Dialogue with Hurun U30 | Sky Dou, Chairman of Shanghai Shengquan Education Technology Co., Ltd. (BLOSSOM): Staying True to Our Mission and Moving Forward Steadily

Hurun Report, February 24, 2023, 18:00, Shanghai

Shanghai Shengquan Education Technology Co., Ltd. (BLOSSOM) upholds the philosophy of "empowering education through technology and serving society through education." With a mission to "strengthen students' business foundations from high school to graduate school and facilitate a seamless transition from academia to the workplace," BLOSSOM has developed a series of high-quality courses in economics, finance, statistical analysis, and management consulting. The company has established online and offline collaborations with numerous international schools and universities, both domestically and abroad. BLOSSOM focuses on professional training, skill enhancement, and career planning, aiming to cultivate financial experts, management consultants, and innovative young entrepreneurs equipped for the big data era. BLOSSOM's public finance lectures and Wharton Business Competition series have been featured on Baidu's homepage five times, with single events attracting over 30,000 student viewers. By the 2023 application season, BLOSSOM had helped all its clients secure offers from their dream universities and companies while also conducting talent training and enhancement programs with over 100 companies.

Sky Dou, Chairman of Shanghai Shengquan Education Technology Co., Ltd. (BLOSSOM), was recognized as one of the 2022 Hurun Under30s China Entrepreneurship Leaders.

Hurun U30 Entrepreneurship Pioneer

Sky Dou

Chairman, Shanghai Shengquan Education Technology Co., Ltd. (BLOSSOM)

Member, Western Returned Scholars Association

Director, INSEAD Global Women Entrepreneurs Association

Sky Dou graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2017 and was the runner-up in the Harvard University Global Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program competition. After graduation, she served as the Head of Global Collaboration and Employer Relations at Johns Hopkins University. She is currently pursuing an EMBA at INSEAD, where she is the youngest EMBA student in the school’s history.

Passionate about education and philanthropy, Sky has volunteered with the United Nations, helping raise funds for UNHCR projects. She has organized numerous charitable initiatives over the years to support children with Down syndrome and autism. She hopes to continue expanding educational opportunities and giving back to society.

Hurun U30 Exclusive Interview

Hurun Report: Reflecting on your entrepreneurial journey, what inspired you to start your own business?

Sky Dou: My passion for public service and a strong sense of responsibility toward education have always been my driving forces. In 2019, I worked with friends to create over 3,000 preserved flowers, which we donated to coffee shops run by children with Down syndrome and autism in Shanghai and Nanjing. When we handed the flowers to the children, their pure, angelic smiles touched my heart. Seeing these children, who initially struggled with communication, warmly managing the coffee shops was deeply moving. It made me realize the immense love and support their families and friends had given them to help them overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. At that moment, I understood that I could do more than just provide material support.

Later that year, an opportunity in education set me on the path of entrepreneurship. I was invited to teach finance courses and mentor students in the global high school financial investment competition organized by the Wharton School of Business. It was my first experience as a teacher, and with a strong sense of responsibility, I worked late nights with my students, analyzing markets and refining trading strategies. Our dedication paid off—we ranked second in the U.S. for one of our trades! This achievement boosted our confidence and strengthened our teamwork. After the competition, I was touched to receive thank-you letters from each student.

In early 2020, some students and parents reached out, hoping I would continue teaching. I realized that financial investment competitions and financial education for high school students in China lacked standardized curricula and teaching mechanisms. Additionally, my academic and professional experiences made me see the potential in the relatively untapped market of "education consulting from high school to the workplace." Though this was not part of my original career plan, I was fortunate to receive support from my family, mentors, and friends. Several friends even joined my team, which further strengthened my sense of purpose. Thus, I took the plunge into entrepreneurship without hesitation.

Hurun Report: What sets your company apart in the industry?

Sky Dou: As an education technology company born in the digital economy era, we believe that truly understanding our clients' needs and delivering high-quality, professional services are key to staying ahead. BLOSSOM has three major competitive advantages:

1. Technology-Driven, Precision-Targeted Services BLOSSOM is dedicated to cultivating financial experts, management consultants, and young entrepreneurs. Our independently developed business courses incorporate VR, AR, and AI technologies, alongside study-abroad guidance and career development planning. We provide AI learning assistants to help students explore interests, answer questions, and refine their skills. During the pandemic, we used VR-based immersive teaching to simulate Wall Street financial offices, ensuring a seamless transition from academia to the workplace.

2. High-Quality Resources and International Integration BLOSSOM has built a comprehensive network of "top university professors + industry mentors + professional teaching assistants." By the end of 2022, we had collaborated with 56 professors from leading universities, over 100 industry experts from Fortune 500 companies, and more than 80 Ph.D. holders worldwide. Our tailored training programs and practical experiences equip students with real-world insights. Unlike traditional finance education, which is often theoretical and rigid, our courses adopt an engaging, immersive, and mentorship-driven approach.

3. Continuous Product Innovation and Iteration BLOSSOM’s ARP (Applied Research Program) integrates "dynamic optimization, independent iteration, and personalized customization." We introduced a "three-mentor system": university professors guide research projects, industry mentors lead case studies, and teaching assistants strengthen foundational skills. This approach ensures students receive academic rigor, practical business exposure, and essential skill development, positioning them for success.

   
   

Hurun Report: What was the bravest or riskiest decision you've made in your entrepreneurial journey?

Sky Dou: Entrepreneurship naturally involves uncertainty. One of my most memorable challenges occurred in March 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With strict lockdown measures in place, I embarked on my first solo nighttime drive from Shanghai to Nanjing, navigating roadblocks and unfamiliar routes. Despite the challenges, I arrived at my destination after nearly ten hours. Over the next three weeks, my team and I finalized product designs, established partnerships with top study-abroad agencies, international schools, and local education departments, and secured agreements that paved the way for BLOSSOM’s expansion into the Nanjing market. This experience reinforced my belief in perseverance and adaptability.

Hurun Report: How do you see the future of education post-pandemic?

Sky Dou: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online education, breaking geographical barriers and expanding access to quality learning. At BLOSSOM, we strive to bring top university professors and industry leaders into our educational ecosystem. Our collaborations with institutions like the Shanghai Foreign Language School align with national policies promoting career education in primary and secondary schools. With China’s young population exceeding 250 million, the demand for career-focused education will continue to grow over the next two decades.

As global education demand rebounds post-pandemic, we remain optimistic about market recovery and expansion. Our team is prepared to embrace new opportunities and drive innovation in the education sector.

Hurun Report: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?

Sky Dou: Entrepreneurship requires vision, adaptability, and perseverance. Treat people with sincerity, take responsibility for every task, and face challenges with determination. By staying true to our mission and maintaining a sense of social responsibility, we can navigate complexities and create meaningful impact. I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to hold firm to their convictions and move forward with confidence!

Focusing on China, Looking at the World

The Hurun Under 30s China Entrepreneurship Leaders Summit will kick off in March 2023. Stay tuned!

Note: This article is based on interviews with the subject and exclusive content from Hurun Report.