Capital City Times
Few careers bridge the worlds of frontline journalism and global commerce with the depth and agility of Jianlong Hu (胡剑龙). As Founder and CEO of Brands Factory, Hu has become a leading voice in China’s cross-border e-commerce ecosystem—but his journey began far from logistics and marketplaces.
Originally an investigative journalist, Hu spent years in developing regions like Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, covering sensitive topics such as conflict minerals and global exploitation. That work, rooted in trust-building, cultural empathy, and deep research, shaped a worldview that continues to inform his leadership.
Over the span of eight years, he traveled to over 40 countries, lived in China, the U.S., and India, and was honored as a Humphrey Fellow and Asia 21 Young Leader—a recognition of his cross-cultural fluency and impact-driven vision.
In 2018, Hu made a pivotal shift from storytelling to entrepreneurship. He founded Brands Factory, a media and community platform focused on the rapidly growing China cross-border e-commerce industry. What started as a niche outlet evolved into a trusted hub with over 200,000 followers, connecting top Amazon sellers, DTC founders, and global operators.
In 2022, he launched ChineseSellers, the first English-language newsletter dedicated entirely to this industry. It quickly gained recognition from major international media including the Financial Times, Nikkei Asia, and the Associated Press.
Jianlong Hu’s trajectory is a rare blend of investigative depth and entrepreneurial vision. At every stage—whether in conflict zones or digital boardrooms—he’s shown an unmatched ability to find clarity in complexity, and to connect global dots others often overlook.
