales. To mitigate their impact, BYD is investing in local production facilities, such as the planned factory in Hungary, to circumvent import duties and strengthen its presence in key markets. In markets where Chinese brands face scepticism, BYD should focus on building trust through quality assurance, customer service excellence, and transparent communication. Tailoring marketing messages to address local consumer concerns and preferences will be crucial to them. Continuous investment in R&D is essential to stay ahead of competitors. BYD will likely continue to prioritise advancements in battery technology, autonomous driving, and connectivity features to meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory standards. BYD’s commitments to sustainability and ethical practices can enhance its brand reputation globally. Initiatives such as reducing carbon footprints, ensuring fair labour practices, and engaging in community development that resonate positively with stakeholders should continue to stay in focus.

More at Campaign Asia.

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Is later retirement a good idea for China’s economy? – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

China will start to delay its current retirement age from the start of 2025 in monthly steps for the next 15 years. But business analyst Ashley Dudarenok wonders if changing the country’s very low retirement age is a good idea, for example now the youth unemployment rate is already very low. This and other arguments in her vlog.

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Deflation and layoffs will drag down China’s economy in the short run – Shaun Rein

Shaun Rein

While he remains optimistic about China’s economy in the long run, he foresees a rough time in most of 2025 as deflation and layoffs melt away the financial stimuli of the past months, tells business analyst Shaun Rein at CNBC’s Squawk Box. He sees a recovery only in nine to twelve months as consumer confidence is not going up in 2025.

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The Yunnan community markets – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

Most visitors to China know the larger cities, but marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok dives into Yunnan, this time the community-based agricultural markets that are so different from the cities.

 

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The dawn of a new reality – Alvin Wang Graylin

 

Alvin Wang Graylin

Innovation expert Alvin Wang Graylin discusses his latest book Our Next Reality: Preparing for the AI-powered Metaverse, and explains to an audience at the Future Porty why the next generation in the next two or three decades will enter a new reality.

 

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Why Xi Jinping turned against Miao Hua – Victor Shih

 

Victor Shih

China’s President Xi  Jinping turned against his erstwhile handpicked ally Admiral Miao Hua, a member of the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC). Political analyst Victor Shih explains at CNN this change in Xi’s long-standing struggle against corruption.

CNN:

As the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China heats up, the PLA Navy has also seen a drastic increase in the procurement of warships and other weapons, providing ample opportunities for corruption, said Victor Shih, a political science professor at the University of San Diego.

But there could be another potential reason behind Miao’s downfall, Shih said, for “being too obvious in his attempt to foster a faction in the military.”

Xi has repeatedly warned against the forming of factions in both the party and the military. “Of course, the only person who is allowed to do that is Xi himself,” Shih added.

Miao is seen by some analysts as having recommended multiple associates in the Navy for promotions to key positions, including Rocket Force Commander Wang Houbin and Defense Minister Dong Jun.

The announcement of Miao’s investigation came a day after the Financial Times reported that Dong had been placed under investigation for corruption, citing current and former US officials. The Defense Ministry dismissed the report as “sheer fabrication,” and days later, Dong made a public appearance at a security forum…

Miao’s downfall comes less than a year after former defense minister Li Shangfu was removed from the CMC.

The powerful body had six members – all deemed as Xi’s loyalists – serving under the top leader when he began his unprecedented third term two years ago. If Miao is also removed, it would leave two vacant seats.

Shih, the expert on Chinese elite politics, said many dictators, from former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin to Mao, have eventually turned against their own proteges.

“Once all of their real competitors are gone, a dictator can never think to themselves: ‘Oh well, all the threats are gone. I can just relax.’ Because they always think that new threats could emerge, including from people who once were very close to them. This happens over and over again,” he said.

More at CNN.

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What the West gets wrong about China’s economy – Shaun Rein

 

Shaun Rein

In an interview with Keith Yap, shanghai-based best-seller author and business analyst Shaun Rein, recently published The Split: Finding the Opportunities in China’s Economy in the New World Order and explains what the West gets wrong about China’s economy and how the country is working.

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What do you need to sell your product in China? – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

China is a complicated market, where consumers know what they want and what they do not want, tells marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok. She says that finding the right channel is the start of a complicated process.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Get in touch or fill out our speakers’ request form.

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Why China’s trade war with the EU will be limited – Shaun Rein

 

Shaun Rein

The temperature of the trade relations between China and the EU has been going up, but business analyst Shaun Rein, author of The Split: Finding the Opportunities in China’s Economy in the New World Order, does not expect it will be an all-out trade war, he tells CNBC. Rein expects China’s response to be “measured” as it seeks closer economic relations with Europe amid intensifying tensions with the U.S., he says.

CNBC:

Beijing will avoid escalation of its dispute with the European Union over tariffs on its electric vehicles, industry watchers said, a day after China again approached the World Trade Organization for resolution.

China’s commerce ministry said Monday that it had filed an additional appeal with the WTO over the EU’s tariffs on its EVs, as bilateral talks have yet to lead to a breakthrough.

The move is “a warning shot against Europe to show that it [China] is strong but won’t go too far,” Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research told CNBC, who expects China’s response to be “measured” as it seeks closer economic relations with Europe amid intensifying tensions with the U.S.

Since the tariffs came into effect last Wednesday, both sides have explored the possibility of setting minimum price commitments from Chinese car producers, as an alternative to the tariffs. The EU reportedly accounted for more than 40% of Chinese EV exports in 2023.

More at CNBC.

Shaun Rein is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers’ request’ form.

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How Maye Musk won the hearts in China – Ashley Dudarenok

 

Ashley Dudarenok

The Chinese opinions on Elon Musk might still go to extremes in both directions, but his mother Maye Musk did win many Chinese hearts and souls. Marketing expert Ashley Dudarenok explains why Maye Musk did so well in NBC News.

NBC News:

Much of her popularity stems from her 2019 memoir, “A Woman Makes a Plan,” which was translated into Chinese the following year, said Ashley Dudarenok, the founder of ChoZan, a China-focused digital consultancy based in Hong Kong.

The book traces Musk’s “unconventional career path,” Dudarenok said, as well as her struggle to provide for her three children as a single mother after divorcing their father, Errol Musk, at age 31.

“She basically did it her way,” Dudarenok said. “That was one message that resonated very strongly.”

The other appeal, she said, “was that people wanted to figure out, how do you actually give birth [to] and raise billionaires?”

The book has found an audience among working women in China, who are increasingly resistant to social pressure to get married and have children, even as the Chinese government clamps down on the feminist movement and says it is up to them to boost the national birth rate.

“A must-read for all girls! Thank you for showing us the resilience and strength of women,” one Xiaohongshu user wrote.

Though much of the initial interest in Maye Musk came because of Elon, “she is really becoming kind of her own personality,” Dudarenok said.

Older Chinese, who in the past would have devoted all their spare time and money to their grandchildren and other family members, have in recent years realized “that they have this whole life ahead of them, 20, 30 years ahead,” Dudarenok said.

“They have hobbies, they look after themselves in terms of fashion, nutrition, skin care and whatnot,” she said. “And they love to see those role models of somebody who is aging gracefully.”

For Musk, that means appearing on magazine covers and lots of opportunities to endorse products. She has walked the runway for Chinese apparel brand JNBY and appeared at an event in Shanghai this year for the sportswear brand Fila.

She is also a global brand ambassador for Chinese mattress brand AISE Baobao, attending a store opening in Shanghai this month, and has appeared in smartphone advertisements for Chinese consumer electronics manufacturer Oppo…

Maye Musk’s positive image, Dudarenok said, “helps to make Elon’s future political career and business success in China even more human.”

More at NBC News.

Ashley Dudarenok is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need her at your meeting or conference? Get in touch or fill out our speakers’ request form.

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