Alibaba Cloud, WeWork and SoftBank Telecom China Partner to Support Global Business Expansion into China

One-stop technology and enterprise services platform to help global companies enter and advance in China

Singapore, May 30, 2019 – Alibaba Cloud, the data intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today announced its strategic partnership with WeWork - a platform to provide creators with space, community and services; and SoftBank Telecom China - an enterprise-grade solutions consultancy. The partnership offers a one-stop platform from cloud-based technology solutions, enterprise services, flexible working space, events to business consulting – for business of all sizes looking to enter China or scale up their presence in the booming market.

Starting from today, businesses can benefit from the cloud and data intelligence technologies, cross-border IT infrastructure, as well as enterprise solutions tailored for different sectors offered by Alibaba Cloud, a global leading cloud provider and the largest cloud service provider in APAC. In addition, program participants can enjoy flexible collaborative space (private, shared or customized), networking events, as well as accessibility and connections in order to target customers, business partners and the broader ecosystem from WeWork in China. Professional IT consulting services provided by Softbank Telecom China are also part of the program benefits, along with go-to-market support, access to local tech communities and other business support from all three partners. The program aims to empower global companies to create and expand business opportunities into the rapidly growing Chinese market.

"It is a first of its kind opportunity for any businesses focusing on the China market, as they can benefit from the local expertise, vertical-focused experience and innovation from three of the most-visionary companies in the world in one package. Together we are committed to supporting global enterprises to connect with digitally savvy Chinese customers," said Lancelot Guo, Vice President of Alibaba Group and General Manager of Strategy and Marketing for Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. "With Alibaba Cloud's innovative technologies and Alibaba's ecosystem support, we hope to help tackle some common challenges faced by multinational companies entering or growing in China, enabling them to explore more opportunities in the market and stay competitive."

"The partnership is significant to WeWork because we ourselves have been through the journey of setting up and scaling our business in China. When we began our journey here in China back in 2016, we had to adopt a very localized approach to navigate in this very unique business environment," said Christian Lee, Vice Chairman, WeWork Asia. "We are grateful that we have developed a successful strategy and succeeded in building the largest workplace platform in China. Leveraging our own experience and our partnership with Alibaba Cloud and SoftBank Telecom China, we are confident to support and empower companies to enter and scale in China – through our holistic offering of space, community, employee experience, as well as accessibility to meaningful business connections and partnerships with the most innovative companies in China."

The platform also offers exclusive pricing rate for other offerings from Alibaba Cloud and WeWork. On top of traditional offerings, program participants can also enjoy other privileges such as exclusive Alibaba Cloud-hosted technology workshops, marketing opportunities with Alibaba Cloud, discounts on products and services including business registration, business travel booking on WeWork Services Store, as well as training programs and events organized by WeWork, Alibaba Cloud, SoftBank Telecom China and other program partners to deepen their understanding on the business environment in China. More program details can be found at the platform website: www.alibabacloud.com/china-gateway/wework.

About Alibaba Cloud

Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud (www.alibabacloud.com), the data intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, is among the world's top three IaaS providers, according to Gartner. It is also the largest provider of public cloud services in China, according to IDC. Alibaba Cloud provides a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services to businesses worldwide, including merchants doing business on Alibaba Group marketplaces, start-ups, corporations and public services. Alibaba Cloud is the official Cloud Services Partner of the International Olympic Committee.

About WeWork

WeWork is a platform for creators, providing more than 466,000 members around the world with space, community, and services through both physical and virtual offerings. Its mission is to create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living. WeWork currently has 485 physical locations in over 100 cities and 28 countries around the world.

Founded in 2010 by Adam Neumann and Miguel McKelvey in New York, the company now employs more than 11,000 globally. WeWork seeks ‘creators' from all industries and companies big and small to become members, with a suite of WeWork-specific membership benefits in each country and a local staff in each city.

About SoftBank Telecom China

SoftBank Telecom China is a solutions provider with particular expertise in the domains of AI, IoT and robotics. With seven locations throughout China, SoftBank Telecom China promotes business digitalization by partnering with Alibaba Cloud, other service providers and start-ups.