While Beijing (with a population of over 18 million) and Shanghai (with a population of 23 million) lead China in terms of VC funding and deals, China’s other powerhouse cities are upcoming leaders in the growth economy. China has 160 cities with a population over 1 million, each with an ambition that matches it’s size and growth.
SUZHOU POP. 4,367,000
Called the “Venice of the East,” Suzhou is a major trade center—especially for silk. The city is also known for its beautiful gardens and cultural history and is where famed architect I. M. Pei calls home.
VC FUNDING: $203M DEALS: 8: EXITS: 2
5 YEAR YoY FUNDING GROWTH: NA%
5 YEAR YoY DEAL GROWTH: NA%
Source: CB Insights
CHENGDU POP. 7,815,000
The biggest urban area not in East China has a more relaxed lifestyle, and serves as the anchor for West China as well as a host of big international companies. Home of giant pandas and birthplace of Li Jiang.
VC FUNDING: $150.7M DEALS: 4: EXITS: 1
5 YEAR YoY FUNDING GROWTH: 72.0%
5 YEAR YoY DEAL GROWTH: 32.0%
Source: CB Insights
WUHAN POP. 10,256,000
Bordering the Yangtze River, Wuhan has a little bit of everything, known as a transportation hub but also anchoring much of the business and education of Central China. Hometown of tennis star Li Na.
VC FUNDING: $15M DEALS: 2: EXITS: 2
5 YEAR YoY FUNDING GROWTH: N/A
5 YEAR YoY DEAL GROWTH: N/A
Source: CB Insights
GUANGZHOU POP. 12,385,000
A manufacturing juggernaut and southern China’s leading industrial and commercial center, Guangzhou has factories that export huge amounts of plastics, electronics, and clothes worldwide.
VC FUNDING: $283.7M DEALS: 11: EXITS: 4
5 YEAR YoY FUNDING GROWTH: 78.3%
5 YEAR YoY DEAL GROWTH: 61.5%
Source: CB Insights
HONG KONG POP. 7,431,000
Once part of the British Empire, Hong Kong is now its own autonomous entity under the Chinese government, a truly global financial center that rivals London and New York. See here for more info.
VC FUNDING: $625.0 DEALS: 74: EXITS: 34
5 YEAR YoY FUNDING GROWTH: 0%
5 YEAR YoY DEAL GROWTH: 35.8%
Source: CB Insights
NANJING POP. 6,723,000
Rich in Chinese history and culture, Nanjing is an education center in China and is far less urban than Shanghai or Beijing.
VC FUNDING: $71.9M DEALS: 9: EXITS: 0
5 YEAR YoY FUNDING GROWTH NA%
5 YEAR YoY DEAL GROWTH NA%
Source: CB Insights
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