East–Commerce: China E–Commerce and the Internet of Things

A NEW E–COMMERCE MODEL IS COMING FROM THE EAST IT IS MORE ADVANCED AND IT IS SPREADING WORLDWIDE

China is now the biggest e–commerce market, hardware producer and soon Internet of Things player in the world. Written by a world–recognized expert, this eye–opening treatment allows readers a rare glimpse into how China will shape the global online world in the next decade.

Featuring hundreds of interviews, with influential companies and investors such as Alibaba, Baidu, Tencent, Xiaomi, Yihaodian, Cogobuy, Rocket Internet, Didi–Kuaidi Taxi, Snapdeal, Tokopedia, DST Global, Credit Suisse, UBS, Qiming Ventures and many more, this groundbreaking guide provides exceptional firsthand accounts of the key considerations to making lucrative investments in this powerful sector.

East–Commerce enables you to:

Understand how China′s e–commerce explosion began and where it is heading See where China is shaping investments and innovation all over the globe Examine why China′s model is better suited for developing economies Go in–depth into how and where others are finding opportunity and success

The new business models coming out of China offer a variety of new growth opportunities for international companies. Understanding how China′s online market operates gives you the edge when building a global strategy.

"East–Commerce is an insightful and entertaining guide to the e–commerce boom in Asia′s emerging markets. Filled with interviews and anecdotes from leading entrepreneurs and businesses, Marco Gervasi has written the most comprehensive book on the topic I′ve seen."

PORTER ERISMAN, former VP, Alibaba; author, Alibaba′s World

"Digital disruption is taking place with incredible speed and intensity in China and with it, tremendous innovation and entrepreneurship. Marco Gervasi has chronicled this development with first–hand knowledge and experience in this book. I recommend it to those who care about what is truly changing China and therefore, the world."

EDWARD TSE, author, China′s Disruptors

"As China now becomes the world′s largest e–commerce market, this book provides a timely and insightful analysis for investors looking for opportunities in China."

AMY LO, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong

Foreword vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Author xvii

The East–Commerce Video Course xix

Illustration Credit xx

Chapter 1 The Great (Technological) Leap Forward 1

Chapter 2 A Perfect Blend 15

Chapter 3 A New Breed of Companies 29

Chapter 4 Transformed Lives 51

Chapter 5 A Super–Connected World 67

Chapter 6 It Is All About Social 83

Chapter 7 Moving East (and West) 99

Chapter 8 The Connected Brand 115

Chapter 9 What Happens Next? 129

Endnotes 137

Index 145