Startups worldwide chase whispers of unmatched scale within China’s mass urbanization and digitization. Yet beneath the statistics lies challenging terrain still unfolding for outsiders, such as German start-ups. I recently scored a golden ticket for ecrop GmbH to decode the world’s most perplexing market through an intense insider program conducted by German Accelerator.
Are you a startup eager to unlock the secrets of succeeding in China? Join me as I recount this journey.
As China continues to assert itself as a global economic force, the challenges for foreign businesses are profound. In this narrative, I share my experiences as part of the German Accelerator’s China Market Discovery Program. This intensive experience spanned from virtual training to two weeks of in-depth mentorship and networking in the bustling city of Shanghai, offering a first-hand look into the opportunities and hurdles for a German startup navigating this dynamic landscape.
Introduction: China’s Market Layers as Seen through a German Startup Lens
Embarking on an international expansion, particularly into a market as nuanced and dynamic as China, is a journey filled with discovery. This series of reflections, divided into five distinct parts, offers insights into my experiences with the German Accelerator’s China Market Discovery Program. Each part deals with one of the stages of this journey, from initial preparations to in-depth explorations, and finally to personal insights gleaned from this fascinating yet challenging venture. This overview serves as a summary of the entire series, which I will be publishing in detail on my LinkedIn profile for those interested in following the journey more closely.
Part 1
“Launching into the Unknown: Embarking on the German Accelerator’s China Market Discovery Program”, Here, I delve into the reasons behind joining the German Accelerator’s 2023–4 China program with ecrop GmbH. With a mix of excitement and caution, I explore our team’s eagerness for expansion insights and the apprehensions about being an outsider in a complex market. I discuss our initial virtual training, which equipped us with crucial knowledge but also left us with a sense of uncertainty as we prepared to step into the Chinese landscape.
Part 2
“First Glimpse: Navigating Shanghai’s Fusion of Future and Tradition” This section captures the initial, contrasting days of adjustment, as I experienced the stark blend of China’s futuristic infrastructure and its historical backdrop. My early days in Shanghai were shaped by enlightening yet daunting mentor sessions, bringing the stark realities of the business landscape into sharper focus.
Part 3
“Navigating New Terrain: Lessons and Insights in the Chinese Market”, I recount the enlightening guidance from legal experts, the wisdom shared in founder discussions, and the revelations during pitch preparations. These experiences challenged my preconceptions and illuminated the path forward in terms of security, competition, and IP strategies, revealing the nuanced approaches necessary for foreign ventures in China.
Part 4
“Strategic Horizons: Shaping Our Path in China’s Dynamic Landscape” This part synthesizes the critical strategic decisions and insights gained from this intensive market discovery journey. I discuss our adjusted plans for engaging with the domestic ecosystem and recalibrating our expansion goals, balancing new opportunities with the lessons learned.
Part 5
“Reflections from Shanghai: Personal Insights on China’s Transformative Landscape” In this final section, I reflect personally on my experiences and observations in China. From the rapid digital transformation to the emerging economic challenges, I contemplate the complexities of doing business in this dynamic market and the potential opportunities that crises can unveil for startups like ours.
As we navigate through these sections, I invite you to join me in unpacking the realities of entering and understanding the Chinese market from the perspective of a German startup. These reflections are more than just an account of a business exploration; they are a tapestry of lessons learned, challenges faced, and opportunities uncovered in one of the world’s most formidable economic landscapes.
Now, let us delve into the journey, starting with “Part 1: “Launching into the Unknown: Embarking on the German Accelerator’s China Market Discovery Program” where the adventure and the learning begin.
Part 1 — Launching into the Unknown: Embarking on the German Accelerator’s China Market Discovery Program
As a German fintech start-up in regulated financial services, we have pursued Asian market discovery trips for years, covering most parts of Southeast Asia. But the potential of mainland China remained a mystery to us, despite the headlines about the surging digital economic dragon.
Now as fintech adoption accelerates globally, we felt compelled to reassess collaborating with Chinese partners — either licensing our technologies locally or identifying cross-border investment synergies. However, thanks to Covid-19, years passed since our last visit. Would outdated assumptions obscure current realities around censorship, data secrecy and foreign scepticism that could sink outsider venturing?
Therefore, we took the bold step of presenting our venture to the German Accelerator, competing for a sought-after spot in their dynamic China Market Discovery Program for startups. Our goal was to shed light on the real possibilities of success, fully aware of the challenges that foreign companies face. Upon gaining acceptance, we were thrilled at the prospect of gaining invaluable insights through their comprehensive virtual training sessions and mentorship from insiders.
Our team started the program through virtual sessions in Germany, with an intensive 2-week startup mentorship phase, promising to illuminate answers without foreign startups would exposing themselves to standard dangers. The preparation covered everything we needed to enter China, from obtaining business visas and booking hotels to arranging travel and downloading (seriously) essential apps. They emphasized the importance of protecting our company’s information and complying with local laws. Data security, staying connected, and understanding local regulations are key. The aim was not to scare us but to make us aware and realistic about working in China with Chinese partners.
By the end of this training, we felt ready to take our first steps in China. We were reassured by the knowledge that we had a team of local experts to support us there.
We prepared for the trip by adapting and translating our product website, www.kryptoaktie.com, into Chinese, and packing portable chargers along with the recommended survival pitching kit for days of confidential meetings starting on arrival.
As I embarked on the 12-hour flight to Shanghai, I felt a mix of uncertainty and excitement about what the next two weeks would uncover regarding collaborative fintech opportunities, despite the persistent challenges of entering the market.
Curious about how our first days in China unfolded? Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series, where I’ll dive into our initial encounters in this vibrant and complex market.
Part 2— First Glimpse: Navigating Shanghai’s Fusion of Future and Tradition
Upon landing in Shanghai the weekend before our program commenced, the juxtaposition of my experiences immediately struck me. This city presented a unique fusion of the future and the past, where state-of-the-art infrastructure stood alongside historic buildings, showcasing a noticeable contrast in development.
As I settled into this dynamic city, I couldn’t help but reflect on China’s transformation. The country, now the world’s second-largest economy, had swiftly transitioned from being known as the “world’s factory” to a hub driven by consumption and technology. For global business leaders, and particularly for us as part of a German startup, China represented both immense opportunity and formidable complexity.
The Chinese market, with its intricate landscape, presents numerous prospects for German startups like ours. However, the path to expansion is laden with potential pitfalls, especially for younger companies. The risks of navigating this market are real and often unpredictable.
Before the program officially started, I connected with the staff from the German Accelerator. They arranged for us to access a WeWork space over the weekend, allowing us to wrap up some critical tasks left pending from Germany. The location was nothing short of impressive, nestled right in the heart of Shanghai. It exuded a New York startup vibe, right in the midst of this bustling metropolis. Surrounded by a plethora of shops and restaurants, it was easy to forget that I was in China; it could just as easily have been a metropolis in North America.
Eager to discover more about our journey and the lessons we learned? Stay tuned for Part 3 of this series, where I delve deeper into the strategic insights and revelations we encountered in the Chinese market.
Part 3— Navigating New Terrain: Lessons and Insights in the Chinese Market
My initial days in Shanghai were a whirlwind of mentor sessions, both enlightening and daunting. The complexities and unique challenges of China’s business landscape began to solidify in my mind. These sessions shaped my initial perception of Shanghai as a city balancing on the edge of a forward-looking future and a requirement for more openness and progress. This painted a stark contrast between an advanced digital society and the strict digital regulations and limitations typical of the region. It was a world where cutting-edge technology coexisted with restricted internet access and where commonly used Western apps like Google were often inaccessible.
The first official meeting with the other startups for the autumn China intake was on Monday morning. We gathered in a stylish breakfast venue, infused with a European/Portuguese flavour so authentic it was hard to believe we were in China. Experiencing such authenticity in Shanghai was a revelation, especially for those who hadn’t tasted it themselves.
The primary focus of our first on-site day was to finalize our pitch decks for the presentations scheduled for the following day. This was, essentially, why we had all made the effort to travel 12 hours from Germany — to present our vision and business models in a new and challenging market.
During a midday session, lawyers offered an enlightening comparison between the Chinese and German markets. They explored the socio-economic backgrounds, legal frameworks, and the subtleties involved in forming business partnerships in China. A key highlight was the striking disparity between the middle classes of the two countries. In Germany, the middle class, which numbers around 45–47 million people, constitutes about 55–60% of the population, typically boasting advanced skills and credentials. In contrast, China’s middle class is significantly larger in sheer numbers, ranging from 400–600 million, yet it represents only about 30% of its vast 1.4 billion population. This evolving demographic in China is progressively shifting more individuals into middle-class professions and consumer lifestyles. This means that, in absolute terms, China presents a much larger market for high-value products, despite the proportionally smaller size of its middle class compared to Germany’s. This session provided attendees with deep insights into these market dynamics and socio-economic factors, painting a clear and realistic picture of the opportunities and challenges in both countries.
Our evening was spent at a business dinner with mentors, members of the German Shanghai/China community, existing startups, and others from our program. This provided an invaluable opportunity to hear firsthand about the realities of life and work in Shanghai. We learned about the unique challenges of launching a startup in China, which differed from many preconceptions. However, the discussions also highlighted the major opportunities that digital China offers for agile business models.
A key takeaway from the dinner was the sheer speed and competitiveness of the Chinese market. I was warned during dinner discussions that in China, if you arrive with a solid business idea and model, expect to have competitors cloning and attempting to improve upon it within 3–5 weeks. The stories of digital companies experiencing rapid growth through such intense competition underlined the value of these insights, clarifying many aspects of the market for us.
The second day of our program in Shanghai began with more focused mentoring sessions, carefully arranged by the German Accelerator team. These sessions were tailored to either address the specific business needs of each startup or to explore business topics relevant to our initial targets set at the program’s outset. The level of preparation for these one-on-one meetings was evident and commendable. The GA team had not only understood the unique business models and expansion needs of each company but had also meticulously identified the right contacts within the right companies for potential business exchanges. Considering the diversity of companies participating in this China Market Discovery round, this was no small feat.
An important aspect of these mentor sessions was a general rule applied by the GA team. Their staff were present at all meetings, not just to help overcome any language barriers but also to guide the discussions in the intended direction. These sessions were about mentoring, not just facilitating business deals. We were there to gain insights and knowledge from the extensive network of the German Accelerator, not to sell our startups. And this approach paid off — each session offered a unique perspective on the challenges and views we had brought with us.
Interacting with the mentors felt like assembling a complex puzzle, where each conversation contributed another piece to our understanding of the Chinese market, its customers, and business practices. Every discussion provided a new angle, helping us piece together a comprehensive picture.
As the week progressed, it became increasingly clear that this experience was more about gathering insights and understanding realities than making immediate decisions about market readiness. We were there to explore whether we were ready for the Chinese market and, just as importantly, if China was ready for us.
The highlight of our week in Shanghai was scheduled for that evening: the pitch night. This main event was a carefully orchestrated gathering, drawing in over 160 participants from the Shanghai ecosystem. It included German entrepreneurs based in China, venture capitalists from across the country, as well as Chinese entrepreneurs and businessmen. The German Accelerator (GA) staff excelled in curating the guest list, skillfully weeding out those who were merely there for ideas or a free meal. This was crucial, as startups often have limited time and could easily spend an evening engaged with people more interested in networking than in serious business discussions.
During our initial days, we learned an important trick: the use of an app for a quick ‘due diligence’ on new contacts. This app allowed us to discern whether we were dealing with a genuine businessperson or just a smooth talker. The GA staff’s expertise in this area was invaluable. They provided immediate feedback when we showed them a business card or pointed out someone in the room, thus saving us from potential headaches.
The format of the pitch night was straightforward: each startup had 3 minutes to present their idea and objectives for China. These pitches were crisp conversation starters, allowing us to make a brief but impactful introduction. On the final slide of each presentation, we included a contact barcode, enabling interested parties to connect with us immediately.
Personally, the experience was unprecedented. After my 3-minute pitch, I received 18 requests for further discussions on my phone. This was a testament to the fast-paced and digitally-connected business environment of China, a stark contrast to what I had experienced elsewhere.
The following day brought us back to the realm of legalities, a domain where you can never have too much advice. This time, the focus was on the differences between German and Chinese intellectual property laws and strategies for securing intellectual property in China. The session aimed to guide us through the initial steps of protection and what to do if things didn’t go as planned. In considering the unique aspects of Kryptoaktie.com, our fintech platform, we paid close attention to the nuances of Chinese IP laws and data transfer regulations. The program’s insights were particularly pivotal in shaping our future approach to protecting our intellectual property and ensuring compliance with the stringent digital finance regulations in China.
Held in a sophisticated law office surrounded by some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, the setting was as impressive as the content of the talks. We already had considerable experience with legal nuances due to our business model back in Germany, but this session was exceptionally well-structured. It provided a comprehensive two-hour overview of key challenges and red flags. It was yet another session that steered us in the right direction, laying the foundation for our understanding of “the game” before we even started playing it. The atmosphere was consistently positive, emphasizing awareness over fear and encouraging us to seek assistance when needed. Importantly, at no point did it feel like a sales pitch, which was greatly appreciated.
The evening offered a change of pace and scenery. We spent it on the Huangpu River, organized by Berlin Partners and joined by startups from the Berlin ecosystem as well as Chinese and German entrepreneurs. It was a moment to take in the breathtaking Shanghai skyline from a boat, reflect on the whirlwind of information and impressions from the past few days, and network with other startups. The boat ride, complete with a seated dinner, provided a perfect setting for open and uninterrupted exchanges. It attracted participants who might not have engaged otherwise.
The key takeaway from my discussions was the fast-paced nature of change in China, especially in the digital economy. Government efforts to secure data and know-how were a predominant theme. Many advised considering Hong Kong as a potentially less restrictive entry point into the Chinese market, a valuable insight for any company contemplating expansion into this dynamic region.
Thursday proved to be the most hectic day of the week. It began with another pitching opportunity at a local accelerator, in front of a panel of Shanghai’s experts and entrepreneurs. This was followed by our participation in the xDays event organized by AHK, held in a strikingly converted old steel factory. The purpose of this event was to foster exchange between Chinese and German industries.
A highlight of the day was our invitation to an official meeting with representatives from the mayor’s office of Nanjing. This provided an invaluable opportunity to gauge the general industry sentiment and get a sense of the ongoing relationship between China and Germany. We were keen to understand the outlook for the next 2–3 years: was focusing on this market worthwhile, and could we sustain the effort, given that startups don’t have the same resources as large corporations to withstand prolonged economic challenges?
A recurring theme was the shift in China’s resource allocation strategy, summed up as “In China for China.” We observed a growing preference for domestic suppliers, even in cases where German companies in China offered better or more competitive products. This trend, echoing similar nationalist sentiments like “Let’s Make America Great Again,” signaled a potential challenge for foreign businesses in China.
The xDays event marked the conclusion of our official week in Shanghai, as we had to proceed to another city for meetings with business partners to advance our product and partnership efforts. Regrettably, this meant missing the final day of the program, which would have been valuable for sharing insights and outcomes from the individual mentor sessions with other German startups. Indeed, gathering these diverse perspectives was like piecing together a puzzle, where each piece of information could be crucial.
Throughout the week, our dependence on domestic Chinese mobile apps became essential, evolving into our primary toolkit for both navigating the program and managing our time in Shanghai effectively. These apps were crucial for an array of tasks — from coordinating communications and organizing mentor sessions to task management, transferring crucial files for our pitch decks, and even handling payments and transportation logistics. In this setting, the notion of a ‘super-app’ — a concept made popular by Elon Musk — was not just a theory but a practical reality. The all-encompassing platforms we utilized in China effortlessly combined various functions, catering to nearly every requirement we had, thus embodying the sophistication of China’s digital ecosystem.
Interested in learning how these insights shaped our strategic decisions? Stay tuned for Part 4 of this series, where I’ll share how we navigated China’s dynamic landscape and began to shape our path forward.
Part 4— Strategic Horizons: Shaping Our Path in China’s Dynamic Landscape
Our journey with the German Accelerator (GA) had prepared us well, as we had previously engaged in their various programs. We knew to expect a meticulously crafted program, tailored to support each startup according to its specific needs. A principle that always resonated with us in these programs was: “You get what you are willing to put in.” The GA team played a crucial role in unlocking many doors, offering insights into the Chinese culture and business landscape, and bridging the gap between the mentality of a German startup and Chinese culture. However, the real effort had to be our own — from organizing additional meetings from Germany to following up with interested parties and keeping up with the packed schedule.
One of the key lessons was that the journey is ours to make. We had to be the ones explaining, convincing, and detailing our startup and business interests in China. The GA was always there to offer a helping hand, suggesting tweaks in our approach or a change in perspective when something might not resonate locally.
The legal sessions were particularly illuminating, outlining where China stands in terms of data transfer regulations, which are crucial for digital startups, whether in AI, Fintech, or any data-driven model. IP and IP protection emerged as paramount topics. The sessions highlighted the nuances of IP laws in China compared to Germany, underscoring the urgency of protecting our intellectual property. An eye-opening revelation was learning about preemptive brand registrations by local entities — a critical point to consider for any business contemplating entering the Chinese market.
Conversations with German entrepreneurs already established in China were invaluable. Their experiences in adapting to different cultural demands and overcoming everyday challenges, like securing a stable internet connection, significantly contributed to completing our understanding of the market.
Throughout the program, the GA’s commitment to providing unbiased and neutral advice was evident in every session, mentorship meeting, and networking event. The emphasis was on establishing a network of reliable and knowledgeable partners who could guide us through the complexities of the Chinese market. We were given a realistic view of the market, acknowledging both its enormous potential and its intricate challenges.
So, did the program deliver what it promised? Absolutely. China’s complexity, as portrayed by the GA, was evident, even more so for a German startup. The program helped us understand the challenges and opportunities, a network of contacts for future guidance, and the realization that business in China thrives on personal networks and relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the program’s value, it’s evident that such initiatives are crucial in today’s global business environment. As geopolitical landscapes shift and international relations become more complex, understanding and navigating foreign markets becomes increasingly challenging.
The viability of German or European programs and initiatives facilitating company expansion into China, such as the one offered by German Accelerator, is often put to the test, especially in times of strained international relations between China and Germany. I firmly believe, however, that these initiatives are more critical now than ever. It’s essential for startups to maintain autonomy in pursuing global opportunities. Programs like the one offered by German Accelerator do much more than merely open doors; they equip, educate, and acutely make us aware of the challenges lying ahead, preparing us to navigate these complexities effectively
To decision-makers and supporters of these programs: your investment is more than justified. As participants, our financial and time investment in this endeavor was substantial, but the insights and preparedness we gained were invaluable. Moreover, these investments should be viewed not only in bringing German start-ups to China, but also in the broader context of reinforcing the German startup ecosystem. By engaging in programs like these, we as start-ups contribute to the development and strengthening of Germany’s industrial base, enhancing its competitiveness and innovation on the global stage.
In conclusion, for any startup contemplating an international venture, especially in a market as dynamic and complex as China, the insights gained from such programs are indispensable. They’re a gateway to understanding not just the ‘how’ of expansion, but the ‘why’, the ‘when’, and the ‘with whom’. Programs like GA’s are not just about business expansion; they’re about cultural immersion and strategic foresight, equipping startups with the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions in a global context.
Curious to hear my personal reflections on this transformative experience in China? Stay tuned for the final Part 5 of this series, where I delve into my individual insights and observations from this remarkable journey.
Part 5— Reflections from Shanghai: Personal Insights on China’s Transformative Landscape
Where do I even begin? Reflecting on my personal journey in China is no straightforward task. Since my first visit, both the country and my perceptions have undergone a profound transformation. China hasn’t just taken incremental steps towards progress; it has leaped into a new digital era, completely redefining the term ‘high-tech’ with its state-organized development cycle and a society that’s mobile-only in a way that’s hard to comprehend until you experience it firsthand.
Navigating daily life here without domestic apps like WeChat and Alipay is unthinkable. These aren’t just apps; they’re lifelines. As a visitor, the realization that cash and foreign credit cards often don’t suffice was both surprising and challenging.
Walking through downtown Shanghai in the evening, I was struck by the quiet energy of the city. The streets buzz with people and vehicles, yet there’s a noticeable calm, thanks to the prevalence of electric cars, bikes, and scooters. The abundance of stores and the evident consumerism, especially among the burgeoning middle class, mirror European levels.
Yet, amidst this vibrancy, there’s an undercurrent of restraint. The retail estate crisis, ongoing deflation, and fierce competition in key sectors are palpable concerns. The sentiment that data should no longer cross borders, impacting AI and other data-driven sectors, adds to the complexity. Even as German industries prepare for slower growth, the new mantra ‘in China for China’ echoes in the corridors of businesses — a sentiment reminiscent of America’s own shift inward under Trump “America First”.
Walking through these streets, it feels like the Chinese dragon is wrapped in a scarf, sneezing and coughing, combatting the emerging challenges and shifting dynamics, all while using China balm to recover.
Where does this leave us, I wonder? There’s a sense of an impending crisis, the direction of which seems unpredictable. China, once a beacon of predictable and steady growth, now seems to be on the cusp of a new, uncertain reality.
But it’s not all gloom. Change in growth patterns doesn’t necessarily spell disaster, particularly for startups. One of the most impactful statements I heard this week came from a VC:
“The Chinese word for crisis is Wei Ji 危机 — ‘Wei’ meaning crisis, and ‘Ji’ meaning opportunity. Ancient Chinese philosophy often sees opportunity arising from crisis, and this couldn’t be more apt for the current situation. Think about the biggest danger facing your company ecrop today. And now look for the hidden opportunity.”
Wei Ji 危机
The Chinese truly understand that change is inevitable and when it happens it will always disturb the established order. There will be losers and there will be gainers. You will be energized or demoralized depending on whether you see the opportunity or only the danger.
A disaster therefore is not an incident. It’s an attitude, a victim attitude to be precise. Taking responsibility by focusing on the factors that are within your control will provide the alchemy that can turn any situation into an opportunity. And isn’t that what being a startup is all about? Seizing opportunities? The current developments aren’t the end of German startups’ journey into China; they mark the beginning of new opportunities.
True start-up entrepreneurs find those opportunities.
As I leave China, I’m hopeful. Hopeful that the concept of Wei Ji is as deeply ingrained here as it seems, paving the way for fruitful partnerships between us and Chinese partners in the future. There’s a new chapter unfolding in the story of China, one where, despite the challenges, the potential for collaboration and innovation remains vast and compelling.
Thank you for joining me on this journey through China. To stay updated on the evolving world of fintech and our adventures at ecrop GmbH, especially with Kryptoaktie.com, please connect with us on our LinkedIn page and follow my profile for ongoing insights and reflections.
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