Financial freedom starts with smiling at life

Chapter 340 Didn't expect that, did you!
"Prepare the financing materials and expedite the financing process."

Jiang Beicheng gave Liu Tao instructions.

His personal investment of 200 million yuan can be easily processed through the proper procedures, but the money from Lian Capital, Hezhou Capital, and Zhengxing Development Investment Company must follow the normal investment and financing procedures stipulated by the state.

In particular, funds coming from overseas are subject to supervision by relevant departments.

Just prepare the necessary documents and go through the process.

Liu Tao nodded and made the arrangements that very day.

The capital market in Beijing is very active and mature.

The capital market is paying close attention to the dynamics of these startups every day, trying to find some promising startups to nurture.

However, it is difficult for startups to access well-known investors unless they are entrepreneurs with multiple ventures and some reputation in the industry.

Most entrepreneurs reach out to investors through platforms or by visiting them in person.

The news that Yizhi Culture Media has launched a financing round will also be known to the capital market.

A massive database will push you toward investors, whether or not they are interested is another matter.

The entertainment industry is currently performing poorly in the capital market.

None of the entertainment stocks were able to hold their ground in the stock market, and the entire market was also in a downward trend.

Jiangbei City's Yizhi Culture Media did not receive much attention.

This was something Jiangbei City could have foreseen, so they never hoped to make money from other capital sources in the first place.

Cultivate them yourself.

However, the news of this financing was learned by Ishikawa, iQiyi's Chief Content Officer, whom Liu Tao referred to as "a lone but privately-run" executive.

Liu Tao pulled a fast one on him, causing him to lose face in front of iQiyi president Gong Yu.

He obtained special privileges from Gong Yu because of his father's connection; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to reject so many cooperative projects.

Just when he thought he was about to make a big splash and showcase his talents, all the top talents under his command were poached.

Now, even the smallest things require personal attention.

He didn't dare to complain to Gong Yu because the HR department was inefficient.

Gong Yu didn't take the initiative to contact him, which was already a great concession to their family.

Ishikawa harbors resentment towards Liu Tao, and even towards Yizhi Culture Media.

In their hearts, they had already regarded each other as competitors and adversaries.

When he learned that Yizhi Culture Media had started financing, his first reaction was to try to use his family connections to suppress the competitor.

At the very least, we cannot allow Yizhi Culture Media to secure the ideal funding in Beijing.

If possible, drive it out of the capital.

That evening, Ishikawa discussed the matter with his father at the dinner table.

Shi Yixue, the founder of Juyuan Capital, looked puzzled; he had never heard of Yizhi Culture Media, a startup company.

The son, however, was very concerned and even expressed some worry.

"Are you having a bad day at work, or did you suffer a defeat?" Shi Yixue guessed.

Ishikawa stated frankly, "We have indeed encountered some trouble, all caused by this opponent."

However, I can handle work-related matters, but I don't have that much influence in the capital market.

If Yizhi Culture Media Group were to secure the desired funding, it would bring me even greater trouble.

After listening to his son's words, Shi Yixue smiled, still feeling that his son was a bit immature.

"First of all, in everything you do, you cannot be afraid of your opponent."

Secondly, if Yizhi Culture Media is a good investment project, the capital market in Beijing has already started to stir. Investors don't care much about personal relationships. You can't let your father block someone else's path to wealth, right?

Finally, when it comes to playing the capital game, you have many ways to deal with your opponents: market consolidation, mergers and acquisitions... You can devour them and make them continue to make money for you, becoming your slaves. That's a much better outcome than your current petty approach.

What do you think? "

Ishikawa was speechless.

The father was a seasoned player, experienced and with a clear mind. The newcomer, who was not very familiar with the capital market, felt fear as his opponents grew stronger.

Instead of his father explaining these capital strategies.

Shi Yixue also saw his son's mindset. He knew he had to reason with him and spoil him, so he patted his son's arm and said, "Don't worry, he won't cause much trouble."

Following the same logic, if Yizhi Culture Media Group were truly a promising investment project, the capital market in Beijing would have already been abuzz with activity.

Sequoia Capital, Hillhouse Capital, China Renaissance... these frequent VCs remain unmoved?
And why haven't the major internet companies responded at all?

Neither of the major state-owned enterprises have responded.

Clearly, the opponent mentioned by the son was insignificant.

To gain his son's trust in his judgment, he used a case study of Yizhi Culture Media as a teaching example after finishing his meal.

That feeling of stability and Ishikawa.

Ishikawa has a background in management, so learning some finance from him would be beneficial for him.

Shi Yixue, as a father, went to great lengths.

……

In the capital market, it is Yizhi Culture Media that is raising funds.

However, in the eyes of investors, it was Jiangbei City, the behind-the-scenes boss, who was raising funds.

Experienced investors often value people more than products.

Although Jiang Beicheng was not well-known in the capital, he had made some friends.

For example, Da Dongzi, the chairman of JD.com, one of the major internet companies.

Da Dongzi had a very good impression of him.

The two had also dined together and discussed market trends, and had been communicating frequently in private during this period. Jiang Beicheng's business strategy was affirmed by Da Dongzi.

When Da Dongzi learned that Jiang Beicheng was raising funds, he immediately sent a message to Jiang Beicheng, saying that since they hadn't had a proper drink together last time, he had specially arranged a gathering to introduce him to several investors.

Jiang Beicheng immediately guessed that Da Dongzi intended to invest in him.

If JD.com is willing to pay, Jiangbei City will accept.

Who would complain about not having enough money?

Of course, in the past, socializing was mainly about making friends and meeting well-known investors in Beijing.

Jiang Beicheng accepted Da Dongzi's invitation and went to the club he had booked that evening.

Liu Qiangdong stood at the door, smiling and waving towards Jiang Beicheng, "Let me introduce you to a few friends."

Jiang Beicheng asked, "Brother Dong, am I not late?"

"No, no, it was a private gathering, there weren't so many rules."

He put his arm around Jiang Beicheng's shoulder and led him into the private room.

Jiang Beicheng walked in, glanced around, and saw that most of the people there were "familiar faces".

These people just don't recognize him.

He entered the venture capital circle, looked at many cases, and read many books by well-known investors. Tonight's dinner party features two of these key figures.

"Gentlemen, let me introduce you to a young man, Jiang Beicheng, a young entrepreneur I personally admire very much."

Liu Qiangdong explained.

Jiang Beicheng took the initiative to greet the seniors.

"Mr. Xu, hello. I have long admired you. We are even from the same hometown." Jiang Beicheng addressed Xu Xin, CEO of Today Capital, with respect.

Xu Xin smiled and said, "I know you. Last year when I went back to my hometown for the Spring Festival, I planned to book the New Year's Eve dinner at Beicheng Hotel. My relatives and friends in Jiangnan City all said that your Beicheng Hotel is the pinnacle of local catering."

Wow, you're amazing! You closed the store during the Spring Festival peak season.

Jiang Beicheng smiled and said, "President Xu, next time you go back to your hometown, just let me know in advance and I'll make the arrangements."

Xu Xin smiled and nodded: "Okay, okay."

Jiang Beicheng extended his hand to Zhang Lei again, addressing him respectfully, "I have read Mr. Zhang's ideas on social value investing many times."

Today, the student finally met the teacher.

Zhang Lei, founder of Hillhouse Capital, smiled and shook hands with Jiang Beicheng, saying, "Qiang Dong told me, 'You're also in the venture capital industry?'"

"I'm new here, still figuring things out, and I'm learning from Mr. Zhang," Jiang Beicheng said modestly. "Is Mr. Zhang in Beijing recently?"

“I’m constantly traveling between Singapore and Beijing,” Zhang Lei said.

He now resides in Singapore.

Even Neil Shen of Sequoia Capital spends most of his time in Singapore.

Jiang Beicheng looked at Shi Yixue of Juyuan Capital last, but he didn't recognize him.

Liu Qiangdong introduced, "Mr. Shi of Juyuan Capital is considered a veteran in Beijing's private equity investment. He left a state-owned enterprise and started doing private equity, and he's been doing it ever since."

Shi Yixue humbly said, "Doing something for a long time doesn't mean doing it well."

After all these years, I haven't achieved anything significant.

Jiang Beicheng said, "General Manager Shi belonged to the group that laid the foundation, and played a pioneering and leading role."

Without the efforts and explorations of your generation, those who came after would not have had it so easy.

"Hahaha, President Jiang is so good at talking," Shi Yixue said with a laugh.

"The food is served, everyone please sit down, let's eat and chat," Liu Qiangdong said.

"Mr. Jiang, please."

"Esteemed seniors, please."

Jiang Beicheng followed suit and sat down.

At the dinner table, Liu Qiangdong said directly, "We're all old friends and long-term partners, so I won't beat around the bush."

JD.com has expanded its food delivery business and now needs financing.

I have great confidence in this industry and our current business model. What do you investors think?

Jiang Beicheng was stunned for a moment.

It instantly dawned on me that the topic of today's meal was JD.com's financing.

When listed companies expand into new businesses, especially those that are costly, they will also raise funds publicly, either by issuing new shares to raise funds from the stock market or by seeking financing from investment companies.

JD.com's market value is not high.

Its performance in the stock market has not been ideal either, and the path of issuing new shares may not be very effective.

However, his core business and commercial empire are vast, along with his massive assets, which would attract investment firms.

Jiang Beicheng never expected that he would become an investor in JD.com.

He didn't offer many opinions, but listened attentively to the views of several senior figures, all of whom expressed their willingness to invest.

Liu Qiangdong raised his glass in thanks and said, "I'll let the financing process begin now. Thank you all for your recognition of me and JD.com."

Jiang Beicheng clinked glasses with him.

JD.com is still worth investing in.

Uncle Hailin will handle the meeting then.

After discussing JD.com's investments, Liu Qiangdong smiled and put his hand on Jiang Beicheng's shoulder, "Let me introduce another investment project to everyone."

Mr. Jiang's entertainment company, Yizhi Culture Media Group, is also currently seeking financing. I highly approve of Mr. Jiang's business management philosophy. If anyone is interested, they can learn more about it.

Jiang Beicheng raised his glass to express his gratitude.

Shi Yixue was taken aback. Wasn't Yizhi Culture Media the competitor his son Shi Chuan had mentioned?
(End of this chapter)