November 17, 2023, by aczht

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2023 – Celebrating our global alumni

Global Entrepreneurship Week is an opportunity to focus on our commitment to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, and supporting students and alumni in their entrepreneurial journeys is at the forefront of what we do.

The expansion to a tri-campus offering in the UK, Malaysia, and China reflects our dedication to providing a global and diverse educational experience. This not only enriches the learning environment but also contributes to the university’s vision of being a global leader in business education and research.

The focus on responsible business and management is crucial in today’s interconnected world, and it’s excellent to see so many students shaping the future by instilling these values.  Congratulations on the achievements of all our students, alumni and supporters over the past 25 years, and we wish them continued success in shaping responsible business practices and fostering innovation on a global scale.

We share the experiences and perspectives of three alumni, providing real-world insights into their entrepreneurship that can greatly inspire current and future students. Two alumni are from the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC), Xuechen Zhao (BSc Finance, Accounting and Management 2019) and Mo Lv (BA International Business Management 2011). Alumni Junyi Xiao (International Business 2017) grew her business in the Ingenuity Lab and has recently expanded to the University’s Innovation Park (UNIP)

Alumni from UNNC:

Xuechen Zhao (BSc Finance, Accounting and Management 2019)
Founder and CEO of Regenerative Bio

Before starting UNNC, Xuechen had his first taste of entrepreneurship when he set up an education company, which was acquired by an educational technology company the following year. He then interned at a technology startup company incubated at Harvard University, where he was responsible for the company’s Chinese market entry strategy. After graduating, Xuechen completed raising £10 million in 2022 to build his company Regenerative Bio, an AI-driven anti-aging and biotechnology research and development company. Whilst gaining an MA at Babson College, USA, the business has flourished, including Xuechen appearing in the Forbes 30 Under 30 List.

Xuechen attributes his current success to the university’s atmosphere of encouraging innovation, diversity and inclusion which had a profound impact on his entrepreneurial endeavours. He said:

“We have to believe in the power of believing because when you desperately want to make something happen, the whole university will conspire to help you achieve it.”

Find out more about Xuechen’s entrepreneurial journey: Xuechen Zhao blog

Mo Lv (BA International Business Management 2011)
Founder and CEO, YANGZI, China

After graduating, Mo completed a Masters in Advanced Management Practice at Bath University followed by working as an IKEA management trainee where she gained design and customer care skills. On returning to China, Mo set up her home furnishing brand Yangzi in 2018 with the aim of producing good quality furniture of great quality for young people.

Mo said of her time at UNNC:

“I believe UNNC enriches people to be the best version of themselves they can be, and as Mr Milton said, when we conquer ourselves, the sky is the limit. The more you follow your heart, the better you get at it.”

Find out more about Xuechen’s entrepreneurial journey: Mo Lv blog

Alumni from UK:

Junyi Xiao (International Business 2017)
W&W Trading and Consulting Ltd

Junyi is the founder of W&W Trading and Consulting Ltd, an international trading consultancy and service company with its headquarters in the University’s Innovation Park (UNIP), and offices in China and a branch in Singapore on the horizon. W&W specialises in the food and beverages industry, giving East Asian brands the opportunity to expand into new European markets. Junyi has benefitted from the practical support and community of like-minded entrepreneurs at the Ingenuity Lab. Over summer 2023, they partnered up with giffgaff and UberEats to deliver over 20,000 welcome packs to international students across the UK.

Junyi said: “I really enjoy this feeling of connection to the university. At the start of setting up my business, I got a lot of inspiration from other Ingenuity Lab members. Now as a fast-growing team, we can give opportunities to the next generation through internships and entrepreneurship student projects. It’s a mutual process – we also discover a lot of talent from these projects.”

Read in full about Junyi’s entrepreneurial journey: Junyi Xiao (International Business 2017) W&W Trading and Consulting Ltd

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