Taobao makes a training ground for live streamers

✊ More power to small streamers

Alibaba's Taobao is helping out live commerce streamers.

To break its dependence on "super hosts" like the mega-influencer Austin Li Jiaqi and keep off competition, Taobao has launched a dedicated live commerce company, Nikkei Asia reports.

But this isn't just about dethroning the top influencers – it's about empowering a whole new generation of live sellers.

📸 A training ground for live streamers

Think of it like a ‘Live streamer training ground', a place for aspiring hosts who are new to the platform.

The 6 month program is designed to be a starting point for livestreaming success through support and guidance. Think of it as business school meets live streaming, with Taobao serving as the ultimate mentor.

✅ Here's what makes this program unique:

• Targeted at "new players": The venture specifically targets those who are fresh to the Taobao ecosystem.

• All-in-one support: Forget juggling multiple vendors. Taobao Live provides a one-stop shop for everything from business connections and marketing to inventory management and financial guidance.

• Guaranteed income or profit sharing: Worried about the initial slump? Taobao offers financial support during the early stages.

• Reduced risk and investment: The venture acts as an incubator, minimizing the upfront costs and risks of the usual launches.

❗️ And we need them too

Taobao's reliance on a few "super hosts" has made it vulnerable to competition. Having a pool and training ground for new talent can spread the risk and help in long term sustainability.

New hosts can also bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches, keeping Taobao competitive.

A shopping platform buys Complex

NTWRK, a live-streaming platform backed by big names like Goldman Sachs, acquired Complex Media from BuzzFeed for $108 million.

NTWRK focuses on live stream shopping for superfans of streetwear, sneakers and pop culture. They often sell exclusive and rare items in this group.

The acquisition reunites Complex with the products it often covers, like sneakers and apparel, under NTWRK's ecommerce umbrella.

• The goal? To create the next generation of content and shopping

• CNN says its to create a one stop shop for Complex’s cultural superfans.

BuzzFeed, like many digital publishers, has faced tough times recently from declining ad revenue. Selling Complex helps them pay down debt and refocus their efforts.

Why are Amazon and Uber going to the Dow Jones?

🛍️ What’s going on with Amazon?

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is undergoing a makeover.

Because of the changing landscape of the American economy, Amazon will replace drugstore chain Walgreens.

This change wasn't just random.

It was triggered by Walmart's upcoming 3-for-1 stock split, which would have reduced Walmart’s weight in the price-weighted index (Companies with higher stock prices have a bigger impact on the index).

💻️ The DOW wants (and needs) more tech

To keep up the balance and show the growing importance of technology in the economy, Amazon - with its soaring stock price, was chosen as the replacement.

• The Dow has lagged behind other major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq in recent years.

• Analysts say it’s due to the Dow's lack of high-growth tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Meta, etc.

• The changes represent a change for the American economy where technology is a must for all sectors.

Adding Amazon directly addresses this gap, bringing the Dow closer to mirroring its more successful big brothers.

🚗 Uber in the DOW

But the tech makeover isn't limited to the Dow.

The Dow Jones Transportation Average (which are 20 companies involved in the transportation sector) is also getting a tech upgrade: Uber.

Ride sharing service Uber will replace JetBlue Airways. The ride sharing company just posted $1.4 billion in earnings last quarter.