Joseph Zhou

Managing Partner at Bits x Bites

Managing Partner
2016 - Current
Bits x Bites is China’s pioneer food tech VC, investing in early-stage startups tackling global food system challenges. It targets companies innovating across the food supply chain, from farming, production, distribution and logistics, to consumer goods and food services. With a mission to shape the future of good food, Bits x Bites is a big step forward to inspire and support the entrepreneurial community to bring new ideas for solving global issues. To date, it has invested in companies that are advancing gene editing for high-performing crops, functional chickpea-based protein ingredients, as well as cost-efficient, non-GMO meat production directly from animal cells without an actual animal.

Partner
2012 - 2016
Raised US$50mn to invest in China's international education sector - Led a US$8mn Convertible Bond investment in Shanghai’s second largest international school - Completed an exit of US$40mn series-B private placement for a top-tier Beijing-based international education group - Raised US$60mn equity investment for a portfolio company as acting CFO - Established a target client pool with 330+ companies across education, healthcare and industrial sectors

Vice President
2009 - 2012
Investment Banking Division (Technology, Media, Education, Telecom Group) Selected M&A transaction experience: 1.Mitsui’s US$92mn cross-border acquisition of 15% stake in ForEpi - Drafted the “big book” for client’s investment committee including industry outlook, transaction rationale, financial model, regulatory approval process and exit strategy 2.China Network System’s US$2bn+ auction - Led the due-diligence and coordinated with CPA and lawyers to complete the task under tight schedule Selected ECM transaction experience: 1.Epistar’s US$351mn GDR offering - Led the industry related aspects of the project, including management presentation and offering circular - Contributed throughout the project from pitching, execution, roadshow to closing 2.AUO group’s US$250mn follow-on offerings - Worked directly with client’s management team to craft equity story and investor Q&A which were highly regarded by client and fostered further business opportunities

Total Funding: $80M

Total Funding: $30M