Countries across the globe continue to grapple with the economic challenges associated with COVID-19 and geo-political conflicts. KPMG Venture Pulse Report 2020 unveils quarterly key findings of the global venture dynamics highlighting the key trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the venture capital markets. What do the numbers say? With global lockdowns, economic contractions and health crisis unfold, how investors & start-ups adapt over the last few months to re-strategise their position for fundraising in 2021? With VC investment continued to show resilience and signs of recovery, what’ll be the new investment playbook look like, opportunity ahead and the trend to watch in the next normal?

Learn from one of the most successful and earliest cross-border US-China VCs, who is well regarded as a thought leader and a mentor to many entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. This session will break down the latest on COVID-19 and its impact on venture funding and market strategies for tech startups, and discuss trends in tech sectors and exits through M&A and IPOs with specific examples from recent deals and Qiming's portfolio companies. It will also delve into the importance of continual innovation as a competitive advantage particularly during challenging economic times.

The pandemic has disrupted traditional consumer behaviours and heralds a new era for eCommerce. Which technology trends, emerging markets and sectors will take off in 2021 and define the path to recovery? How will the Chinese economy and technology market rebound post-crisis? In this keynote interview, Michael will talk about Alibaba’s investment orientations and what bearings geopolitical environment has on the group’s international M&A strategy. He will also share expert advice on the fundraising and IPO playbook.

US-China tensions are escalating, but how do these conflicts impact cross-border venture capital flows, technology innovation and corporate deal making? Is a slowdown or upturn in sight between these two superpower nations? What technologies are in the battle lines and why? Will a split in strategies occur, China and non-China? How are LP investors in both China and US funds adjusting their outlook for capital allocations? How should VCs and entrepreneurs weigh the risks of doing deals and expanding outside their home country now? Where are the opportunities and challenges for Hong Kong start-ups and early stage investors? How will any new leadership in the White House change the outlook for US-China cross-border deals and tech innovation trends?

Edtech is an incredibly popular sector right now in terms of the scope of innovation, investor sentiments and the need to solve a genuine pain point. What are the current trends and opportunities within edtech today that are attracting investors’ attention? From the point of view of seasoned investors, what education technologies do they see emerging the strongest in China, the U.S. and globally, and what are the key differences in the edtech space within geographies in terms of maturity, innovation, growth potential and competition?

Fady has wealth of experience in setting M&A priorities, deal sourcing, execution and post transaction management of all PayU investments. He will share his insights on the latest investment strategy and focus impacted by COVID-19, markets movements, how to work with portfolio companies to support their ongoing growth and development, and advices to fintech start-ups looking for funding in the current climate.

Moderator

The escalating US-China tensions have led investors to pivot to Asia as the next opportunity. With Asian markets being reckoned as the drivers of digital innovation, coupled with lower valuations as a result of the economic crisis, Asia is set on an optimistic path of recovery. Leading investors from the region will offer new perspectives on how Asia will stand out and lead the race in the new venture landscape.