New initiative offers range of services to startup companies

The Chuangchuang Community, a network of innovative and creative entrepreneurs created by the Cheung Kong Graduates School of Business, has launched Baidu-CKGSB Academy in partnership with Internet giant Baidu Inc, to provide services for startup companies.

Utilizing Baidu's advantages in big data and technology, the newly-formed initiative will instill in entrepreneurs the importance of technological innovation, helping them create a comprehensive edge and enjoy a promising future, according to Xiong Yun, deputy general manager of Baidu’s search market division.

"Many Chinese entrepreneurs are successful in the angel and A rounds of financing, but as their product operations become more complex, many problems emerge, including a lack of innovation, low operating efficiency and a pressing need for technological, operational and capital services," said Xiong.

The initiative is the second of its kind, following a partnership between CKGSB and Internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd in 2015.

The Chuangchuang Community not only provides entrepreneurial education but also offers services such as financing, mentoring and branding, aiming to help create a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem, according to Xiang Bing, founding dean of CKGSB, the Beijing-based business school that Xiang established with the support of the Li Ka Shing Foundation some 12 years ago.

CKGSB launched the community of Chuangchuang – which in Chinese is associated with entrepreneurship, innovation, value and future – seeking to be a growth accelerator for startup companies, by integrating the practices and resources of entrepreneurship from the school’s alumni and connecting partners within the school's open ecosystem.