Lee does not let her judgement be clouded by her background, personal beliefs, ego and experiences when she looks at potential investments. She calls this “suspending her disbelief”. This is important as she usually invests in ideas and businesses that will serve target markets with different backgrounds and preferences from hers, says the 48-year-old.
(Feb 21): Shanghai-based Singaporean Jenny Lee has invested in some of the most prominent technology companies in China in her almost two-decade career as a VC. Many of these businesses, such as hardware player Xiaomi, outsourcing company HiSoft and social media firm YY, were eventually listed on stock exchanges.
When considering potential investments, the key is to have a healthy dose of curiosity, says the managing partner of Silicon Valley-headquartered GGV Capital. “As human beings, we tend to get into our comfort zone and be fixated on a specific line of thinking. [For instance,] if you think people will never dance outside in gardens and squares, you will never look at the possibility of that vertical because you have already crossed that off your list. Curiosity should be the top trait a VC possesses.”
