Ye Daqing's New Mission: Focus on Three Key Connections and Innovation Incubation in the Three Greater Bay Areas
Yida Ye, Co-founder and Chairman of Rong360, recently announced via an all-staff internal letter that he will step down from his position as Chief Executive Officer on November 4, 2025. He will transition to the role of Chairman of Rong360 Inc. and Jianpu Technology Inc., focusing on long-term strategy, corporate governance, and global expansion, continuing to support Rong360's growth in a new capacity:
1. Spending more time with family, enhancing personal knowledge, and accumulating energy;
2. Concentrating on three 'connections'—linking financial technology with AI and blockchain, bridging the two major powers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, and connecting AI with humanity;
3. Engaging in venture capital and incubation projects related to AI, financial technology, and blockchain, while dedicating more time to the three dynamic and influential bay areas: the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Silicon Valley Bay Area, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Meanwhile, Ethan Yisheng Gong, a seasoned manager in the fields of digital banking and financial technology, will assume the role of Global CEO of Rong360 Inc., overseeing overall business operations and strategic implementation.
The full text of the internal letter is attached below:
Dear Rong360 Team,
Rong360 has just celebrated its fourteenth anniversary, resembling a vibrant teenager full of energy. As the company enters a new phase, the timing is ripe for me to share an important decision: Starting November 4, I will step down from my position as CEO of Rong360 Inc. Moving forward, I will serve as Chairman of Rong360 Inc. and Jianpu Technology Inc., focusing on long-term strategy and corporate governance to guide Rong360’s future global development.
At the same time, I am very pleased to announce that Ethan Yisheng Gong will be joining us as the Global CEO of Rong360 Inc., leading the team forward. Ethan has extensive experience in the fintech sector, having worked for over a decade at Capital One, a leading digital bank in the United States, where he accumulated deep banking expertise and an international perspective. After returning to China, he held key management roles such as Chief Risk Officer and Chief Operating Officer at several leading fintech companies, gaining substantial experience in strategy implementation, risk management, and operations. The board and I have full confidence in him. Everyone is encouraged to fully support Ethan as we jointly write a more brilliant chapter for Rong360.
Fourteen years is truly a magnificent and unforgettable entrepreneurial journey.
In October 2011, we started Rong360 from a residential building in Huaqing Jiayuan; in 2017, we founded Jianpu Technology and successfully listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Over the years, from the inception to the boom of fintech, we continuously adapted to changes in industry policies and competitive landscapes. We have experienced two complete cycles and endured the difficult tests brought by the pandemic. Our journey to today has been made possible by the perseverance, responsibility, and belief of every member of Team Rong360. Here, I sincerely thank each and every one of you, and all our partners along the way—it is you who turned this 'impossible' into 'possible.'
Looking back at these fourteen years, I reflected deeply, and realized that we only succeeded in a few areas, while encountering many imperfections, failures, and regrets. Entrepreneurship is never smooth sailing, but we have never stopped moving forward or abandoned our original aspirations. From zero to one, from adversity to breakthrough, it was resilience, persistence, and an unyielding 'entrepreneurial spirit' that drove us forward. As Masayoshi Son once said, “Entrepreneurship is about continually climbing mountains made of despair.” Along the way, amid disappointment, despair, and hope, we climbed many mountains and crossed numerous rivers. In the future, we will aim for even higher peaks and navigate wider seas.
Today, we stand at the foot of a new mountain, ready to set sail in uncharted waters.
Amidst the trends of deglobalization and even a new globalized order led by two major powers under Group of Two (G2), resources like technology and talent are being reorganized. The AI revolution is sweeping across the world, with innovation reshaping every industry. In the fintech field we are deeply committed to, the opportunities brought by AI are more tangible, closer, and greater than ever before.
Change brings challenges, but it also offers gifts of the times. As the external world evolves, so do we—our organization is upgrading, our businesses are being restructured, and our culture is being reborn. Our mission is not merely to follow trends but to seize the era and create the future.
Going forward, I will continue to support everyone in a new capacity. As the founders of Google once said, I aspire to play the role of a “proud parent”—offering advice and care rather than daily nagging! I will focus my time on:
1. Spending time with family, enhancing my understanding, and accumulating energy;
2. Focusing on three ‘connections’—linking fintech with AI and blockchain, bridging the two major powers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean, and connecting AI with humanity.
3. Venture and incubate in areas related to AI, fintech, and blockchain. Dedicate more time to the three vibrant and influential bay areas: the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the Chesapeake Bay Area.
This reminds me of a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of The Little Prince:
“If you want to build a ship, don’t gather people to collect wood, assign tasks, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.”
In the past, I may have been more like someone assigning tasks and leading everyone to build the ship; moving forward, I hope to become someone who ‘yearns for the sea’ and ‘vast universe’ together with everyone—guarding our mission and ensuring we always sail in the right direction.
Roles and identities may change, but the mission will not.
My mission is to continue promoting Rong360’s vision of 'becoming everyone’s financial partner' and Jianpu Technology’s mission of 'AI makes life simpler and more inclusive' worldwide and into the new AI era.
Finally, let us warmly welcome Ethan Yisheng Gong aboard. With fourteen years of accumulation and passion, let us jointly embrace a new chapter for Rong360 and Jianpu Technology!
Thank you all for walking this journey with me for fourteen years. The road ahead is long, and together, let us look toward the future!
Thank you, So long, and Stay connected ~~~
Ye Daqing, David Ye, a.k.a. Iron Entrepreneur
