The Tech Strategy Podcast

In this class, I discuss Vipshop and JD. And how smaller ecommerce sites can compete with larger players in China, especially in logistics.You can sign-up for my Asia Tech course here. Or at my website  www.jefftowson.com. With a 30-day free trial. You can subscribe at iTunes at the above button.  The exercise for this class is:Which of these three options make sense for Vipshop in logistics?1) Copy JD: Build an in-house logistics and delivery network.2) Copy Alibaba: Work with multiple partners (in logistics and/or ecommerce). 3) Outsource logistics: Find a partner or contractor for this. Just be an ecommerce site.Now make a decision: What would you recommend to the CEO? Write 3 paragraphs with your answer. Do it on your smartphone. Or a PC. Or a piece of paper (take a picture and save it).Think about versioning and competitive advantage.Articles cited in this class:An Introduction to the Sexy but Dangerous Economics of Digital———-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show

In this class, I discuss Didi, Luckin and Mobike and how to predict if they will ever be profitable. Exercise for this class:For Mobike, Luckin or Didi, think about the following two aspects.Consumer view: What do they care about? What is their journey for buying and using?Competitor: Could a well-funded, well-run competitor take 10-20% of their business? Five forces and competitive advantage are useful here.Digital economics: Do any of the following really change their business? Or your answers to the above?Zero marginal cost of productionNon-rival goods. Can be used by multiple customers simultaneously.Durable vs. consumed as a product or service.Low or zero distribution costs. Does it have global reach?Now make a decision: Will this business be profitable? Will the unit economics be positive eventually? Write 3 paragraphs with your answer. Do it on your smartphone. Or a PC. Or a piece of paper (take a picture and save it).Articles cited in this class:An Introduction to the Sexy but Dangerous Economics of DigitalFrom Didi to Mobike to Luckin: How Money and Hype Are Distorting Digital China———-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show

This is the fifth episode of my Asia tech class. It is a summary of my time with Alibaba on Singles' Day in China.———-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show

This is the fourth episode of my Asia tech class. It is an introduction to Alibaba and platform business models.Exercise:For a shopping mall, credit card and conference (or convention), decide who are the core users, what is the type of interaction, and what is the frequency of interaction? Write it down.———-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show

This is the third episode for my Asia tech class. It asks how Starbucks China should have responded to the rapid entrance of Luckin Coffee in 2018.You can vote here or below).You can post your 3 minute pitch to the CEO here. ———I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trendsI also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companiesThis content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show

This is the second episode (and first case) for my Asia tech class. It is about what the leading bike manufacturers (like Giant) should have done in response to the rapid rise of China bike-sharing.You can do the voting for the case here (or below).———-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show

This is a short introduction to my Asia Tech class. ———-I write and speak about digital China and Asia’s latest tech trends.I also run Jeff’s Asia Tech Class, a podcast and subscription newsletter on the strategies of China / Asia tech companies.This content (articles, podcasts, website info) is not investment advice. The information and opinions from me and any guests may be incorrect. The numbers and information may be wrong. The views expressed may no longer be relevant or accurate. Investing is risky. Do your own research. www.jefftowson.comSupport the show