Influence Empire : The critically acclaimed and timely story of Tencent and China's tech ambition

The insider story of Tencent, the Chinese tech giant behind WeChat: perfect for fans of Chip War and House of Huawei SHORTLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR A TIMES BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR A NEW YORK TIMES BEST BUSINESS BOOK 'A fascinating study of the tech giant and its symbiotic relationship with the Chinese government' - Guardian A remarkably relevant and timely account in light of the escalating US-Chinese trade war. ---------- In 2017, a company known as Tencent overtook Facebook to become the world's fifth largest company. It was a watershed moment, a wake-up call for those in the West accustomed to regarding the global tech industry through the prism of Silicon Valley: Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft. Yet to many of the two billion-plus people who live just across the Pacific Ocean, it came as no surprise at all. Founded by the enigmatic billionaire Pony Ma, the firm that began life as a simple text-message operator invested in and created some of China's most iconic games en route to dreaming up WeChat - the Swiss Army knife super-app that combines messaging, shopping and entertainment. Through billions of dollars of global investments in marquee names from Fortnite to Tesla and a horde of start-ups, Ma's company went on to build a near-unparalleled empire of influence. In this fascinating narrative - crammed with insider interviews and exclusive details - Lulu Chen tells the story of how Tencent created the golden era of Chinese technology, and delves into key battles involving Didi, Meituan and Alibaba. It's a chronicle of critical junctures and asks just what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur in China. ------- WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: 'Incredible book that shares the passion, the determination and shares insights into the lives of people that have founded today's tech giants in China, without having ever expected it. Highly recommend it!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'An exceptionally engaging book that delves into the captivating history of