This month I was in China looking to find alpha users for a new technology. We had pre-clinical results, a good business model and compelling value propositions. However the one thing which was most powerful was a network. China is relationship based. Having a Big Brother Alliance with a respected individual who shared access to his network enable us to be successful. We now have 5 solid alphas, including two of China’s top hospitals. The lesson to be learned is to invest in people and the network. The technology and business are the poker chips, like table stakes to get into the game. But the person who plays the game the best will win. Developing people and networks is a powerful method to tip the hand in your favour.