From Code to Startup: Lessons from a Veteran Tech Product Manager
In this interview, senior developer‑turned‑product manager Bao Yuqing shares his journey from Lenovo security engineering to founding a security tool, pivoting to internet‑plus tourism, and offers practical advice on balancing technical expertise with commercial thinking for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.
21CTO presents an interview with Bao Yuqing, a senior coder from Jiangxi who now serves as a product manager, community lecturer at Mantou Business School, and founder of the JuNiu website.
After a decade at Lenovo as a security engineer during the PC era, Bao left in 2004 to launch a free security software called “Shadow System,” inspired by shared‑software giants like SuperX, Baofeng Video, and Foxmail. The product gained modest users but never pursued commercialisation.
Transition to Internet+ and Entrepreneurship
Post‑2014, Bao abandoned the shared‑software dream and shifted to the tourism and outdoor sectors, creating the “JuNiu” platform that combines online and offline services, manager training, talent sourcing, and industry information.
In 2016 he co‑founded the Mantou Business School community, similar to 21CTO, focusing on high‑end technical experts sharing knowledge and building personal brands.
Technical vs. Commercial Mindset
Technical people tend to be rational, diligent, and prefer solving problems independently, often overlooking resource integration and commercial viability. Bao stresses the need to connect with resources, validate business models quickly, and use capital as a catalyst after proving value.
He advises tech professionals to stay calm, avoid building products for the sake of building, and focus on genuine market needs.
Internet+ Insights
When traditional industries adopt Internet+, success can be evaluated by four criteria: creation of value, emergence of a new market, efficiency gains or cost reductions, and the formation of a new ecosystem.
Advice for Tech Entrepreneurs
Know yourself, maintain focus, and ensure genuine passion for your project. Distinguish short‑term revenue streams (e.g., outsourcing) from sustainable product services. Develop the ability to identify core problems quickly, akin to a hunter spotting prey.
Continuous self‑training, curiosity, and a strong desire for knowledge are essential traits, exemplified by tech‑origin CEOs like Ding Lei, Robin Li, and Ma Huateng.
Future 21CTO content will continue to provide technical direction and entrepreneurship guidance for its members.
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