{"product_id":"9781529346855-influence-empire","title":"Influence Empire","description":"\u003cmeta content=\"text\/html; charset=utf-8\" http-equiv=\"Content-Type\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe critically acclaimed and timely story of Tencent and China's tech ambition\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eA fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's biggest tech companies \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe insider story of Tencent, the Chinese tech giant behind WeChat: perfect for fans of \u003ci\u003eChip War\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eHouse of Huawei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSHORTLISTED FOR THE \u003ci\u003eFINANCIAL TIMES\u003c\/i\u003e BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR\u003cbr\u003eA \u003ci\u003eTIMES\u003c\/i\u003e BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR\u003cbr\u003eA \u003ci\u003eNEW YORK TIMES\u003c\/i\u003e BEST BUSINESS BOOK\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A fascinating study of the tech giant and its symbiotic relationship with the Chinese government' - \u003ci\u003eGuardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA remarkably relevant and timely account in light of the escalating US-Chinese trade war.\u003c\/b\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e----------\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYet to many of the two billion-plus people who live just across the Pacific Ocean, it came as no surprise at all.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFounded 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-------\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWHAT READERS ARE SAYING:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'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!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An exceptionally engaging book that delves into the captivating history of Tencent and its enigmatic leader, Pony Ma. This book not only provides a riveting narrative but also remains remarkably relevant, considering the escalating tensions between the US and China.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A fascinating look into the world of China's hi-tech digital economy that explores the business strategies as well as casting a light on the murky world of a state controlled industry.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e-------\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Vital . More than a corporate hagiography.' - \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'So much more than the long-awaited story of Tencent and its vital everything app, WeChat, the messaging tool used by 1.3 billion people. It's also the sobering account of an entire generation of high-flying Chinese tech entrepreneurs, whose wings were clipped by the omnipotent hand of their own government.' -- Brad Stone, author of \u003ci\u003eAmazon Unbound\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Everything Store\u003c\/i\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Fascinating' - \u003ci\u003eThe Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Lulu Yilun Chen has written a sharply informed, smart and compelling account of the rise of some of the most powerful companies in China, which also stand among the biggest and richest tech giants in the world.' - Howard French, author of \u003ci\u003eEverything Under the Heavens: How the Past Helps Shape China's Push for Global Power\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A book that tells Tencent's story has been long overdue, and Lulu Chen's account is not only comprehensive, but also a gripping business narrative. The globally influential company finally has the account it deserves.' - David Barboza, \u003ci\u003eThe Wire\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rarewaves","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40174068203617,"sku":"9781529346855","price":21.86,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0092\/7504\/8033\/files\/orig_27863832.jpg?v=1722111623","url":"https:\/\/www.rarewaves.com\/products\/9781529346855-influence-empire","provider":"Rarewaves.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}