By: Robin O'Connor
Senior Programme Manager

Since 2016, my journeys through China have taken me from the bustling streets of Beijing to the manufacturing hubs of the East, and even the remote mountainous villages of Sichuan. Each corner of this vast nation has left an indelible mark on me. I've come to cherish China's blend of cutting-edge technology, monumental scale, and its rich tapestry of language and culture.

China has always been at the core of my academic and professional life. It was a gap year working in Xiamen after high school that ignited a passion for international business as I went on to study Economics and Management at university. That course sponsored a summer internship to Chengdu, which highlighted the transformational impact of international immersion programs, and inspired me to join the team at Legacy Ventures.

The Legacy Ventures team are so excited that China is now open and that soon we can help Business school students explore this fascinating country. Only by stepping foot in China can one truly grasp the staggering scope of its development, and witness first-hand how cutting-edge technologies have transformed society.

During my recent inspection visit to China, it was a great pleasure to reconnect with partners and rekindle our network there.

Here are four aspects of life in China that stood out during my visit.

1. Despite the scorching summer temperatures, tourist spots were buzzing with life, and masks were a rare sight, signalling a society on the mend.
2. The continued investment in infrastructure is striking. The nation remains commitment to bringing opportunities and economic prosperity even to its remotest corners with its impressive network of high-speed rail and motorways.
3. The Chinese electric vehicle market is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with a dazzling array of brands vying for prominence.
4. The sheer efficiency of e-commerce never ceases to amaze. Having fresh fruit delivered to your doorstep at midnight within a mere 15 minutes of ordering encapsulates modern China.

At Legacy Ventures, we look forward to welcoming groups back to China in coming months. We can’t wait to help students rediscover this nation’s extraordinary innovation and culture. Contact us today and let the journey begin!


Legacy Ventures has built a network of startup and innovation hubs in over 20 cities around the world from Silicon Valley to Beijing, Berlin to Cape Town. All our programs explore the latest technology trends and the digital economy, provide high level immersions with some of the world’s most forward thinking companies and include discussions and fire side chats with some of the brightest minds. Finally, all our programs include meaningful interactions with the Universities that sit at the heart of these eco-systems. Join us in discovering the next generation of disruptors. Lead. Learn. Inspire

Italy, a country renowned for its timeless elegance and passion for speed, has firmly established itself as the perfect destination for those who appreciate the intersection of fashion and automobiles. With a rich history in both industries, Italy has become a global center for style, setting trends and pushing boundaries in the world of fashion, while also producing some of the most iconic and coveted cars. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the captivating world where style and speed intersect, unveiling Italy's fashion and automobile powerhouses.

The Rise of Italian Fashion

Italy's influence on the fashion industry stretches back centuries, but it was in the post-World War II era that the country truly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Italian designers gained international recognition for their impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and innovative designs. Gucci, Prada, and Versace are three of the most iconic Italian fashion brands that have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry. Gucci, founded in 1921, became synonymous with luxury and sophistication. Prada, established in 1913, revolutionized fashion with its minimalist and avant-garde approach. Versace, founded in 1978, brought boldness and glamour to the forefront of Italian fashion.

The Art of Italian Automobile Design

Just as Italian fashion is synonymous with style, Italian automobile design is renowned for its elegance, innovation, and performance. Italy has given birth to legendary car manufacturers that have become synonymous with luxury and speed, attracting car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati are three Italian automobile powerhouses that have left an indelible mark on the industry. Ferrari, founded in 1939, is known for its iconic red sports cars, combining cutting-edge technology with exquisite design. Lamborghini, established in 1963, is synonymous with boldness and flamboyance, producing some of the most visually striking and powerful cars in the world. Maserati, founded in 1914, epitomizes elegance and luxury, creating cars that exude sophistication and refinement.

The Love Affair between Fashion and Automobiles

The passionate love affair between fashion and automobiles is a natural fit, with both industries sharing a common thread of innovation, artistry, and the pursuit of perfection. Fashion designers and automobile manufacturers have often found inspiration in each other's work, resulting in collaborations that have captivated the world. These collaborations have given rise to limited-edition cars that can be considered true works of art on wheels. Fashion designers lend their unique aesthetics to the design process, infusing cars with elements of luxury and style. Similarly, automobile manufacturers have ventured into the world of fashion, creating clothing lines that reflect the spirit and essence of their iconic cars.

The Influence of Italian Style and Speed on Popular Culture

Italian style and speed have permeated popular culture in various ways, leaving an indelible mark on music, film, and art. The allure of Italian fashion and automobiles has inspired countless artists, musicians, and filmmakers, who have sought to capture the essence of Italian elegance and the thrill of the open road. Italian fashion has become synonymous with red-carpet events and high-profile celebrities, with designers dressing some of the world's most influential individuals. Italian automobiles, on the other hand, have become iconic symbols of status and prestige, featuring prominently in movies and music videos.

The Enduring Legacy of Italian Fashion and Automobiles

Italy's fashion and automobile powerhouses continue to shape and redefine their respective industries. The allure of Italian style and speed transcends borders, captivating individuals from all walks of life. Whether it's the timeless elegance of Italian fashion or the raw power of Italian cars, Italy's influence on the world of style and speed is undeniable. As we explore the intersection of style and speed, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of Italian fashion and automobiles. From the iconic designs of Gucci and Ferrari to the collaborations between fashion and automobile brands, Italy has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and cars. The allure of Italian style and speed will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate for generations to come.

Italy, a country where style and speed converge in a captivating way. From the rise of Italian fashion to the art of Italian automobile design, the love affair between fashion and automobiles, the influence on popular culture, and the enduring legacy, Italy's impact on the world of style and speed is undeniable. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or a car aficionado, Italy offers a unique blend of elegance, innovation, and passion that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, why not embark on a journey to Italy and experience the captivating world where style and speed intersect?


Legacy Ventures has built a network of startup and innovation hubs in over 20 cities around the world from Silicon Valley to Beijing, Berlin to Cape Town. All our programs explore the latest technology trends and the digital economy, provide high level immersions with some of the world’s most forward thinking companies and include discussions and fire side chats with some of the brightest minds. Finally, all our programs include meaningful interactions with the Universities that sit at the heart of these eco-systems. Join us in discovering the next generation of disruptors. Lead. Learn. Inspire

China's thriving tech giants, including the trailblazers Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu, are revolutionizing the global business landscape with their ingenious solutions and immense influence. These visionary companies have metamorphosed numerous sectors such as e-commerce, social media, gaming, search engines, and AI, redefining the boundaries of what's possible. Let's embark on a journey to explore the disruptive impact they have made and the promising future of China's tech industry.

At the forefront stands Alibaba, the unparalleled titan of e-commerce, with a remarkable market capitalization surpassing $500 billion. Powering its ascent is the flagship platform Taobao, a comprehensive e-commerce destination that attracts over 800 million active users. Taobao has redefined the shopping experience in China, thanks to its cutting-edge AI-powered algorithms that provide personalized recommendations. Expanding its sphere of influence, Alibaba also embraces platforms like Tmall and AliExpress while venturing into the realms of cloud computing, digital media, and entertainment.

Tencent, an industry luminary in gaming and social media, commands a staggering market capitalization exceeding $800 billion. Disrupting the social media and gaming landscapes, its crown jewel WeChat has accumulated a staggering user base of more than 1.2 billion, becoming the go-to platform for messaging, social media interactions, and mobile payments within China. Complementing this achievement is Tencent Games, the gaming division that boasts a market capitalization surpassing $150 billion, offering beloved titles such as Honor of Kings, PUBG, and League of Legends. Furthermore, Tencent diversifies its offerings into digital payments, online advertising, and cloud computing, providing an extensive array of products and services.

Baidu's far-reaching impact on search engines and AI is undeniable. With Baidu.com firmly entrenched as the dominant force in the Chinese market, it utilizes AI and machine learning to deliver precise search results, capturing a remarkable 70% of the market share in China and standing as the world's second-largest search engine. Globally recognized for its AI prowess, Baidu maintains one of the largest AI research teams, channeling their expertise into autonomous driving, healthcare, and voice recognition. To expand its offerings, Baidu explores cloud computing, digital payments, and smart speakers.

China's tech giants have reshaped the global business landscape by revolutionizing traditional industries and fostering unprecedented collaboration and partnership opportunities. By forging strategic alliances and making astute investments, these companies have propelled their international expansion, allowing businesses worldwide to leverage their unrivaled expertise and cutting-edge technology. They catalyze innovation and competition within the global tech industry, setting the standard for research and development and pushing the boundaries of technological advancement.

Nevertheless, China's tech industry faces challenges on its path to success. Safeguarding intellectual property remains a crucial concern, necessitating robust measures to combat piracy and counterfeiting. Additionally, increased scrutiny from foreign governments poses challenges, with allegations of espionage and national security threats impacting companies like Huawei and ZTE. In response, China proactively promotes domestic technology, investing in self-sufficiency while addressing these concerns.

Amidst these challenges, China's tech giants present unparalleled opportunities for businesses to forge partnerships and reap the benefits of their extensive reach and unrivaled expertise. Businesses seeking to expand their online presence can tap into Alibaba's services, including cloud computing and digital media. Tencent's social media and gaming platforms offer an ideal gateway for engaging Chinese consumers and accessing the vast Chinese market. Baidu's exceptional AI and autonomous driving capabilities stand ready to support businesses in developing innovative products and services. Collaboration and innovation bloom, fueled by the substantial investments in research and development made by these industry behemoths.



Legacy Ventures has built a network of startup and innovation hubs in over 20 cities around the world from Silicon Valley to Beijing, Berlin to Cape Town. All our programs explore the latest technology trends and the digital economy, provide high level immersions with some of the world’s most forward thinking companies and include discussions and fire side chats with some of the brightest minds. Finally, all our programs include meaningful interactions with the Universities that sit at the heart of these eco-systems. Join us in discovering the next generation of disruptors. Lead. Learn. Inspire

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a hot destination due to its growing emphasis on sustainability in the business landscape. The country's Vision 2030 initiative aims to transform the economy and society by reducing dependence on oil, promoting economic diversification, and improving citizens' quality of life. Sustainability is a critical component of this vision, and the government is actively encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable measures and technologies.

When visiting Saudi Arabia, you can delve into the rationale behind sustainability becoming a primary initiative in the country's business landscape, and the benefits it can provide. You can witness firsthand how companies are prompted to embrace sustainable measures and technologies to fulfil Vision 2030's objectives of increasing the proportion of renewable energy in the energy mix, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing waste management.

The Saudi Arabian general public is increasingly aware of the ecological and social effects of their purchasing decisions. Customers are progressively seeking commodities and services that are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and ethically produced. This trend is not unique to Saudi Arabia and is being seen worldwide..

Moreover, sustainable measures can lead to cost savings for Saudi Arabian businesses. For instance, curbing energy consumption can decrease electricity bills, and implementing recycling programs can decrease waste disposal costs. Sustainable measures can also result in enhanced efficiency and productivity, reducing costs and increasing profitability.

The Saudi Arabian government has also implemented regulations to promote sustainability and reduce environmental and social impacts. The National Environmental Strategy incorporates objectives for reducing waste and improving air and water quality. Companies that disregard these regulations may face fines and harm to their reputation.

Companies that adopt sustainable measures and provide sustainable products can enhance their reputation and brand image. Customers in Saudi Arabia are more likely to trust and support businesses that are committed to sustainability, leading to heightened brand loyalty and positive word-of-mouth advertising.

On top of which many employees in Saudi Arabia prefer jobs that align with their personal values and beliefs. Corporations that adopt sustainable measures can attract and retain employees who are enthusiastic about sustainability, leading to a more committed and engaged workforce, enhancing productivity and profitability.

Saudi Arabia's growing emphasis on sustainability makes it a hot destination for MBA Global Immersion programs. Visiting the country, you can learn about the unique challenges and opportunities for sustainable business practices, witness firsthand how companies are adopting sustainable measures, and gain an understanding of the regulations and incentives in place to promote sustainability. Moreover, you can learn about the economic, social, and environmental benefits of sustainability, and how it can lead to increased profitability, enhanced reputation and brand image, and a more committed and engaged workforce.

Legacy Ventures has built a network of startup and innovation hubs in over 20 cities around the world from Silicon Valley to Beijing, Berlin to Cape Town. All our programs explore the latest technology trends and the digital economy, provide high level immersions with some of the world’s most forward thinking companies and include discussions and fire side chats with some of the brightest minds. Finally, all our programs include meaningful interactions with the Universities that sit at the heart of these eco-systems. Join us in discovering the next generation of disruptors. Lead. Learn. Inspire