From Silicon Valley to China to India - with Xiaomi Global Head of Sales & Ops Alvin Tse

The Harbinger - China Tech & VC Podcast

Alvin's career to date has been an epic adventure, a journey that's taken him across epicenters of technology and the world's three largest internet markets: China, India, and the US. As a Stanford undergrad, he started ThinkBulbs, which developed 2 leading iOS photo apps and amassed over a million users before being acquired by Megatasty Labs. After college, Alvin spent time as EIR at StartX, before joining Flipboard to lead their China entry efforts. That in turn opened his eyes to the torrid growth of China's tech sector, eventually leading to a role as Chief of Staff for Hugo Barra, the legendary Google exec who had been hired by Lei Jun to run Xiaomi Global. Today, Alvin heads up Xiaomi Global's sales operations, and plays a critical role in developing Xiaomi's India business. On our podcast, Alvin talks us through his personal journey, reflecting first on his foundational experiences in Silicon Valley before taking on the Wild Wild West of China's tech sector in the early 2010s. With Alvin, we then conduct a deeper dive on Xiaomi's India strategy. How did Xiaomi grow so quickly in India, reaching #2 market share, with its best selling 'Redmi' shipping over 1m units in just 30 days? What are similarities and differences between China and India? How does Xiaomi approach localization, not only in terms of product but also on its org structure and management approach. Ultimately, what are the keys to success in this market and how will Xiaomi fend off competitors that invariably follow it into an attractive new market? Lastly, Alvin shares his experience on why it's the right time to come out to China (and India), the need for a bridge type leaders between markets, and how to leverage a global perspective to one's advantage. Link to write-up here: https://www.theharbingerchina.com/blog/from-silicon-valley-to-china-to-india-with-xiaomi-global-head-of-sales