Acquired Huawei
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Jul 22, 2019 Dive into the compelling journey of Huawei, from a modest switch importer to a telecom titan dominating 5G. Explore the life of its founder, Ren Zhengfei, and the unique socio-economic factors in Shenzhen that fueled this rise. Uncover the complexities of Huawei's technology struggles amid U.S. restrictions and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Delve into its distinct ownership model and impressive revenue figures, showcasing the interplay between innovation and state support. The discussion reveals the profound implications for global tech and U.S.-China relations.
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Huawei's Origin
- Ren Zhengfei, a former PLA engineer, attended the 1982 National Congress.
- Inspired by Deng Xiaoping's reforms, he left the army and founded Huawei in Shenzhen.
Initial Strategy
- Huawei initially imported PBX switches from Hong Kong, focusing on rural Chinese markets.
- This strategy mirrored Ren's military experience, starting in rural areas and expanding to cities.
Importer to Innovator
- Ben Gilbert compared Huawei's trajectory to Nike's, both starting as importers.
- Both transitioned to R&D and manufacturing, a less common model in today's IP-driven tech world.
