Cover The fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQE showcases numerous highlights, including high-quality materials like Artico man-made leather, cutting-edge technology and innovative design (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
The fully electric Mercedes-Benz EQE showcases numerous highlights, including high-quality materials like Artico man-made leather, cutting-edge technology and innovative design (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Gen.T+
David B Wang of fintech startup Krip shares why his family purchased their first Mercedes-Benz to aid his mother’s recovery from health challenges
About three years ago, the mother of the founder of a Hong Kong credit card deals platform David B Wang faced a difficult time when she grappled with mental health, specifically depression and anxiety. She became increasingly hesitant to step beyond the confines of their home, hindering her path to recovery.
“We decided the best way for her to recover was actually to get a car,” says Wang, adding that she was interested in floral arrangement. “We would be able to take her safely to the flower market in Mongkok. She could pick up floristry and be in a better mood every day.”
They bought their first family car, a Mercedes-Benz E200. “My family does not come from a fortunate background. It was a bit of an aspiration to ride in a Mercedes-Benz, let alone own one, so we’re fortunate to come to where we are now. When my parents picked a car, I think it was one of those dream-come-true moments,” says Wang.
Read more: My First Mercedes-Benz: Vermillion’s Krizia Li on her father’s influence on her drive for success
Above Wang stands next to the Mercedes-Benz EQE (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above The rear lights incorporate a curved and illuminated 3D helix design (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Wang stands next to the Mercedes-Benz EQE (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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His mother was an entrepreneur herself, and it was her enduring spirit that inspired Wang to start his own business.
Read more: Dear mum: How this fintech founder was inspired by his own entrepreneurial mother
In 2023, he launched Krip to let people find deals offered by their credit cards, enabling them to make smarter purchasing decisions. The venture originated from his frustration with finding a suitable credit card deal when purchasing a gift for his mother.
Above The Mercedes-Benz E200 that Wang’s family bought three years ago (Photo: David B Wang)
The Mercedes-Benz E200 that Wang’s family bought three years ago (Photo: David B Wang)
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Since purchasing the Mercedes-Benz E200, Wang has taken on the role of the family’s designated driver. With the support of her loved ones, his mother made a full recovery after two years.
These days, the family spends their free time exploring scenic spots around Hong Kong. Their pet dog, a Shiba Inu named Bailey, often joins them on these trips. One of their favourite spots is The Peak, where Bailey is typically found indulging in her favourite ice cream, enjoying the fresh air and getting some much-needed exercise.
On what he thinks of the Mercedes-Benz driving experience, Wang says: “The ride is so comfortable that you could forget that you’re actually in a car.”
Mercedes-Benz invited Wang to test drive the latest EQE model. Accompanied by Bailey, Wang shares after the drive that his perception of electric cars has changed.
Above Wang looks at his pet Chiba Bailey, which is resting on a dog bed on one of the front seats in the car (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above The digital screens located beside and behind the steering wheel provide driving information, such as the navigation system and speed (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Wang looks at his pet Chiba Bailey, which is resting on a dog bed on one of the front seats in the car (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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“I generally find electric cars to be very sudden, very acute in their movement. When you accelerate, it often feels like you are going from zero to 100 [km/h very quickly], which is not comfortable, especially for my older parents,” says Wang.
“The EQE, however, is very comfortable. The ride was not jerky at all and I found it quieter than other electric cars.”
Above Wang and his pet Bailey stand at the back of Mercedes-Benz EQE outside of a flower shop (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Above The black radiator grille of the Mercedes-Benz EQE is adorned with finely drawn Mercedes stars (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Wang and his pet Bailey stand at the back of Mercedes-Benz EQE outside of a flower shop (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
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Business-wise, Wang is working on taking Krip to Japan and parts of Southeast Asia. And whenever he has free time, he says he is determined to discover more of Hong Kong’s hidden spots and travel with his family.
This article is in partnership with Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong. Now, meet more Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow 2024 from the Finance & Venture Capital sector.
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Credits
Content Direction: Kat Yeung
Videography: Isaac Woo, Leo Chan
Video Editor: Isaac Woo
Photography: Zed Leets
Producer: Jasmine Cheung, Yoyo Chow
Camera Crew: Leung Nin Hong, Sunny Yip
Grooming: Evelyn Ho
Location: WreathStudioHK
Topics
Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
