YCombinator, world’s renowned and most successful entrepreneurship program for startups is launching in China. In order to lead the initiative, YCombinator has got Shanghai-born Lu, the ex-COO of China’s biggest search engine Baidu, on board.
Qi Lu has previously worked with Microsoft and Yahoo and enjoys strong connections both in US and China. He will be wearing different hats at YCombinator as the CEO and founding member of YC China and will be leading the YC Research initiative as well.
There is no confirm date around when the program will officially launch in China but the first session is expected to happen in the coming winter at Beijing. Lu will be using his own network and YC’s existing network to recruit people for the first batch.
The launch of YCombinator in China is a testimony to the huge innovation, research, and technology opportunities untapped in the country. Through its China program, YC will be looking at potential businesses that can be launched in US as well through the support of YC financial and mentorship help. The program is expected to mirror the original US-based program.
Right now, after US, China hosts the maximum number of unicorns – billion dollar valuation businesses – in the world. China is home to the popular Alibaba, Ofo, Meizu, Didi Chuxing etc. For Pakistani startups, it is a great news. As the friendship between Pakistan and China flourish in the upcoming years, more Pakistani entrepreneurs will be able to seek entrepreneurial opportunities in China to boost their business ventures in Pakistan and throughout the world.
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