In a hunt for fresh growth, China’s internet companies are looking to lower-income users in lower-tier cities with lower internet-service penetration.
Articles
Back in 2014, Chinese smartphone-maker Xiaomi became the most valuable startup in the world, but its star dimmed after missing sales targets. Now back on track, Xiaomi is looking at an IPO with valuations ranging between $80 billion and $200 billion. Is it in danger of repeating past mistakes?
In China’s tech world, cheerleading from the government comes with a lot of benefits—and a lot of money. But Beijing also wants more control and the nation’s internet billionaires can’t exactly say no.
While people in the West debate about whether the internet and social media undermine democracy, a big question for many Chinese is whether cutting-edge technology strengthens the iron fists of autocrats.
China Circuit
The Trend in Online Shopping: Not Shopping Online
The hottest thing in China’s online shopping world is brick-and-mortar stores. Inman, which started as an online-only women’s fashion brand but has now opened 450 shops, shows why.
Teaching computer coding to children is the latest hot thing in China, but it’s not catching on with moms and dads.
A trip to Silicon Valley is something of a rite for ambitious Chinese startups and investors looking for inspiration in global tech’s mecca of innovation. But a visit last week failed to impress. Silicon Valley’s allure is fading.
Chinese companies want to take the lead in building processors that use artificial intelligence to make phones, cars and home appliances interact with us more seamlessly. And they have a lot going in their favor.
China Circuit
In 2018, Tech’s Cowardly Lions Need Courage
In 2017, Silicon Valley did some soul-searching about tech’s role in spreading fake news that exacerbated social divisions in the U.S. Chinese tech firms should do some soul-searching too, given they work with an authoritarian government skilled in using technologies to try to control society.
Alibaba and Tencent have competed across a range of mobile internet businesses. Now the duopoly that has defined China’s internet is going to war.
Over-the-top valuations, intense competition and greater uncertainty on returns have many investors talking about a bubble.
