Top Events for Startups in China: A Guide to Networking

China’s startup ecosystem is one of the most dynamic in the world, offering numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. Whether you are looking for investors, partners, or simply want to learn from industry leaders, attending the right events is crucial. Here is a guide to the top events for startups in China, perfect for networking and gaining valuable insights.

1. TechCrunch Disrupt Beijing

Overview: TechCrunch Disrupt is a global event that has made significant inroads in China. The Beijing edition attracts a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Startup Battlefield
• Networking sessions
• Panel discussions

Benefits: Showcase your startup, learn from tech leaders, and connect with potential investors and partners.

2. GMIC (Global Mobile Internet Conference)

Overview: GMIC is one of the largest tech conferences in China, attracting over 20,000 participants from more than 60 countries.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Exhibition areas
• Networking events

Benefits: Gain insights into the latest mobile and internet trends, meet global tech leaders, and explore collaboration opportunities.

3. Slush Shanghai

Overview: Slush, originally from Finland, has a strong presence in China. Slush Shanghai brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders in a vibrant and dynamic setting.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Networking sessions
• Inspirational talks

Benefits: Pitch your startup to a global audience, connect with investors, and get inspired by successful entrepreneurs.

4. RISE Conference Hong Kong

Overview: RISE is a premier tech event in Asia, held in Hong Kong. It attracts a wide range of participants from startups, tech giants, and investors.

Key Features:

• Startup exhibitions
• Networking opportunities
• Expert panels

Benefits: Showcase your startup, learn from industry experts, and network with potential investors and partners.

5. China International Big Data Industry Expo

Overview: This event focuses on the big data industry, providing a platform for startups working in data analytics, AI, and related fields.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Exhibitions
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Stay updated on the latest big data trends, connect with industry leaders, and explore partnership opportunities.

6. Techcode Startup Competition

Overview: Techcode hosts various startup competitions across China, providing a platform for early-stage startups to pitch their ideas.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Mentorship sessions
• Networking events

Benefits: Gain visibility, receive mentorship, and connect with investors.

7. China High-Tech Fair (CHTF)

Overview: CHTF is a comprehensive tech event that covers a wide range of industries, from IT and telecom to new energy and advanced manufacturing.

Key Features:

• Exhibitions
• Networking sessions
• Expert panels

Benefits: Showcase your technology, connect with industry experts, and explore new market opportunities.

8. Asia Hardware Battle

Overview: Asia Hardware Battle focuses on hardware startups, providing a platform for them to showcase their innovations.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Exhibitions
• Networking events

Benefits: Gain visibility in the hardware sector, connect with investors, and showcase your product to a global audience.

9. China International Internet+ Expo

Overview: This event focuses on the integration of the internet with traditional industries, providing a platform for startups in IoT, AI, and related fields.

Key Features:

• Exhibitions
• Networking sessions
• Keynote speeches

Benefits: Stay updated on industry trends, connect with potential partners, and explore new business opportunities.

10. Startup Grind Beijing

Overview: Part of the global Startup Grind community, the Beijing chapter hosts regular events featuring fireside chats, networking opportunities, and workshops.

Key Features:

• Fireside chats
• Networking opportunities
• Entrepreneurial workshops

Benefits: Learn from successful entrepreneurs, connect with fellow startup founders, and gain practical advice on growing your business.

11. Demo China

Overview: Demo China is a high-profile startup event that attracts top startups, investors, and media.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Exhibitions
• Networking events

Benefits: Gain media exposure, connect with top investors, and showcase your startup to a large audience.

12. Chengdu International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair

Overview: This event focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting startups, investors, and industry leaders from across China.

Key Features:

• Exhibitions
• Networking sessions
• Expert panels

Benefits: Showcase your startup, connect with potential investors, and learn from industry experts.

13. Hong Kong Fintech Week

Overview: Hong Kong Fintech Week is one of the largest fintech events in Asia, attracting participants from across the globe.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Exhibitions
• Networking events

Benefits: Stay updated on fintech trends, connect with industry leaders, and explore partnership opportunities.

14. WeWork Creator Awards

Overview: WeWork Creator Awards celebrate innovation and creativity, providing a platform for startups to showcase their products and services.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Networking sessions
• Exhibitions

Benefits: Gain visibility, connect with potential investors, and showcase your startup to a global audience.

15. China Internet Conference

Overview: This event focuses on the internet industry, providing a platform for startups in the IT and digital sectors.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Exhibitions
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Stay updated on the latest internet trends, connect with industry leaders, and explore collaboration opportunities.

16. Global Entrepreneurship Week China

Overview: Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is celebrated in over 170 countries, and the China edition attracts a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.

Key Features:

• Workshops
• Networking events
• Pitch competitions

Benefits: Gain insights from successful entrepreneurs, pitch your startup, and connect with potential investors.

17. China Startup Forum

Overview: China Startup Forum is an annual event that brings together startups, investors, and industry experts.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Panel discussions
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Learn from industry experts, connect with investors, and gain practical advice on growing your startup.

18. CES Asia

Overview: CES Asia focuses on the consumer technology industry, providing a platform for startups to showcase their innovations.

Key Features:

• Exhibitions
• Keynote speeches
• Networking events

Benefits: Showcase your product, connect with industry leaders, and explore new market opportunities.

19. Asia-Pacific Innovation Summit

Overview: This summit focuses on innovation and technology, attracting participants from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Features:

• Keynote speeches
• Exhibitions
• Networking sessions

Benefits: Stay updated on industry trends, connect with potential partners, and explore collaboration opportunities.

20. InnoVEX Taipei

Overview: InnoVEX is part of the COMPUTEX Taipei event, focusing on startups and innovation.

Key Features:

• Pitch competitions
• Exhibitions
• Networking events

Benefits: Showcase your startup, connect with global investors, and explore new business opportunities.

Conclusion

Attending startup events in China is essential for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. These events offer invaluable opportunities to learn from industry leaders, connect with investors, and network with fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you are looking to pitch your startup, gain mentorship, or simply get inspired, there’s an event for you. Mark your calendars and make the most of these opportunities to elevate your startup journey.