This episode dives deep into the phenomenon of "involution" in the Chinese economy, exploring its definition, widespread manifestations, underlying causes, and potential pathways forward, both at the national policy level and for individuals and investors.

In this insightful episode,  we discuss the profound implications of AI for humanity. Departing from a purely technical perspective, offers a thought-provoking analysis, drawing on historical and philosophical insights to reframe the conversation around AI.

The Chinese hotpot business landscape is a vast, dynamic, and intensely competitive sector, firmly established as the largest single category within China's formal dining industry. With a total market size exceeding 610 billion RMB in 2024 and projected to surpass 650 billion RMB by 2025, it reflects a blend of deeply rooted culinary traditions and rapid commercial innovation. Despite its immense size, the market is remarkably fragmented, with the top five brands collectively accounting for only 8.1% of the market share in 2024, indicating a landscape rich in diverse players and regional specialties.

Welcome to an new insightful episode, today we are going to delve deep into the Chinese version of Monster, Eastroc Super Drink, or Dongpeng Beverage. One of the largest energy drink company.This episode promises to uncover the strategic and organizational decisions behind this "everything has no reason not to grow" ethos. 

Join us as we trace the extraordinary journey of SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), a company that rose from the periphery to become a "mythical" presence in the Chinese automotive industry. This episode delves into how Wuling, starting as a local state-owned enterprise, not only survived but thrived, becoming a crucial player for major automotive giants like SAIC and General Motors, and impacting the daily lives of millions, particularly in China's vast rural and peri-urban areas. We’ll explore its strategic decisions, product innovations, and the challenges it faces as it navigates an evolving market, drawing fascinating comparisons with global players like Suzuki.

Join us for a deep dive into how the rapid rise of AI and disruptive technology, while seemingly revolutionary, are reshaping humanity in ways that classic thinkers from centuries ago eerily foresaw. We explore how these "dusty old textbooks" offer a profound framework for understanding the "deeper why" behind the big questions AI raises about human nature, control, meaning, and power, revealing them as intensified versions of old dilemmas.

• The Disenchanted World & The Instrumental Person (Max Weber)
• The Iron Cage & Alienation (Max Weber & Karl Marx)
• Discipline and Surveillance (Michel Foucault)
• The Amateurization Paradox
• The Logic of Limitless Growth (John Locke)
• The Division of Labor (Émile Durkheim)
• Money Molds Man (Georg Simmel)
• Involution and Lying Flat
• AI as a "Big Behavior Model" & The Illusion of Empathy
• AI's Hallucinations and the Threat to Truth
• The Fear of Uncertainty & AI

In an AI world, conscious action becomes an act of resistance and self-definition. The "Iron Cage" of rationality has loopholes, not calculated by algorithms, but "made through deliberate human action, choice, courage". We can create new stories, embrace nonverbal life, and return to our bodies and real connections to counter AI's "perfect language" and "convincing hallucinations". It's up to us to "use your imagination. Seize the power to find those holes. Choose authenticity in a world swirling with algorithms."

Welcome to a special episode where we unpack the complex world of semiconductors! We’re guided by an expert with a rare blend of deep industry knowledge, hands-on trading experience, and a high-level executive view from inside a semiconductor company. 

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The Global Story of Semiconductors
• Key Players & Early Innovations
• The Fableless Chip Manufacturing Process
• Market Dynamics: The Inventory Cycle
• Investment Angles: Evaluating Chip Design Companies
• Key Technology Drivers for Demand
• Investment Practicalities & Geopolitics
• Tracking the Inventory Cycle
• Synthesis & Looking Ahead (Investment & Trends)

Dive deep into the fascinating early journey of Unitree, the Chinese startup behind those viral robot dogs and humanoids, with insights from early investor Peng Zhang, founder of Geek Park and Variable Capital. This episode goes beyond the polished demos to unpack the real story: the crucial technical decisions, the struggles, and the unique character of founder Wang Xing. Discover what Unitree's path reveals about the new generation of Chinese tech entrepreneurs and the nature of deep tech innovation itself.

Welcome to a special episode where we delve into the fascinating journey of Anker Innovations, a leading Chinese outbound brand. Anker stands out because it's not just a typical Amazon seller; it's a multi-brand group with global reach and a high-end positioning, making it a significant case study in brand transformation.

• Why Anker? Its Unique Significance
• Anker's Four Stages of Development
• Anker's Core Business Logic and Differentiation
• Anker's Multi-Brand Strategy & Challenges
• The Advantage of Overseas Markets: Amazon vs. Chinese E-commerce
• Anker's Organizational Culture and Leadership
• Competition and Future Outlook
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Welcome to the new episode that takes a deep dive into the strategic triumph of Chinese new energy vehicle brand ROX Motor in the challenging Middle Eastern luxury market. Discover how they navigated intense competition and built a significant presence in a region traditionally dominated by established luxury car brands, leading to over 10,000 global deliveries by April 2025, with the Middle East and Central Asia accounting for more than 60% of sales.

• Strategic "Blue Ocean" Approach: Instead of competing in the crowded domestic Chinese or "red ocean" Southeast Asian markets, ROX Motor strategically chose the Middle East to find a unique market or "另辟蓝海" as a survival strategy amidst a wave of car company failures in China.
• Targeting the High-End: ROX positioned their only mass-produced model, the ROX 01, as an "all-terrain luxury SUV" to anchor themselves to the high-end demand prevalent in the Middle East.
• Product-Market Fit - EREV Technology: The ROX 01 features an extended-range electric powertrain (EREV). The CEO, Yan Feng, stated that globalization was part of ROX's DNA from the start. The Middle East's strong demand for all-terrain SUVs and weak charging infrastructure made the ROX 01's EREV technology, offering a CLTC range of 1065km, a perfect match for the need for long distances and insufficient charging infrastructure.
• Extreme Environment Adaptation: The vehicle was specifically modified for the harsh Middle Eastern climate and terrain. This included upgrading to double-power air conditioning compressors and reinforcing electric drive cooling modules to ensure system stability during dust storms. Real-world testing also demonstrated impressive desert off-road energy consumption, reportedly only 62% of a competitor's PHEV.
• Deep Cultural Localization: ROX went beyond hardware. The intelligent cabin uses an Arabic voice system integrated with local navigation. This system is capable of providing real-time alerts to avoid congestion around prayer areas during Ramadan. Physical sunshades were made standard to block intense UV rays and protect female passengers' veils. The interior also features Arabic patterns on the walnut wood trim .
• Strategic Partnerships with Local Oligarchs: In countries like Iraq, ROX partnered with major groups such as Auto-Zaq, which controls 70% of the luxury car channels. This leveraged their political and business resources, helping ROX enter government procurement lists. In Kuwait, the first store was funded by a local oil magnate. This strategy is seen as "purchasing social capital".
• Activating Niche Communities: The brand used niche products like the 11,999 RMB aluminum-magnesium alloy "Lure Box" designed for fishing enthusiasts. This box had designed slots for fishing gear and connected seamlessly to vehicle anchor points. By partnering with outdoor academies for events like the "Red Sea Fishing Competition," user videos gained over 100 million views on TikTok. This verified the logic of using vertical community products to engage the broader outdoor ecosystem and break through cultural barriers more effectively than advertising.
• Commanding a Premium Price: Despite low fuel prices in Saudi Arabia, the ROX 01 was priced at 560,000 RMB at the Riyadh LEAP technology exhibition in February 2025, representing a 15% premium over the China price. The brand demonstrated sales success at this price point, setting a record of 203 units sold in a single day.
• Adding Value Beyond Transportation: ROX integrates technology and entertainment. At the LEAP exhibition, they offered a "mobile e-sports cockpit" where users could play games like Genshin Impact while the car was charging. This "performance + entertainment" value proposition contributes to justifying the premium price.
• Becoming a Status Symbol: Young members of the Saudi royal family reportedly spontaneously promoted the brand. Within six months, ROX achieved a 5% market share among Saudi elite families who view it as an "electric version of the Land Cruiser" . This marks the first time a Chinese brand has become a symbol of social status in the Middle East.