Year End Review: 2021

Happy New Year of the Tiger 2022!

Happy New Year of the Tiger 2022!

2021: The Year in Review

Hello! 

It is closure time for the year 2021.

As we draw the curtain on last year, we are still reeling from a global pandemic of 2020 that has left an indelible mark on life and work as we knew it. 2021 too was punctuated with many moments of highs and some lows. But hard lessons were learned too and in hindsight, nothing could have prepared us for 2021 like 2020!

Read about last year’s review here.

If the buzzword for 2020 was a “new normal” for 2021, it was “reconnect”. 

LC Venture has UK roots, but in 2021 we also revisited our Chinese heritage. We found this to be a source of great strength, especially in the demands of last year. The impact of these two identities was truly extraordinary. We were keen on the age-old wisdom of China. Its unique characteristics of collective good, of giving back and leaving no one behind. This was especially relevant for us in 2021 and the lessons learned made us better individuals and inspired our company values.

Armed with these insights, we went back to the drawing board to see how we could improve ourselves and remain relevant while still providing value to our customers, for whom we exist and who continue to be the source of our motivation. With a combination of daring leadership, exceptional team and many wonderful collaborations, last year registered a host of many success stories including; the launch of several new services, investments into new business frontiers, new partnerships and rekindling old connections, top senior industry leaders joining our board, and even a move to a new and bigger office, at a prime location in the heart of Beijing city!

There were a few glitches along the way as well. But above all, we ended 2021 on a high note.

Below, I share with you some highlights of our work from last year. While saying goodbye to 2021, I am truly looking forward to an exciting new year with new challenges and great opportunities awaiting.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Chinese New Year of the Tiger!

Gaston Chee,

CEO of LC Venture

2021: The Year in Review

The Year in numbers

Below is a token of some of highlights from last year:

4 major new partnerships across in China and greater Asia on cross-border investments, investment banking and property developers in China, Japan and Korea.

1 new addition to LC Venture portfolio – a large stake acquisition of a lifestyle and grooming establishment YOLO in Beijing (the sole and exclusive grooming service provider to athletes competing during the Beijing 2022 Olympics – the world’s first dual Olympic City)

Over 25 new UK boarding schools and universities connected and contacted with 1 exclusive appointment across China from an Elite UK boarding school.

2 accreditation and certification form 2 major UK Education association, with one +600 UK based member school and the other with +400 schools and a presence in almost 80 countries globally.

15 new select HNW select families and their children served.

BeGo Education launched 3 new services:

1 nomination for a popular Asia wide Magazine and 20+ Media mentions across media channels including China Daily, Xinhua, CCTV, CGTN…etc.

Over 1000 hours of online meeting and calls – Zoom, Tencent, Umeet, Teams and WeChat Video calls.

2021: The Year in Review

Events

In June last year, BeGo Education successfully held its annual conference at The Great Hall of St. Regis Beijing Hotel. Chosen to coincide with the World Well-being Week (June 21-30), the event was held under the theme: International Education and Students’ Social and Emotional Development for Future Success. The event was sponsored by One Thames City.

Speaking at the event were Head of schools of leading UK boarding schools, including Harrow School UKCheltenham Ladies’ College and Westonbirt School and the award-winning DLD College London. A Professor from Cleveland State University also presented a keynote speech during the event.

The event also featured a panel discussion featuring the co-founder of Western Academy Beijing (WAB) and Hyde Academy in Beijing, the Chief Director of Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) and an expert psychologist from Olivia’s Place. 

Read more about the event here: BeGo Education Conference 2021

Other events included: 

A collaboration event with New Oriental International: BeGo Education was invited to a joint speaking event organized by New Oriental (XDF) in December on topics focused on how parents should choose an international school for their children. 

Information Sessions: BeGo Education was joined by HSBC Jade and Grant Properties, a UK-based property investment and management company for an online webinar organised by the China British Business Council (CBBC) office in Shanghai. 

The session was aimed to inform parents how family education and investment are converging and how many parents are planning their children’s education decades earlier and making strategic investment decisions. LC Venture had been supporting many Chinese families with their investment in the UK and through its education brand has been instrumental in aligning these investments with their education plans.

Another event was held in collaboration with 1003 Polo Club, China’s most prestigious polo club which is associated to the The Guards Polo Club in England.

SPECIAL FOCUS: LC Venture was invited to join in the consultations with the Ministry of Education on the recent policy changes on private education. We also held advisory sessions with our parents and those who are considering the international education pathway.

BeGo Events 2021

   BeGo Events 2021

2021: The Year in Review

LC Venture

Business Development and Investments 

Last year, the Board of Directors at LC Venture revisited some of the portfolio investments held by LC Venture, including locations in Shanghai, Zhejiang (Ningbo) and Guangdong provinces. These include automotive parts and battery manufacturing other portfolio investments in small businesses, including the F&B, lifestyle and wellness. 

LC Venture also fully holds BeGo Education, the education brand that is a business leader in providing highly customised and bespoke family education services to its families across China.

To find out more about LC Venture investment projects, click below.

BeGo Education

The Zhuhai Sihai Jiuyuan Technology

KN-Auto genuine auto parts – Ningbo Jingdu Auto Parts

Yolo Studio: Lifestyle and Grooming

Business Advisory and Solutions

To mention some notable business advisory and solution works from last year: 

Working with property developers from Hunan and Foshan, and a music conservatory from Sichuan province interested in bringing big brand name schools from the UK to China.

An advisory panel with the Harrow International Management Services (HIMS) and Asia International School Limited (AISL), who are behind the fleet of Harrow international schools across China, on the impact of the recent policy changes to international education in China and moving forward.

LC Venture investment portfolio

Some of LC Venture’s investment portfolios

2021: The Year in Review:

Partnerships and appointments

BSA and COBIS 

Early last year, BeGo Education was also successfully certified with the Boarding Schools Association (BSA), the largest association of boarding schools in the UK. BeGo joined BSA after a rigorous application process as one of the only 18 firms registered with BSA across China. BSA is home to over 600 independent schools in the UK.

BeGo successfully joins COBIS and BSA

Partnerships and appointments

Moreover, LC Venture saw the expansion of its operational cooperation networks. In July last year, LC Venture was appointed by Redwood Asset Management to support with M&A and financial investment projects in China and bigger Asia.

Last year we also saw the successful negotiations of new partnerships. LC Venture now has agreements in place with the Harrow development Trust, the fundraising arm of the Harrow School UK, several UK-based education consultancy and assessment firms.

BeGo Education had also in principle agreed with several local educational institutions including Tsinghua International High School (清华附中国际部) for cooperation in various areas of cooperation including student recruitment and assessment. 

2021: The Year in Review

IN FOCUS

2021 has been a very busy time for the team and Gaston Chee had been very occupied on several speaking engagements in Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Tonglu to mention some. A special note is given to the Center for China Globalisation (CCG) and the Global Young Leaders Dialogue which had been instrumental in spotlighting several successful members of the expat community in China. As a recognition of goodwill, GYLD even received a letter from President Xi Jinping.

These are some examples of the media coverage and mentions for last year. Gaston Chee was also nominated for the prestigious GenT. List 2021 organized by the the Tatler Asia Magazine which features young leaders shaping Asia’s future.

Gaston Chee joins the GYLD for a round table and a trip to Shanghai and Hangzhou 

Gaston Chee speaks at China International Expo and the West Lake Dialogue

China Daily Special Edition features Gaston Chee among prominent entrepreneurs making the most of the opportunity in China

President Xi’s Letter to GYLD members

Grooming the athletes: LC Venture invested hair salon braces to provide top notch athlete grooming during Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics

CGTN features the Head of Communications at BeGo Education for his insight on the UK Education

2021: The Year in Review

Corporate Social Responsibility

BeGo Education

LC Venture has always held a deep conviction for CSR and this year was not an exception. Last year, we teamed up with the Jiangyin Volunteer Family Reunion Association and helped in their efforts to unite families that were separate for many decades, especially those who were given away in adoption to families abroad. In 2021, LC Venture volunteers were instrumental in uniting three families with their relatives in the city of Jiangyin. They also supported communications, especially for individuals living abroad who are looking to find their families in China.

LC Venture also regularly supports Chinese students from rural China and disadvantaged families in Malaysia.

BeGo Education joins Volunteers Association in Jiangyin to help unite long lost Chinese relatives

An Lawrence from Canada: Searching for her family in Jiangyin

BeGo Education and Jiangyin Relatives Finder Volunteer Association joint efforts to reunite long lost Chinese families

BeGo Education and Jiangyin Relatives Finder Volunteer Association joint efforts to reunite long lost Chinese families

What is in store for us for

2022?

What is in store for us for 2022?

Exploring new business frontiers

In 2022, LC Venture will focus on developing new business frontiers while also strengthening its existing operations.

LC Venture will seek to revitalize its investment profile across China, with a planned new office opening in two locations. The board is also in the process of negotiating the approval of the structural review of the company to set up a steering committee of non-executive board members. The company is already accepting interests from exceptional candidates with decades of proven experience.

BeGo Education will continue to focus on providing even more differentiated services to its family client base. We had recently launched two new services in late 2021, namely,

  1. The Private Family Education Office – which looks after all our families whose children are studying at international schools. We provide them with regular and timely support including school communication, study plan, extra-curricular activities, parenting so they can be at the top of their children’s education.
  2. The UK Family Service Center – This is also full-year support to families and their children who are studying in the UK. The service includes support with academic progress, better integration into the UK education system and living abroad as a student. Senior students also get support with academics, further education and career support.

Besides, BeGo Education will re-launch its application services. The new service will be more than the traditional school placement but will offer to include more detailed planning, training and application advice, complete with school transition and relocation. It will also include travel and visa application support for students travelling abroad. This new service is ready to welcome its first clients in the New Year.

Follow-up with these services by scanning our official WeChat account below.

Hiring and staff up-skilling

In 2022, LC Venture will strengthen its strategy of hiring and developing talents. We have current and soon-opening posts and we invite all interested to join our vibrant and exceptional talents. This year LC Venture will also relaunch its popular Internship Programme and we hope to attract and develop raw talent. To apply to our internship programme send us you CV and cover letter to hr@lcventure.com 

To find out more about  LC Venture and its operations visit: www.lcventure.com  Or call our offices at: +86 (0) 10 6552 7018

You can also visit our Offices at:

LC Venture  UK Head Office, 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.

LC Venture Beijing Head Office 

603A, 6/F, Tower A, Chaowai MEN Office Centre, Chaoyang District, Beijing