Eric Xun Li, born Li Shimo (Chinese: 李世默; born May 4, 1968), is a notable Chinese venture capitalist, political scientist, and commentator. He is the founder of the influential nationalist news site Guancha.cn (Chinese: 观察者网) and holds esteemed positions on the boards of several academic and cultural institutions, marking his significant influence in both business and political realms.
Early Life and Education
Eric Xun Li was born in Shanghai, experiencing the city's dynamic transformation during his formative years. Seeking educational opportunities abroad, Li moved to the United States in the late 1980s. He obtained a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. His academic journey concluded with a PhD in Political Science from Fudan University, where he further explored political systems and governance.
Business Ventures
In 2000, Li returned to China, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience from his time in the United States. He founded Chengwei Capital, an evergreen venture capital firm based in Shanghai. Under his leadership, Chengwei Capital has invested over $2 billion in more than 100 companies across various sectors, including communication software, enterprise software, financial services, IC design, niche component manufacturing, healthcare, and media.
Noteworthy investments by Chengwei Capital include:
Sunny Optical Technology
AAC Technologies
Sungrow Power Supply
Hanting Hotel
Youku
China Renaissance
AInnovation
Roivant Sciences
Chengwei's portfolio also features several unicorns, such as Hellobike, WM Motor, Baibu, XAG, Sila Nano, and StarFive. Li's strategic investments have cemented Chengwei Capital's status as a leading venture capital firm. He also serves on the board of directors of the RISC-V International Association, showcasing his commitment to technological advancement and innovation.
Political Views and Advocacy
In 2011, Li founded Guancha.cn, a digital news platform known for its conservative political views. The site has become a prominent voice in Chinese media, promoting nationalist perspectives and critiquing Western political models.
Li has published numerous opinion pieces in Western media, often challenging liberal democracy and advocating for the "Chinese meritocratic system." In a 2012 op-ed for The New York Times, Li argued that China requires a unique development framework based on a different concept of modernity. He expanded on these views in a TED Talk the same year, claiming that China's one-party state has led to economic prosperity and poverty alleviation without the need for Western-style elections.
Li's views have sparked significant debate. In a 2018 Washington Post article, he supported Xi Jinping's decision to abolish presidential term limits, arguing it would benefit China's stability and governance. In a 2020 Foreign Policy op-ed, he praised Xi Jinping as a "good emperor," reflecting his belief in strong, centralized leadership. He also criticized the Trump administration's China policy as an "irrational rivalry" in a 2020 interview with David Barboza. In a 2021 Economist article, Li argued that the current Chinese government offers a superior form of democracy compared to liberal democracy.
Academic and Cultural Affiliations
Beyond his business and political endeavors, Eric Xun Li is deeply involved in academic and cultural institutions. He serves on the boards of the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and the Freeman Spogli Institute. His affiliations also include:
Trustee of the China Institute at Fudan University
Trustee of the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive at the University of California, Berkeley
Trustee of the San Francisco Symphony
Trustee of the Asia Society Hong Kong
Member of the international board of the New York Philharmonic
Member of the Council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), which organizes the annual Shangri-La Dialogue
These roles highlight Li’s dedication to fostering international academic and cultural exchange.
Published Works
Eric Xun Li is also an accomplished author. His book, "Party Life: Chinese Governance and the World Beyond Liberalism," published by Palgrave Macmillan Singapore in 2023, explores Chinese governance and critiques the limitations of liberalism, offering insights into alternative governance models based on his extensive experience and research.
Conclusion
Eric Xun Li stands as a multifaceted figure, blending his expertise in venture capitalism with a deep engagement in political and academic discourse. His career reflects a unique synthesis of Western education and Chinese cultural and political thought, making him a significant voice in contemporary discussions on governance and economic development. Through his investments, writings, and affiliations, Li continues to shape the dialogue on China’s role in the global landscape and the future of governance worldwide.
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