Simon Henry is a seasoned entrepreneur, having lived in Asia for more than 20 years. In 2010 he co-founded Juwai.com, an online classified website based in Hong Kong and China focused on the real estate category. During his tenure, Juwai.com was introduced as the “most influential foreign-owned website in China” by the peak internet industry body in China. He and his co-founder, Andrew Taylor, successfully exited Juwai.com in 2016.
Juwai.com was the first Chinese brand ever developed by a 100%
foreign founder team with both Simon and Andrew being Australians. They pioneered the online-to-offline cross border services industry, focusing on the real estate segment. Simon is an expert in product, multi-cultural team management, system design, cross border platforms and innovation.
Simon has a BA in Asian Studies from the Australian National University and an MBA from the Queensland University of Technology. He has lived and worked in Asia for almost 20 years in predominantly technology and product roles including Work Permit and Immigration Lead at Baker McKenzie in Thailand, Head of Web Development for the University of Queensland, CIO at LJ Hooker and Global Head of product management at the REA Group before co-founding Juwai.com. Simon’s strengths are systems, processes, platforms and team building. He is passionate about eradicating bigotry and racism in all forms through education and cross-cultural exchanges.
Simon is based in Shanghai, China. He is actively involved in Asia focused startups, an investor and mentor to foreign entrepreneurs and businesses looking to succeed in Asia.
Favorite quote: “We always say that a great entrepreneur is someone who has an unreasonable belief in something succeeding, because then they push through all the down times to get success.” Phil Morle – Pollenizer (Australia)