China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups omaha )

19
A China Startup Story Mark Koester @markwkoester | www.markwk.com

Transcript of China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups omaha )

Page 1: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

A China Startup

Story

Mark Koester @markwkoester | www.markwk.com

Page 2: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Let’s Grow Startup

Communities in China

Page 3: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

China:

1.3B Inhabitants in China - 19% of the global population

1st or 2nd largest economy in in the

world in terms of GDP

74.4% of Chinese are of working age

(aged 15-64)

#353# Chinese cities with a

population over 100,000.

Sources: The World Bank, OECD

Geographic/Macro

Page 4: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Key Chinese Characteristics

Major regional differences: People in different parts of China speak, act and

orient themselves differently, meriting more of a regional or continental

approach over purely national strategy.

Little Interpersonal Trust: Historically and contemporaneously Chinese have

very little trust between themselves. This creates challenges of legitimacy and

trust for any company or brand in China, especially a nonprofit

Active Startup / Business Culture: While influenced by Western elements,

China’s isolation and unique culture have created a divergent form of startup

culture, both more commercial and more opportunistic. The last few years have

seen a significant increase in the concept, events and importance of startups

and ventures in China. Also heavily funded ecosystem for ventures.

Page 5: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Stage 1:

Involved More. Let’s Help More First.

Page 6: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Stage 2:

Only Trust the Right Partners.

Page 7: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Startup Weekend Beijing Zhongguancun

Page 8: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Startup Weekend Hangzhou Zhejiang University

Page 9: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Startup Weekend Space: Shanghai Shanghai

Page 10: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Qingdao Startup Weekend Maker Haier M-Lab

Page 11: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Some Lessons Learned

Page 12: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Our Participants

Us!

Page 13: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Beware Individual Organizers

Some examples of Organizer Issues:

• Don’t Respect Brand or Community

• Stolen / Lost Money

• Copy Cats:

• Don’t Have a Long-Term Incentive

• MLM / Pyramid Scam / Cult

Page 14: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Strong Partners are key

Page 15: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

White Paper: http://www.slideshare.net/cuevasm1/fostering-a-startup-and-innovation-ecosystem

Check: Ingredients of China’s Startup Ecosystem

strong but silo-ed strong and

increasingly more

hubs

Weak strong but not

necessarily well-

distributed

Fairly positive for

businesses

China

Page 16: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Startup Community in ChinaSome amazing talent, some great products and teams. Yet…

Fragile: In particular the startup scene is characterized by its fragility and lack

of collaboration, teamwork and open sharing, helping, etc.

Predatory: Like the general lack of trust in China, there are a number of

predatory elements in China startup scene, including fake investors, fake

mentors and special “training schools.”

Lack of Good Mentorship: China’s fresh entrepreneurs are especially lacking

in good mentorship. They attempt their own businesses with few local resources

to help them. Early stage investment is not reliable as well.

Page 17: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Community Programs

formerly

Page 18: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

关于TechStars的:TS导师团队在全球运⾏行着18个加速器项⺫⽬目,超过550家公司通过TS的加速器计划,并已筹集了超过13亿美元的资⾦金。 TS⻛风险投资公司管理着近3亿美元的资⾦金,并提供种⼦子基⾦金和A轮投资。

Accelerator Programs

Page 19: China Startup Scene: A Few Lessons Learned (1million cups   omaha )

Thanks!

Mark Koester @markwkoester | www.markwk.com