Active in PE/VC industry, Timo is currently Head of China/Managing Director of Capital Market, PWC, as well as Venture Partner of World's first paralleled Unicorn Accelerator. He has over 20 years of experiences in fundraising and M&A for SMEs in London, Hongkong and Shanghai. He has taken part in fundraising and investment deals for over 300 privately owned enterprises.

The event received more popularity than expected - regardless of hot weather, over 30 alumni participated in this event eventually. Chairs were added again and again on site. At the beginning, Timo explained to us what he perceived as ‘Innovative’. He cited examples on the ‘Internet Celebrities Economy’ and one related fundraising case study. ‘You Never Know’ was mostly quoted by Timo, to explain that you never know what the next business model will be successful. That successful model may never be perceived right at the beginning. We shall always have innovative ways of thinking. Studying the MBA program will enable us to understand how to change our way of thinking; equip us with the ability to discover with divergent and innovative ways of thinking and execute effectively. Regarding fundraising, Timo’s suggestions were very practical. For example, not all enterprises were suitable for fundraising; and fundraising may not be suitable at all stages of development; pros and cons of different sources of fundraising; what kind of investors might be suitable; what kind of projects might well capture investors’ attentions; attentions to pay when seeking investors; points to remember when preparing the Business Plan; etc.. Timo also answered patiently various questions raised by our alumni who were either considering or had already set up own companies. 

The event lasted for over 3 hours, with no intervals. It received very positive feedback from alumni. One alumnus commented that he felt as if his ‘hollowing body was refilled’ and energy regained.

During the event, Ms. Sherry Fu, Regional Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, awarded Timo Lei as ‘The University of Manchester China Centre Entrepreneurial Mentor’. Timo felt honored and suggested that the event was just beginning as there were far more contents surrounding the related topics. He was happy to share with our alumni his experiences. For example, next time, he could share specific topic on those failed fundraising cases. Our school felt proud to have such an outstanding alumni as Timo to be the alumni mentor, contributing his time sharing with alumni.