Guangdong's startup scene is defined by its strength in hardware and advanced manufacturing. Companies in robotics, smart home devices, and electronics are attracting major investments.
Newcomers like robotics firm X Square, founded in 2023, highlight the region's investment appeal with CN¥1.1 billion in funding. More established companies such as smart projector maker JMGO also command large sums, having raised $378.6 million.
Below is our list of 100 Guangdong startups worth keeping an eye on.
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Get the Sheet for $50Aiper develops a range of cordless robotic cleaners designed to keep swimming pools pristine. Their products are engineered for user-friendly, automated maintenance, removing the manual labor from pool care.
| Year Founded | 2021 |
| Founders | Richard Wang |
| Funding Amount | $212.6M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Venture Round |
| Top Investors | XVC, Fosun RZ Capital, Yunqi Partners, Fluidra, Fengqiao Capital |
SwitchBot creates a range of smart home devices designed to automate and upgrade existing household appliances. Their signature product is a small robot that mechanically presses buttons and switches, making almost any device smart without complex installation.
| Year Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Richard Mou, Zhichen Li |
| Funding Amount | CN¥3M |
| Startup Size | Large Team (251-1,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Series B |
| Top Investors | Fortune Venture Capital, QF Capital, Ventech China, XBOTPARK Jijin, Netac Technology |
LEGO delivers end-to-end e-commerce solutions, covering everything from technology and consulting to digital services and training. They specialize in helping businesses establish and grow their online operations within the new retail environment.
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | — |
| Funding Amount | CN¥13M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | — |
X Square builds a universal AI system designed to function as a brain and cerebellum for robots. This foundational model gives machines end-to-end capabilities, from perceiving their environment to executing complex actions.
| Year Founded | 2023 |
| Founders | — |
| Funding Amount | CN¥1.1B |
| Startup Size | — |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | Sequoia Capital, Legend Capital, Lightspeed China Partners, Meituan, Longzhu Capital |
Neptune Robotics offers robotic hull cleaning and inspection services to maritime operators. Their autonomous systems help manage biofouling, which improves a vessel's fuel efficiency and overall performance.
| Year Founded | 2018 |
| Founders | Elizabeth Chan, Jacky IM, Kate Hongqian Ma |
| Funding Amount | $69.3M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Series B |
| Top Investors | HSG, Matrix Partners China, SOSV, Granite Asia, Cloud Angel Fund |
Aqara builds a wide array of hardware and software solutions for creating a customized smart home experience. Their product line includes sensors, cameras, and controllers designed to be user-friendly and compatible with major home automation ecosystems.
| Year Founded | 2009 |
| Founders | Eugene You |
| Funding Amount | $271.8M |
| Startup Size | Major Organization (1,001-5,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Series C |
| Top Investors | Shenzhen Capital Group, Gaorong Capital, Xiaomi, Cathay Capital, Shunwei Capital |
XAG develops a range of agricultural drones, robots, and autonomous systems for smart farming. Their technology is used for precision tasks like crop spraying, seeding, and field monitoring to improve agricultural productivity.
| Year Founded | 2007 |
| Founders | Dylan D. Jeng,, Justin Gong |
| Funding Amount | $248.4M |
| Startup Size | Major Organization (1,001-5,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Series D |
| Top Investors | Hillhouse Investment, SoftBank Vision Fund, Sinovation Ventures, Baidu Capital, Chengwei Capital |
JMGO builds smart projectors and laser TVs that transform home spaces into personal cinemas. Their devices integrate high-performance optics with intelligent operating systems for a premium viewing experience.
| Year Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Chen Xingbo, Eric Hu |
| Funding Amount | $378.6M |
| Startup Size | Large Team (251-1,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Product Crowdfunding |
| Top Investors | Alibaba Group, IDG Capital, Fortune Venture Capital, GF Xinde Investment Management, Green Pine Capital Partners |
HAI ROBOTICS creates autonomous case-handling robotic (ACR) systems that bring automation to warehouses and factories. Their technology uses AI algorithms to help clients increase storage density and make their supply chain operations more efficient.
| Year Founded | 2016 |
| Founders | Richie Chen, Shengdong Xu |
| Funding Amount | $285M |
| Startup Size | Major Organization (1,001-5,000) |
| Last Funding Status | Series D |
| Top Investors | HSG, Walden International, Source Code Capital, Legend Star, 01vc |
Velotric creates a line of stylish electric bikes designed for everyday riders. They emphasize a combination of rider comfort, long battery range, and certified safety standards in their products.
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | — |
| Funding Amount | CN¥50M |
| Startup Size | Mid-Size Team (51-250) |
| Last Funding Status | Series B |
| Top Investors | Shunwei Capital, Taihill Venture, Redpoint Ventures China, Fosun RZ Capital, Seas Capital |
90 Additional Guangdong Startups Worth Following
Our top 10 picks offer a small glimpse into Guangdong's bustling startup scene. All across the province, founders are building new companies and finding the funds to grow.
Many are focused on areas like AI, hardware, and mobility, and they've collectively raised billions. Below is a look at the other 90 companies helping to define the region's future.
