China Paradigms

Matthieu David interviews Vincent Ghossoub, co-founder & CEO of Falafel Games. Building a company that handles game development and game publishing in China can definitely be a challenge. But how big does this challenge become if your main goal is to develop games for an Arabic market? In this new China Paradigm podcast interview, we learn about Vincent Ghossoub’s journey on his quest to hire Chinese talent for building the best gaming experience in the Middle East. 0:09 Guest introduction and company history 3:37 Falafel Games’ current business model 4:42 Current market size – the lucrative midcore audience 6:18 Midcore vs Hardcore vs Casual 9:42 “China is part of the recipe!” – why Falafel Games was founded in China 11:20 Rise of the Freemium – combating piracy in China and the Middle East 14:02 From freemium back to premium – what has changed? 19:03 Micro-transactions in the freemium model – what do people actually pay for? 28:21 The international mindset - how did Falafel Games start out? 34:

Matthieu David interviews Fashionable Futures’ Kate Padget-Koh, a Founder & Consultant, Industry Expert in Fashion, and Kanch Porta Panjabi, a Founder & Entrepreneur. Their company specializes in helping clients build sustainable fashion brands in China. What Fashionable Futures’ definition of sustainability is and what their superpower is when it comes to developing brands will be the topic of discussion for today’s China Paradigm podcast. Skip to the highlights: 0:10 Guest introduction and company history 1:45 How does Fashionable Futures operate in the present? 4:55 How does Fashionable Futures define sustainability? 8:00 What is leading manufacturers to think about sustainability? 8:56 Converting sustainability into action – how does that work? 11:30 Fashionable Futures’ Superpower – turning complexity into simplicity 13:09 Maneuvering the Trade War – specific cases Fashionable Futures have dealt with 16:44 Ultra-transparency through traceability– China vs The West 21:37 Is there a need to always create

Matthieu David interviews Greg Nance, CEO of Dyad.com. In this China business podcast, we learn about his company, how Dyad.com has been lucrative on a very powerful niche offering mentorship to students who want to study abroad and need to navigate the vast mechanisms of admissions that ivy league colleges have in place. Knowledge is power and that’s exactly why it is a valuable resource that Dyad.com manages to place at their scholars’ disposal. How Dyad.com can offer quality certified mentorship, how they attract mentors and how they put them in touch with aspiring scholars on a daily basis? We’ll find that out and much more in this podcast! Skip to the highlights: 0:08 Guest introduction and company history 1:56 Dyad.com – how does this platform work and who is it built for? 3:30 The business model perspective – how does Dyad.com earn revenue? 4:26 The traditional way of studying abroad vs the digital reach of a dot com 6:06 Certified mentors and scalable quality based on feedback – what Dyad.com takes

Matthieu David interviews Laurent Le Pen, Founder, and CEO of Omate. In this China business podcast, we learn about his company, how he managed to earn a million dollars on his Kickstarter campaign for the world’s first “truly smart” watch, and why his company made the switch to wearable as a service. “Less means more” is the philosophy that Omate takes to heart when designing new products for their users. But how much more do we stand to gain by wearing an Omate smartwatch and how many more or fewer features do their products have compared to big brand smartwatches? Let’s find out! Skip to the highlights: 0:09 Guest introduction and company history 2:05 Omate – current company size and what type of business they are into 6:08 Omate product evolution - from Kickstarter to wearable as a service 11:46 An initial buyer’s profile – who was interested in buying an Omate smartwatch at launch? 13:50 The Snowball Effect – Omate’s initial marketing strategy 15:22 What was the initial investment in order to get Omate

In this China business podcast we learn about Daphne Tuiijn's entrepreneurial story starting WebshopinChina.com - a full-service China e-commerce agency with offices in Shanghai and Amsterdam; Chaoly -- a cloud-based data platform, based on the latest technologies that integrate your data together with big data sources from major Chinese platforms. Daphne Tuijn discusses her first experience in the Chinese market; how to open cross-border shops and operate them, switching from a service filed to software and more. Skip to the highlights: 1:38 Where is the company now 4:00 Daphne Tuijn’s first experience in the Chinese market 6:56 How does Daphne Tuijn manage the business 10:12 What Daphne Tuijn has to do to open cross-border shops and operate them 12:07 What’s the cost platforms ask for and how does company charge 1221 14:13 What about the logistics 18:14 How do Chinese people react to international sales 27:03 Is chatbox has a bright future in China 29:39 What kind of growth-hacking techniques has Daphne

Matthieu David interviews Milad Nouri, Co-founder and CEO of YOOSourcing. In this China business podcast, we learn about his company, a collaborative and decentralised solution for global sourcing. It combines the power of trusted social networks with audited and verified transactional data to bring a comprehensive global sourcing solution in the palm of your hands. Milad discusses the business model of YOOSourcing, how they get suppliers, how blockchain is used on YOOSourcing and more. 1:13 The size of the business 2:04 The business model of YOOSourcing 4:50 How did YOOSourcing get their suppliers 9:55 How does YOOSourcing make money 10:33 What features do YOOSourcing provide 12:14 How does blockchain being used on YOOSourcing 21:09 Does Milad feel that there is an issue of trusting of Alibaba? 26:50 How much does YOOSourcing charge for the premium version? 29:46 Which section of YOOSourcing focuses at the beginning? 31:15 Is YOOSourcing charging suppliers for more service? 33:40 What makes Hangzhou attr

Matthieu David interviews Nicolai Peitersen, Co-founder and Chairman of Wikifactory. In this China business podcast, we learn about his company, a collaborative social platform where creative individuals use digital tools such 3D printers and CNC machines to design and fabricate products themselves and then share them online through the platform to reach out to individuals doing the same thing. Nicolai discusses how his company is making an impact on the production industry by making digital fabrication more prominent and exploring the possibilities and benefits of using it to localize production. 01:38 - Introduction to Wikifactory, its mission and vision 08:55 - How will Wikifactory as a platform, disrupt/alter the production industry? 16:08 - Wikifactory’s business model 18:50 - A collaborative product development social platform for companies and open-source communities 23:59 - What is Fab Lab? 25:39 - Insights on Digital Fabrication 30:30 - How traffic is drawn into the Wikifactory platform? 35:32 - Wh

Greig Charlton, CEO at 247tickets, speaks with Matthieu David about the event ticket selling business in China. He talks about the business model of 247tickets how does 247tickets uses AI on WeChat. In this China business podcast, we also learn how he organizes his team, creates the community and more. Highlights of this episode: 1:28 The size of the company 3:50 What’s the business model of 247tickets 7:48 How does Greig organize his team 11:40 Defining the product 17:51 Where is 247tickets sitting? Ticket company or community builder? 19:19 Does Greig under threat of doing so many things beyond only ticket business 27:27 How does 247tickets create its community 34:07 How does 247tickets use AI bot on WeChat platform 38:34 How does AI robot of 247tickets work on WeChat platform 42:02 How does Greig see the change that his users change from foreigners from Chinese 45:55 How and when does Greig raise money Official website: 247tickets.com ====================================================== China

Thomas Knoop, the GM & Co-Founder of Livecom China, speaks with Matthieu David about the leading CustServ AI solution that supports Wechat, Weibo, Insta in China. In this China business podcast, we talk about the business model of Livecom and the story behind it. Knoop also mentions his unique view of AI and more. Highlights of this episode: 00:36 General introduction of Livecom 6:09 How does the company price 9:25 The story of Livecom 14:30 The holistic view of touchpoint of Weibo 23:25 Where does Thomas develop Livecom and his develop team 24:30 How important is Chinese business to Thomas 26:37 How does Thomas deal with developing a China-centric platform with a foreign development team 30:20 How does Thomas manage across country customers 32:27 What does Livecom do for “饿了吗” 34:08 Why does “饿了吗” choose Livecom and the story behind 45:00 What does Thomas think of AI 56:32 What books inspire Thomas the most on his entrepreneur journey 57:05 What does Thomas read to stay up-to-dated about China 57:44

Mike Hofmann, Managing Director at Melchers (Beijing) Ltd., speaks with Matthieu David-Experton about supporting the exportation and operations of companies in China. Highlights of this episode include: 1:02 About Melchers 3:48 Net sales 5:27 Melchers’ case studies that are most illustrative of China 8:09 Competing with other companies 10:06 Elements and circumstances to why companies would use Melchers’ services 12:41 Navigating risks 14:26 Costs of service and business model 16:15 Introducing a premium brand in China 20:31 Training and time investment for selling a luxury product 22:37 Organization and company set up 25:50 Locations 30:35 Standard way of working with malls 31:56 Most successful format for market entry 34:17 Cost of companies having their own shop in premium locations by space 35:09 Budget allocations to opening the first shop 37:40 Managing online presence of luxury brands 40:40 Working with a TP (T-Mall partner) 43:45 Concerns about the TP 44:50 Books that inspired Mike’s China jo

Kimberly Ashton, Co-Founder at Yin Lifestyle & Sprout Lifestyle, speaks with Matthieu David-Experton about the healthy lifestyle business in China. We learn about Yin Lifestyle’s products, service, and its typical clients. She also mentions the certifications, technology in the nutrition industry and more. Highlights of this China business podcast: 2:19 The story of founding the Yin Lifestyle 5:20 What is Yin Lifestyle’s products and service 8:55 What are Yin Lifestyle’s typical clients 11:56 The different classes of Yin Lifestyle 13:33 What are the elements that Yin Lifestyle needs to correct customers’ diet 18:50 The certification and government regulations in the nutrition industry 23:50 The levels of certification for nutritionist 25:40 What technology is in the market to help people to get healthier 31:47 Is nutrition coaching industry organized well in China? 34:55 What does Kimberly think of special cooking space in the mall 40:00 Chef kitchens and sharing kitchen economy in China 43:53 What i

Benjamin Claeys, CEO of QRzebra & Mentor of Lihaoma, speaks with Matthieu David about the QR code business in China. We learn how QRzebra works, marketing campaigns using QR codes that are sizable, how Benjamin get his website unblocked from WeChat and more! Highlights of this China business podcast: 4:48 What are the sizes of his two companies 6:56 How did Benjamin start his business 12:25 The reason Benjamin shut down his previous business Nono Muaks 14:17 What’s behind Lihaoma and what can you get from Lihaoma as clients 16:28 The types of games provided by the business 18:34 The disadvantage of developing a mini-program with WeChat 21:35 How did Benjamin get his website unblocked from WeChat 23:30 The specific cases of how QRzebra works 26:55 What can QRzebra get from the location information 29:09 Can QRzebra get more customer information when people scan 31:56 The successful cases of using QR code 32:46 Campaigns of using QR code became sizable 33:39 Two-year plan of QR code for shops 37:19 The

Jay Thornills and Charles Erickson, Co-Founder & Head of Product Development at Baopals, speaks with Matthieu David about how to provide a platform to give foreigners in China an easy and enjoyable way to shop on Taobao and Tmall. In this China business podcast, Jay and Charles talk about the business model of Baopals, the service it provides, how to manage the seasonality and more. Highlights of this China business podcast: 1:26 How many people are in the team 1:40 The story behind the company 5:26 The business model of Baopals 7:03 Does Baopals communicate transparently on 6% markup? 7:38 The service Baopals provides 11:55 Who is shopping on Baopals.com 17:28 How to manage the seasonality 22:50 The challenges Baopals has faced when working with Taobao sellers and peak seasonality 24:37 Does Baopals refund the commission when customers return products 26:23 The client-acquisition and the vision of the company 31:45 What does Baopals do on WeChat 33:47 What kind of software does Baopals use for mar

Luis Sarre, the CEO and Co-Founder of Free Entrepreneurs, with Matthieu David about creating an entrepreneur network in China. In this China business podcast, we learn about the Chinese innovation ecosystem and how Sarre can balance so many exciting projects at once. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the contribution from WeWork Labs. Highlights for this China business podcast include: 1:14 Statistics of Free Entrepreneurs 2:20 Experiences in China and the introduction of Free Entrepreneurs 3:46 Example of connecting start-up hubs in the West and in China 4:53 Charting Start-up hubs 6:23 Knowing sales volume 8:06 Financing efforts to find clients 10:11 Example of a company that Free Entrepreneurs assisted 15:04 Defining “network” 17:09 Understanding the work of Free Entrepreneurs 19:21 Example of Innovation workshops 20:54 Partners of Free Entrepreneurs 22:44 Learnings from Luis’ past experiences 24:50 Balancing commitments to two missions: Free Entrepreneurs and InnOvation 29:41 Types of produ

Rami Blachman is the founder at China Israel Innovation Accelerator, speaks with Matthieu David-Experton about bringing Isreali tech insights to China. In this episode, Rami talks about examples of Tech company succeed in China, successful cases links to agriculture and food tech, and his own experience in the financial industry. Highlights of this episode: 1:37 The size of the company 7:21 What does Rami’s company offer 9:35 How does Rami access when it is good timing 13:43 Examples of Tech company success in China 24:25 Can R&D can still stay in the original country? 26:38 Explaining the words “Urban Tech” and “IOT” 31:30 What’s the backstory behind cities’ budgets 37:08 What’s the duty of Rami for his business partners 38:18 What kind of programs does Rami have access to 39:41 Successful cases of agriculture and food tech 45:55 Rami’s experience in the financial industry 55:43 How does Rami stay up-to-date about China 56:32 What book does Rami recommend about China 58:09 What’s the most surprisin

Laurent Cibot, CEO of Imported Health Supplements Division at OMEY Group, speaks with Matthieu David-Experton about selling health supplements in China. In China business podcast, Laurent talks about what does he do in the health care industry and his experience in dealing with industry regulations. He also mentioned the limitation for cross-border e-commerce, the platform he chooses to advertise and more. Highlights of this episode: 1:22 What’s Laurent currently doing and his two different jobs 6:37 What does Laurent do in the health care industry 10:59 Laurent’s experience in dealing with industry regulations 16:53 What’s the limitation for cross-border e-commerce 20:11 How much amount of money do we talk about when refers to the health supplement industry 23:30 Which platform does Laurent choose to advertise the products 29:33 The definition of “Probiotics” 37:32 What are the most successful health supplement brands in China 39:30 Why Australia and New Zealand health supplement brands are successful

Benoit Thebaut, Co-Founder & Director at Stelliers and Riviera Events, speaks with Matthieu David about reaching huge growth of event management business in China. In this episode, Benoit talks about how Innovation and technology being used for event business and changed he observed during the events in terms of social media. Highlights of this episode: 1:43 What’s the size of the business 4:47 How did Thebaut start his business 13:38 How to know if someone is the right partner 17:20 Explaining how cases work and whom to partner with 20:17 Sharing case studies 27:59 How does Benoit price the events 33:50 The pressure of finding clients 36:51 How to open so many offices in such a short time 41:03 How does Benoit feel the growth 44:20 Innovation and technology being used now for event business 48:18 Changes Benoit saw during the events in terms of social media 52:55 How does Benoit manage remote working 55:43 What does Benoit think of delegation More about Riviera Events: https://rivieraevents.com ====

Larry Feng, Owner of Icfrom, speaks with Matthieu David about WeChat as a platform for B2B sales in China. In this episode, Larry talks about electronics components and Icfrom’s target customers. He also mentions about how WeChat acts as a right platform for Icfrom for selling products internationally. Highlights of this episode: 00:59 What’s the size of the business 4:05 Who are the clients 5:18 How does the company get its clients 10:40 How does the company target clients 18:22 The price is not sensitive in the R&D stage 19:12 How did Larry realize WeChat can be a good platform 26:27 The specific case of clients 29:31 The successful example of the demand side 31:43 What books inspire Larry the most 32:48 What kind of source does Larry have to learn about WeChat in China 35:03 What productivity tools does Larry use 36:57 Is WeChat a waste of time More about Icfrom: http://www.icfrom.com/ ====================================================== Daxue Consulting is a market research and management

Andrea Myles, CEO & Co-Founder of the China Australia Millennial Project, speaks with Mathieu David-Experton about building intercultural relations between Chinese and Australian individuals through innovation. She tells us about the processes of the China Australia Millennial Project and shares some tips with us on the key to getting to the top. Highlights of this episode include: 1:53 About the China Australia Millennial Project 5:43 Commitment of millennial participants 7:56 Online portion of the China Australia Millennial Project 9:54 Program interactions 14:35 Demographics of program participants 16:54 How does the China Australia Millennial Project reach out to prospective participants 18:35 Secret source 20:51 Andrea’s understanding of “millennial” 23:14 What do participants have to master to be at ease? 26:49 Fake differences and stereotypes 29:03 Working on improving China notoriously in Australian high schools 32:38 How to obtain rewards and board memberships and what do you get from it 37:51 Di

Max Peiro, CEO of Re-Hub and Sanpei Ventures, speaks with Matthieu David about Retail Innovation in China. In this episode, Max talks about How is retail business going for foreigners in China now and the market competition situation when Max brought startups to China. Max also mentioned sources he uses to get knowledge of China. Highlights of this episode: 1:42 The size of the company 4:47 The business model and how does the company make money 7:18 What kind of business does Max embark in China 10:09 How is retail business going for foreigners in China now 12:11 Does Max adapt the solutions to Chinese market 14:51 What can foreign players bring to the Chinese economic system 17:38 How does Max define “strong technology” 25:33 What’s the market competition situation when Max brought startups to China 27:35 A specific successful case 34:42 When does Max think a Chinese company is sellable 37:06 How does Max attract people to work with him 41:11 What situation does Max see business between Israel and