Is Beijing a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Beijing has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Beijing gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Beijing

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Beijing offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Beijing's early-stage funding scene is dynamic, though it has faced recent headwinds. The city is home to prominent VC firms like ZhenFund, known for seed-stage investments, and larger players such as IDG Capital and Sequoia Capital China, who also participate in early rounds. The government actively supports local founders through initiatives like the Zhongguancun tech hub, offering tax breaks and financial services, and establishing large industry investment funds in sectors like AI and healthcare. However, the environment isn't without challenges. Competition is intense, and while Beijing ranks high globally in ecosystem knowledge and performance, it has scored lower in funding compared to other top cities in recent reports. Venture capital investment in China saw a significant decline after peaking in 2021, with a drop in both funding volume and deal count in 2022 and 2023, although there are signs of potential recovery in 2024. Geopolitical tensions and regulatory crackdowns have also impacted investor confidence and limited access to foreign capital for some sectors. Despite these challenges, government support and a focus on deep technology continue to drive activity.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Beijing has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Beijing boasts a dynamic startup and innovation culture, widely considered China's leading ecosystem. It features a high concentration of tech companies and unicorns, particularly strong in AI, big data, and fintech. Coworking spaces are prevalent, catering to freelancers, startups, and larger companies, often hosting networking and skill-sharing events. The city hosts numerous tech events, including major conferences and startup competitions like HICOOL, which attract global participation. Entrepreneurial activity is high, driven by a large domestic market and government support through policies, funding, and industrial parks like Zhongguancun. While competitive, the ecosystem offers support through accelerators and incubators, with some programs providing tailored coaching, mentorship, and resources for early-stage founders, alongside broader support systems for various stages.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Beijing can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Beijing, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Beijing is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Beijing has a strong talent pool for startups, significantly boosted by its numerous prestigious universities like Tsinghua and Peking University, which produce skilled graduates in engineering and business. The city is a hub for industries such as IT, telecommunications, biotechnology, e-commerce, and financial services, leading to a concentration of professionals in these areas. Specifically, Beijing is home to a large percentage of China's AI professionals. This local talent supports entrepreneurial growth by providing a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and contributing to a dynamic startup ecosystem. The government also supports talent development and attraction.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Beijing can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Beijing boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Beijing offers a robust ecosystem for startups, supported by extensive infrastructure and resources. This includes numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces providing mentorship and networking opportunities. The city boasts a strong talent pool from top universities and a dynamic funding landscape with active venture capital firms and angel investors. Government initiatives play a crucial role, offering tax incentives, subsidies, and streamlined registration processes. Beijing's 14th Five Year Plan emphasizes support for SMEs, including increased investment in technology and talent. Programs like the "Ten Measures for Unicorns" provide significant financing and support for high-growth companies. The Zhongguancun area, known as "China's Silicon Valley," is a key hub benefiting from supportive policies. These combined efforts foster innovation and help startups thrive.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Beijing. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Beijing Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Beijing provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Beijing face significant challenges. Competition is intense, particularly in key sectors like AI, with numerous startups vying for market share. The cost of living is notably high, especially for housing in central areas, increasing operational expenses for businesses and impacting employee costs. While Beijing has streamlined some registration processes, navigating the broader regulatory framework can still be complex and subject to change, requiring detailed knowledge of local laws and compliance.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Beijing or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Beijing offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash