This seminar will be presented in Mandarin with consecutive translation.

Abstract
Crowdfunding originated in the United States and was later introduced to China, where it exploded in popularity in 2012. I will discuss the basic concepts and the operational model of the Chinese crowdfunding, as represented by Peking University’s 1898 Café. I will also share insights of the Vancouver 1029 Café and other businesses that have used the same business model. Through the analysis of cultural differences between the East and the West, and of different business environments, I will focus on the prospects and the potential problems associated with the Chinese crowdfunding business model, especially when it is applied in North America, and I will discuss some solutions to these problems as well.

Professor Zhang Jiawei is a visiting scholar of the Jack Austin Center for Asia-Pacific Business Studies at Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University. He is also a research fellow at the Institute of Strategic Research of Peking University, and the chief research fellow at the World Shipping Research Center of Dalian Maritime University. His research includes strategic planning, new business models, and supply chain management. In particular, Professor Zhang focuses on economic issues related to China and North America as well as the crowdfunding business model and niche market behavior.

Professor Zhang has rich business experience. He was the Chairman and President of a large state-owned company in China for more than ten years. He is an expert in Chinese enterprises’ reform and development and has a deep understanding of China’s Corporation Law. He is also a successful Angel investor and a well-known consultant for companies.

Professor Zhang was the chief architect behind the establishment of the Vancouver 1029 Café, the first Chinese-style crowdfunding coffee shop overseas. Professor Zhang was thus named “the first overseas Chinese applying the Chinese crowdfunding model.” His translated book Niche is one of the bestselling books in China, and his new book The Winning Makers—The Ugly Duckling Management has gained instant popularity among young entrepreneurs in China.