Alibaba Group CEO Eddie Wu has called on employees to return to the company’s founding principles and adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. His statement was made on May 9 through an internal forum post, as the company faces challenges and opportunities from advancements in artificial intelligence.

Wu emphasized that Alibaba’s core values prioritize creation over preservation. He urged employees to let go of past achievements and focus on addressing social challenges and creating customer value.

Highlighting the transformative impact of AI on industries, Wu stressed the importance of innovation and adapting to change. He noted that Alibaba’s growth has historically been linked to solving problems for others, affirming this mission as central to the company’s long-term strategy.

The CEO described this approach as foundational for Alibaba’s sustainability and its goal of lasting 102 years.

🔗 Source: 36Kr

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Alibaba’s historic $53 billion AI gambit echoes previous strategic pivots

Wu’s call for “re-entrepreneurship” comes as Alibaba executes one of the most aggressive AI investments in corporate history, $53 billion over three years, exceeding the company’s total AI spending over the past decade1.

This massive financial commitment represents a fundamental strategic shift from e-commerce to becoming an AI-native technology firm1, creating the context for why Wu is emphasizing the need to “let go of past achievements.”

This pivot mirrors Alibaba’s previous strategic reinvention when Jack Ma coined the “New Retail” concept to merge offline and online experiences through digitization and big data2.

The company has historically thrived during technological inflection points by making bold strategic shifts, as evidenced by its evolution from a simple e-commerce platform to an ecosystem integrating cloud computing, digital payments, and logistics3.

Alibaba’s strategic pattern demonstrates how Chinese companies adapt through a focus on strategy, culture, and operational agility over short-term investor relations4.

2️⃣ Return to founding principles coincides with leadership renewal and market confidence

Wu’s emphasis on returning to Alibaba’s “founding spirit” parallels Jack Ma’s recent return to the company, which has instilled renewed confidence among investors and employees5.

This leadership renewal has produced tangible results. Alibaba’s stock has surged nearly 60% in 2025, adding over $100 billion to its market valuation5.

The call to “re-entrepreneur” represents more than rhetoric; it’s part of a broader restructuring through Alibaba’s “1+6+N” framework designed to improve agility and decision-making across its business units1.

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