Good Sunday Morning.
As a Chinese tech writer, my feeling is complex when reading articles by overseas tech media that classifies Meituan-Dianping as the “lesser-known Chinese tech giant”, given the frequency I use its food delivery apps.
But then I came to realize the difference between the way I, or other Chinese tech industry practitioners, and those outside of China, see, think and understand about Meituan-Dianping.
According to data by CB Insights, there are currently (March 25) 235 unicorns across the world, among which, 65 are born in China. Well, Beijing has its own calculation when it comes to local unicorns.
Recently, a unit of the country’s Ministry of Science and Technology and Chinese consulting firm Greatwall Strategy Consultants in Beijing, jointly published a report, counting164 Chinese unicorns worth in total $ 628.4 billion.
In that list, there are famous companies that have established their presence in other parts of the world, such as Ant Financial, Didi Chuxing and Xiaomi, which are the top 3 Chinese unicorns by market value. At the same time, there are also many companies comparably lesser-known beyond their home country, including China’s largest automotive battery maker CATL, Alibaba’s logistics affiliate Cainiao, online lending platform Jiedaibao, all are top 10 “super unicorns” worth north of $ 10 billion according to the newly released report, and none were listed on CB Insights’ unicorn list.
But I think Chinese unicorns as a whole may soon give overseas markets a chance to notice them, as 2018 is expected to be a rosy year for IPOs, including some of the much anticipated Chinese offerings. Baidu’s video streaming unit iQiyi, also the 21st largest unicorn in China by market value on the newly released list, is poised to list in the states next week. There are also market rumors on Xiaomi and Meituan-Dianping’s potential HK floating.
Also, for Chinese well-known tech giant, Alibaba, its huge impact in terms of shaping the Chinese startup world, may be underrated as a large chunk of its plan in emerging business entities are left out. Alibaba, outperforming many investment firms including IDG Capital and Matrix Partners China, invested and incubated 29 unicorns whose valuations stand at $302.84 billion, accounting for almost half of the total value of the 164 startups, according to an analysis by Chinese financial media CS.com.
Ok, enough with Chinese unicorns.
Here are some stories and ideas that you shouldn’t miss. See you next week.
CHINA
Walmart Sides with Tencent; Stops Accepting Alipay in Southwest China Stores
China’s Top Smartphone Vendors Forging Alliance to Contend Against WeChat Mini-programs
Meituan to Seek a $60 Billion Valuation in Hong Kong IPO
China’s Largest Credit Card Service Startup 51 Credit Card Filed to List in HK
Bilibili Updates Terms to Raise $604M From Nasdaq IPO
Planet, Force, and Black Diamonds: NetEase tests gamified blockchain platform
Why the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange is heading to Malta
Southeast Asia
Tech giants express concern over Singapore plan to fight fake news
Following Alibaba, JD.com’s lead, Indonesia’s Tokopedia to set up innovation centre
Ant Financial Taps Into Indonesia’s Vast Smartphone Market With Digital Wallet
Indonesian blockchain association launches, pushes for regulation on tech implementation
Alibaba Adding $2 Billion to Lazada to Speed up Southeast Asia Expansion
Go-Jek may spin off arm Go-Life, says Senior VP Dayu Dara
Noteworthy Startups
Cosmetic Surgery Platform SoYoung Raises Fresh Funds 80 Days after Its $ 63m Round
