Mobike-Ofo Merger Unlikely As Alibaba, Tencent Battle For Bike Sharing Dominance

To merge or not to merge? This is a question now beyond the control of the two companies most expected to combine in China at the moment: bike sharing unicorns Mobike and ofo. That is because their respective ultimate backers, Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Alibaba Group, both want to dominate the industry believed to shape… Continue reading Mobike-Ofo Merger Unlikely As Alibaba, Tencent Battle For Bike Sharing Dominance

Matrix Partners China Reveals Biggest Investment Mistakes And Lessons Learned

Matrix Partners China, a joint venture fund between U.S. venture capital firm Matrix Partners and its Chinese partners, has revealed its biggest investment mistakes and lessons learned since being founded in 2008, offering insights into how even the smartest investors can miss great opportunities. Matrix China and its founding managing partner David Zhang, also known… Continue reading Matrix Partners China Reveals Biggest Investment Mistakes And Lessons Learned

China’s Uber-Like Trucking Unicorns Merge As Sharing Economy Consolidates

After years of explosive growth, China’s vast sharing economy is entering consolidation mode. The latest merger news comes from Chinese Uber-like truck logistics leaders Yumanman and Huochebang, both valued at US$1 billion on China Money Network’s China Unicorn Ranking. The deal may herald more mega-mergers in the sharing space due to intense competition and overlapping business… Continue reading China’s Uber-Like Trucking Unicorns Merge As Sharing Economy Consolidates

China’s Used Car Deals Speed Up As Didi Chuxing Invests $200M In Renrenche.com

Didi Chuxing has bought US$200 million worth of shares in Beijing-based second-hand car marketplace Renrenche.com in a strategic investment, marking the latest investment deal in China’s fast moving online used-car market, according to Didi’s announcement. The funding is a boost for Renrenche, as its three top competitors have each raised money recently. Uxin Group, Guazi.com… Continue reading China’s Used Car Deals Speed Up As Didi Chuxing Invests $200M In Renrenche.com

Chinese Bike Sharing Firm Ofo Partners With SoftBank C&S To Expand Into Japan

Chinese bike sharing company ofo and Japan’s SoftBank Commerce & Services Corp. have reached a basic agreement to collaborate on the deployment of ofo’s global bike sharing business in Japan. It is unclear if SoftBank Commerce & Services Corp., a unit owned by Brightstar, which is part of a family of companies within Softbank Group,… Continue reading Chinese Bike Sharing Firm Ofo Partners With SoftBank C&S To Expand Into Japan

My Visit To Mobike Headquarters And What I Learned From Founder Hu Weiwei

In late July, I did a tour of Mobike’s headquarters in Beijing – and I had a fascinating talk with founder Hu Weiwei and VP of International Expansion Chris Martin. It was a fantastic experience and I left with a much better appreciation of the rocket-ship ride the company has been on. I am writing… Continue reading My Visit To Mobike Headquarters And What I Learned From Founder Hu Weiwei

Chinese Ride Sharing Giant Didi Partners With Taxify To Expand In Europe, Africa

China’s largest ride sharing company Didi Chuxing has agreed to form a strategic partnership with Taxify, a leading ride sharing firm in Europe and Africa. No financial details were disclosed. Didi will invest in and collaborate with Taxify to support the latter’s growth and innovation across its markets, according to a company announcement. Launched in… Continue reading Chinese Ride Sharing Giant Didi Partners With Taxify To Expand In Europe, Africa