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书界也卷?投资人下海写书成风——一场从华尔街到外滩的资本写作狂欢
Qi Lu Wan Bao·2025-07-29 10:18

Core Insights - The recent trend of investment professionals publishing books reflects a significant shift in the venture capital landscape, indicating a move towards knowledge sharing and resource monetization [1][11] - The surge in book publications by investors since 2020 is driven by factors such as fundraising anxiety, the need for cognitive premium, and generational shifts among limited partners (LPs) [11][12] Group 1: Publishing Trends - Notable figures in the investment community, such as Zhang Lei from Hillhouse Capital and Shen Nanpeng from Sequoia Capital, have published influential works, marking a new era of investment literature [2][5] - The success of Zhang Lei's book "Value," which sold over a million copies in its first week, set a precedent for how investment books can leverage private traffic and institutional backing for marketing [2][12] - The strategy of using books as tools for brand building and influence has been widely adopted across various investment firms, creating a new paradigm for knowledge dissemination [2][3] Group 2: Impact of International Examples - The trend of investment professionals writing books can be traced back to influential works from Wall Street, such as Ray Dalio's "Principles," which not only achieved high sales but also established a template for personal branding among investors [5][6] - Books like "Principles" and "Zero to One" have significantly influenced investment discourse and practices, demonstrating the power of narrative in shaping industry perspectives [5][6] Group 3: Domestic Evolution - In China, the approach to writing has evolved from value investing to narrative-driven strategies, with local investors focusing on storytelling to engage audiences [7][9] - The emergence of books like "The Logic of Wealth" by Wei Feng aims to provide a framework for wealth creation, targeting younger audiences and addressing the challenges of information overload in the digital age [9][10] Group 4: Fundraising Dynamics - The increase in the number of VC/PE firms in China has led to heightened competition, making the ability to tell compelling stories and demonstrate thought leadership essential for successful fundraising [11][12] - The publication of books has become a critical component of an investor's credibility, with LPs increasingly seeking evidence of an investor's influence and narrative capabilities during the evaluation process [11][12] Group 5: Future Implications - The phenomenon of investment professionals writing books is seen as a form of "thought IPO," where the dissemination of investment philosophies can convert LPs into believers in those ideas [13] - The long-term impact of this trend on the investment landscape remains to be seen, but it is clear that the intersection of investment logic and publishing is reshaping the industry [1][13]