China’s “996” Work Culture: Impacts and Implications
Balancing Ambition and Well-being: A Look at the “996” Phenomenon. The “996” work culture (九九六工作制) refers to an informal work schedule that has gained notoriety … Read more
Alibaba to invest 15.5 billion by 2025 for ‘common prosperity’
Move comes after a government call to share the wealth as part of a drive to ease inequality China’s Alibaba Group will invest 100 billion … Read more
China’s crackdown on Chinese hi-tech companies
Uncertainty over the future of the sector that in recent years has attracted huge investments. The Chinese government is determined to curb the “irrational expansion … Read more
First-round Alibaba investor’s Venturous Group enters growing Smart Citytech sector with record-breaking Series A round
Venturous Group, China’s first Citytech™ Group, closed its Series A investment round at the end of Q1, raising US$131 million. Due to strong investor demand, the … Read more
China slaps a record $2.8 billion fine on Alibaba After Monopoly Probe
China imposed a record $ 2.8 billion fine on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. after an anti-monopoly investigation found that the company abused its market dominance. … Read more
VC Roundup: Chinese tech firms are betting on chips
Chinese tech giants typically focus on the consumer market. But their appetite for early stage investments in semiconductors is growing.
Friendly neighbors are the key to China’s community group-buying craze
For many, finding a good deal is the main reason to join a community group-buying platform. Socializing with neighbors is a reason to stay.
ByteDance joins Spring Festival ad war, edtech funding: Retailheads
ByteDance joins the annual Spring Festival marketing blowout. Alipay prepares for the 2021 red envelope war. Edtech attracts more investment.
New digital payment rules likely to hit Ant Group, Tencent
The new antitrust rules for China’s digital payment market could trigger a regulatory review of Ant Group and Tencent based on market share.
Jack Ma resurfaces amid regulatory clampdown
The Alibaba and Ant Group founder, Jack Ma, made his first public appearance in months at a video conference with rural teachers.
Pinduoduo blasted for user privacy breach, Luckin franchises: Retailheads
Pinduoduo is under fire again for deleting pictures from a user’s photo album without consent. Luckin opens up to franchises in lower-tier cities.
WeChat doubled mini program GMV in 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated consumer adoption of e-commerce on WeChat and powered growth, as confined shoppers spent more time browsing on the app.
China Tech Investor: From Alibaba & Ant to Xiaomi: Looking back at 2020, forward to 2021
James and Elliott review the winners and losers of 2020, what they got right and what they got wrong, as well as the lessons they learned.
Insights | Why ‘996’ just won’t go away
996 is still a problem in China’s tech industry. It’s brutal to employees, and it’s questionable whether overtime work pays off even for companies.