Global Leaders Talk: Lessons from China

For entrepreneurs operating amidst COVID-19, the uncertainty the crisis has created for their business can be agonizing. While nobody can say with certainty when this crisis will ‘end,’ in the second installment of CEED’s Global Leaders Talks, CEED will examine the path and impact of the virus on business in China as an indicator of what may happen in the various contexts where CEED entrepreneurs operate.

In the second Global Leaders Talk, Lessons from China, CEED will call on two experts from CEED’s parent company, SEAF. SEAF is an impact investing firm with over 30 years of experience investing in emerging market SMEs. In 2001, the SEAF Sichuan SME Investment Fund (SSIF) was established to fill the shortage of growth capital available to private enterprises in the Sichuan province. Through direct investment, SSIF supported the sustainable growth of small and growing businesses in China’s dynamic private enterprise market. SSIF counted among its investments two snack food producers, a water treatment facility, and a leading construction materials manufacturer.

George Zhang is the Managing Director of this fund based in Chengdu. George is responsible for originating, negotiating, executing and monitoring investment deals, and adding value to and structuring exits. He also provides technical assistance to SSIF portfolio companies, maintains relations with the government departments, manages the SSIF internal staff, and assists in fund marketing and communications. In this webinar, he will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on business in China and give his personal perspective on the re-opening of the country’s economy.

Bert van der Vaart is the Co-founder and CEO of SEAF, leading SEAF’s global operations, including fund launch efforts, and also serves as a member of SEAF’s Global Investment Committee. Bert co-founded SEAF in 1989 and in 1997, Bert was appointed CEO and President of SEAF, where he has since been involved with the establishment and supervision of every SEAF fund, including the SSIF. Bert sits on the board of every company in the SSIF portfolio and will draw on his insights from these companies and his experience in the region.

 

We hope that you will join us on Wednesday, April 22^nd at 9:00 EDT/15:00 CET/16:00 EAT to for the Lessons from China webinar where you can ask Bert and Juan specific questions about their experiences. Please note that space is limited, and you will need to register to confirm your free spot. Register here.