Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 435 A Discussion Among Big Shots (Seeking Monthly Tickets!)

When the premiere of "Sheep Without a Shepherd" was held smoothly, Chen Xiu had already left through the side entrance of the cinema.

After leaving the cinema, he went straight to the Bulgari Hotel without stopping.

Chen Xiu arrived at the reserved private room early to change into formal attire. As dusk approached, she met the person she had arranged to meet that day around the appointed time.

……

The night view of Beijing outside the floor-to-ceiling windows is exceptionally captivating, while the biting cold wind keeps you out.

The ornate chandeliers inside the private room complemented each other, and the soft light, reflected through the golden-brown curtains, created an even warmer atmosphere.

Although tonight's gathering was called a cocktail party, everyone was actually having dinner.

The only alcoholic beverage consumed was white wine, which was served with the meal.

Dinner was Western food, and everyone ate their own food, which saved us from the usual clinking of glasses and toasts.

Just when everyone else thought that the main event of the evening would not begin until after dinner.

With a "clink," Chen Xiu put down her knife and fork, wiped her lips, and picked up her wine.

"We've known each other for so long, and it's a rare treat to gather here tonight. How about I start by giving a toast?"

Everyone readily agreed, put down their knives and forks, and stared at Chen Xiu.

Chen Xiu pondered for a moment, then scanned the room from left to right and said:
"More than 60 internet companies have gone public this year. Everyone here is either an industry professional or an investor, and we are all proud of this achievement. Let's have a drink to celebrate this."

After speaking, Chen Xiu drank first, and the others followed suit.

Shen Nanpeng (Sequoia) put down his wine glass and praised:

"Mr. Chen, you've profited from both of the largest IPOs by domestic internet companies this year. Judging from TikTok's current situation, it's practically guaranteed to be next year's biggest IPO!"

"Why don't you tell us about the upcoming pre-IPO plans?"

Upon hearing this, Pony Ma, Lei Jun, and Zhang Lei, who were still holding their wine glasses, all showed anticipation.

They've gathered here today for TikTok's upcoming pre-IPO and to participate in the previous two rounds of financing. It remains to be seen how Chen Xiu will choose to proceed.

Unexpectedly, Chen Xiu put down his wine cup and sighed:
"Sigh, Mr. Shen, we haven't even finished our meal yet, and you're already bringing up business? Isn't that a bit too rushed?"

"Yes, I was indeed too hasty. I deserve to be punished, I should drink the penalty shot!"

"Forget about the penalty drink, we don't play that game. Why don't you tell everyone about the projects Sequoia has invested in this year, and what their investment direction is for next year?"

Chen Xiu's pull and shove directly shifted the topic from herself and TikTok to Shen Nanpeng and Sequoia Capital.

Pony immediately interjected, "Mr. Shen, why don't you share your investment experience? Let's see if there's anything we can learn from it."

Lei Jun and Zhang Lei echoed their sentiments.

What they didn't notice was that when Pony Ma finished speaking, he also gave Chen Xiu a look under the guise of raising his glass to drink.

In fact, Pony Ma didn't need to personally attend today's party.

However, in the invitation call Chen Xiu made to him, she specifically mentioned that if Tencent wanted to participate in TikTok's pre-IPO, they would need to have a serious talk.

We need to have a proper chat. Pony Ma specifically made time to come over, naturally not wanting to be affected by Shen Nanpeng.

Hearing everyone's urging, Shen Nanpeng pondered for a moment, then uttered a humorous remark:
"Sequoia's investments this year and next are mostly concentrated in finance, technology, healthcare, and new energy, and your investments should also be in these areas."

"These directions are too broad."

Zhang Lei took over the conversation, but also admitted that Shen Nanpeng was right.

Lei Jun nodded in agreement, then gave Chen Xiu a meaningful look.

"When it comes to investing, Mr. Chen should have a lot of experience."

That sounds a bit sarcastic, doesn't it?
Seeing the others suppressing their laughter, Chen Xiu immediately realized that Lei Jun's words were a veiled criticism of her poaching Zhou Shouzi...

Such a grown man, yet he holds a grudge. I've already introduced you to a talented person, and you still can't let it go.

Chen Xiu secretly pursed her lips, but did not respond to Lei Jun's sarcastic remarks.

"My investment philosophy is the same as Mr. Shen's: technology, healthcare, and new energy."

Shen Nanpeng's eyes lit up as he replied, "President Chen, could you tell us which companies you've specifically invested in so we can all have a say?"

Different circles have different topics: office workers talk about company matters, anime fans talk about new and old anime series, fans talk about their idols... Everyone has their own topics.

Chen Xiu and the others gathered here today because of investment, so their topic of conversation is naturally investment direction or industries they are optimistic about.

Then, everyone else present greatly admired and recognized Chen Xiu's investment acumen.

If we can learn about the companies Chen Xiu is optimistic about today, even if we don't get a pre-IPO ticket to TikTok, the trip will still be worthwhile.

Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, Chen Xiu swirled her wine glass, a smile playing on her lips that was somewhat enigmatic.

"Everyone knows the companies I've invested in! Meituan, Pinduoduo, and NIO. You've all invested in these three to some extent, Mr. Ma. Tencent should have invested in all three, right?"

"Yes, I cast it."

Pony Ma seemed quite taciturn, her mind preoccupied with Chen Xiu's invitation phone call.

He said we need to have a proper talk...

What are they going to talk about? Surely they won't make any more demands? Last time when they invested in TikTok, they asked Tencent to stop blocking Douyin. Could they be eyeing Video Accounts this time?

Lost in thought, Pony Ma didn't really pay much attention to their investment topics.

Lei Jun suddenly chimed in, "It's hard to find companies like Meituan and Pinduoduo in the industry. But there are suddenly so many new energy vehicle companies this year."

"Mr. Chen, besides Weilai, which other brands do you have confidence in?"

Chen Xiu looked at Lei Busi with a knowing smile, the corners of her mouth curving into a deeper smile.

"Mr. Lei, you actually already have a company you've got your eye on, right?"

"Hehe, still under investigation."

Lei Jun tried to cover it up, but Chen Xiu insisted on steering the conversation toward him.

Has Xiaomi never considered making cars?

"Ok??"

Everyone looked at Chen Xiu with confusion, wondering why he would say such a thing.

Chen Xiu shrugged and said:

"Back in the third quarter earnings call last year, Apple announced that it would focus on research into autonomous driving systems in the future. If it weren't for building cars, who would burn money to research this?"

The three people, excluding Lei Jun, suddenly realized what was happening, and then their gazes toward him became unfathomable.

No, why are you all looking at me like that?
Apple is going to make cars, what does that have to do with Xiaomi?

Does that mean if they want to build cars, I'll necessarily follow suit?

Lei Jun had three questions pop into his mind, but he didn't ask any of them. Instead, he asked, "Xiaomi has no plans to build cars, does Douyin have any?"

"There are already many car manufacturers in China, and Douyin can only stand outside and watch others make their mark."

Chen Xiu frankly stated that Douyin's future strategic development will focus on AI development, and they really have little interest in the new energy vehicle market.

The verbal exchange between the two was something the remaining three naturally had to stop immediately.

Shen Nanpeng, who initiated the discussion, said:
“Speaking of new energy vehicles, Sequoia Capital actually has a few other companies it is optimistic about. In addition to NIO, which is already listed, Li Auto, XPeng, and Leapmotor are all developing very well.”

"Does President Shen also know He Xiaopeng?"

Zhang Lei then changed the subject, mentioning that Hillhouse Capital participated in XPeng Motors' Series B+ financing round in August of this year.

Shen Nanpeng showed great interest in this, and then said that in addition to investing in NIO, he also participated in Leapmotor's Pre-A round at the beginning of this year.

Industries like new energy vehicles, which have a potential scale of trillions of yuan, require a huge amount of capital.

VCs (venture capital firms) may even proactively join forces to invest in order to share investment risks.

Shen Nanpeng and Zhang Lei chatted for a few minutes, then both turned their attention to Pony Ma and Chen Xiu.

Zhang Lei said, "Mr. Ma, Mr. Chen, why don't you two share your thoughts on new energy vehicle companies?"

"I don't need to. Penguin's investment work is usually handled by Jeremy and Martin, and I rarely get involved."

So why are you here now?
Zhang Lei and Shen Nanpeng both thought of this, and Lei Jun looked at them with a strange expression.

Realizing the conversation had returned to TikTok investment, Chen Xiu took the initiative to take it over this time.

"Now that everyone has finished eating, how about we talk about today's topic?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent and turned their gazes to Chen Xiu.

Chen Xiu also responded solemnly: "This pre-IPO of TikTok is mainly to prepare for next year's IPO, and the companies targeted are all international capital."

"Considering that the company will be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange next year, and the IPO also requires a company sponsor, we will still reserve one spot in the pre-IPO for domestic companies."

Shen Nanpeng, Zhang Lei, and Lei Jun all looked towards Pony Ma simultaneously...

"The domestic company has not yet been finalized. Another reason for inviting everyone here today is to confirm whether anyone has any plans to withdraw early?"

He looked away from Pony's horse.

Pony Ma's attempt to smile was abruptly suppressed by him.

Pre-IPO not only serves as a pre-IPO pricing model, but also provides liquidity for early investors and founders, allowing them to cash out their shares before the IPO.

If Zhang Lei and Shen Nanpeng want to cash out their shares, the PE or strategic investors who have already decided to participate in the pre-IPO will be happy to sell.

The four remained silent, each with their own thoughts.

Pony Ma: Why isn't it confirmed yet? Isn't this last spot reserved for the penguin?
Lei Jun: If Tencent can sponsor TikTok's IPO, then Xiaomi might be able to too...

Zhang Lei and Shen Nanpeng both thought: We're not short of money. If TikTok can develop like Douyin in the future, why worry about not getting dozens or hundreds of times more in revenue?

"Mr. Chen, I have a question."

Lei Jun raised his hand to speak, and seeing Chen Xiu nod, he continued, "It seems that we weren't the only ones involved in the first two rounds of financing. There was DST Global, Temasek, Goldman Sachs, and that Zhongnan Capital. Why aren't they here tonight?"

"Due to time constraints, TikTok has already sent them an inquiry letter, and their choice is to continue holding shares."

Chen Xiu's answer was also the answer for the four of them.

(End of this chapter)