Here is such a company based in Chengdu Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, which has been valued at RMB1.8 billion though it was established less than three years ago. It is Business Big Data (BBD), one of China's leading providers of big data solutions, dedicated to providing reliable business data service to financial, commercial and related organizations, and ultimately improving their decision-making efficiency.

On March 15, Startup Grind, a global community for entrepreneurs headquartered in Silicon Valley, the US, launched its third event in Chengdu at Moziqiao Innovation Entrepreneurship Area.

Ricky Gu, co-founder of BBD, was invited to join in the interactive and inspiring session and shared his company's business model, the present and future of big data service, as well as his work experience in Wall Street during the 2008 world financial crisis, with all other participants.

When asked about why he chose Chengdu to start his business, Ricky said: "Chengdu is where I was born and grew up. The city has great entrepreneurial climate, government support, talent introduction policy, as well as perfect supporting infrastructure and facilities, which are on a par with those in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Moreover, there are lots of good opportunities for starting businesses in the city. With numerous domestic and foreign financial and relevant service institutions, the city is developing rapidly in the financial and other related sectors, and has developed many products even the US doesn't have.

Regarding the city's financial ecology, Ricky said there is a lot of room for improvement in products and services. The Internet can help Chengdu to catch up with the first-tier Chinese cities in many aspects. The mobile Internet can shorten the physical distance between people and improve the quality of financial service.

Ricky offered some suggestions for local financial entrepreneurs, he thought they'd better focus on emerging hi-tech sectors, such as those based on AR and VR technologies, because the technologies will change people's lifestyles in the future. He also suggested local makers open up their minds and broaden their horizons and interpersonal network.

"When I was in college, my teachers repeatedly advised us to communicate with people from different areas to get more information, knowledge and skills, otherwise you will always be busy with your routine work and cannot set up your own network."