Executive Interview
Executive Interviews
An Interview with
Li Xu
Li Xu International
Founder and CEO
Li Xu International (LXI) is a full-service global consulting firm with a focus on worldwide renewables and medical devices projects. We assist our clients in addressing many issues including project finance, acquisitions and divestitures, origination, clinical trials, and market entrance. We operate out of Hong Kong, London, and Houston.
Publish Date:
3 October 2020
Hong Kong
Location:
Tell us about your background, and how you came to found your company?
With a background in finance, operations, and management in the energy sector, I have spent many years working with major global consulting firms assisting clients in addressing their most pressing issues. A trip to Africa, and the successful ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro changed my perspective on life. The hike presented many challenges and opportunities, similar to what we experience in life. Yet, these challenges involved risks. The successful navigation of the climb made me reflect on my future, the opportunities available and their associated risks. Following my return, I decided to establish my own company and help businesses in the energy and medical industries grow internationally.
What is most important to you and your organization – mission, vision, or core values? Why?
Core value – Be global minded and entrepreneurial.
The world is changing at an accelerated pace - disruptive technology, digitalization, remote workers, industry 4.0 revolution, carbon zero 2050, etc. For the energy industry, the major change is a shift from traditional fossil fuel to green energy and we are honored to be assisting our clients in making this shift. The medical industry will increase significantly in the post-COVID era. The journey is challenging, especially when connecting to China, the world’s biggest market, yet we are here to help Western companies understand and access the China market. We are assisting our clients with CFDA, connecting to Chinese investors, Chinese distributors, and JV partners.
Can you explain briefly how your service(s)/product(s) works?
LXI provides advisory services and market entrance services for the energy and medical industries. For renewable energy and infrastructure projects, we provide project finance advisory services, assist in the acquisition or divestiture of businesses, and help with the origination of deals. With respect to medical devices, we assist Western companies access the China market - CFDA, Chinese investors, Chinese distributors, JV partners, etc., to determine their best options for market entrance.
How has the industry been changing in recent years?
Energy – The energy industry continues to evolve as global warming and availability of fossil fuels influences the world’s view and importance of the need to shift to renewables on a global basis. Ex: The State of California recently announced it will aggressively move the state further away from its reliance on climate change-causing fossil fuels by requiring sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-emission by 2035. California is joining 15 countries that have already committed to phase out gasoline-powered cars in an effort to eliminate harmful emissions from the transportation sector.
Medical – The gap between what health care incumbents offer today and what will likely be table stakes in the future has created an opening for health tech innovators—nimble, consumer-focused, tech-centric companies. These companies are offering solutions that could help incumbents survive in the new world—whether they become partners or disrupt them. Venture capitalists, certain private equity investors, and corporate venture funds are investing in products, services, and solutions that will enable the future of health. Funding for health tech innovators exceeded US$7.4 billion in 2019 and funding data shows that investors continue to be bullish about investing in the health tech field
What makes you different from what’s currently available in the market?
The services provide by LXI are traditionally offered by large global firms, the Big Four or specialized consulting firms. However, while LXI brings similar services, insights, knowledge, and successes, we are nimble, and more results driven. We are a group of global citizens that look beyond borders to seek the best solutions for our clients, and not confined by a firm’s internal structure.
What does the future hold for your company?
The leading global boutique firm with a specializing in globalization of renewables and medical devices.