The 'No. 2s' of Chinese AI Startups: Powering Everything Beyond the Model
elsewhere别处发生 · wechat · 2026-08-06
This article explores the critical roles of core executives in leading Chinese AI companies, such as Zhang Yutong at Kimi and Yun Yewei at MiniMax. Similar to Fidji Simo at OpenAI or Daniela Amodei at Anthropic, these leaders manage almost all functions outside of algorithmic R&D, including financing, operations, commercialization, and PR.
In an era dominated by "scientist CEOs," these roles are more vital than traditional COOs or CFOs. Beyond merely raising capital, they act as the central hub translating technical ideals into budgets, organizational structures, and products. They often ground the company in reality when founders lose focus. The prevalence of these positions reflects a broader shift in tech startups evolving into "commercializable labs," highlighting an urgent need for composite management talent to handle everything outside the core technology.
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