Shanghai is home to 40 unicorn companies and you can find them all in this article.
In terms of entrepreneurship and business, Shanghai has evolved into one of the top emerging cities in the world.
Hundreds of startup companies have been founded in this Chinese city, many of which are enjoying incredible success.
This has resulted in 40 companies reaching unicorn status and being valued at $1 billion or more.
AIWAYS is a smart car manufacturer based in Shanghai, China that creates beautiful electric vehicles that can be used in any situation.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.78
B (
April 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2017
Founders:
Fu Qiang, Gu Feng
Industries:
Artificial Intelligence, Automotive, Electric Vehicle, Manufacturing
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
CN¥5,200,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
6
Number of investors:
4
Alisports is building a global platform for community sports, where clubs, leagues, federations, and sponsors connect with their communities in new ways.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.27
B (
April 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
Dazhong Zhang
Industries:
Marketing, Sports
Number of employees:
100-250
Funding Amount:
CN¥1,200,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
2
ASR Microelectronics designs, develops, and sells globally microelectronic components for communications and computing applications based on a portfolio of technologies for power management, radio frequency , signal conversion, adaptive control, and interfaces.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.60
B (
April 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
Vincent Tai
Industries:
Electronics, Product Design, Semiconductor, Software
Number of employees:
250-500
Funding Amount:
$333,867,949
Number of funding rounds:
4
Number of investors:
15
Banma Network Technologies is a next-generation automotive technology company that offers the first standard operating system for cars, the AliOS.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.00
B (
September 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
Alex Shi
Industries:
Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles, Internet
Number of employees:
250-500
Funding Amount:
$233,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
3
Biren Technology is an innovative high-tech startup, with expertise in a range of fields that has helped us become the area’s leading developer.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.09
B (
August 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2019
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Hardware, Information Technology, Internet, Software
Number of employees:
250-500
Funding Amount:
$285,213,771
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
28
ByteDance is an Internet technology company founded to become the market leader in developing and operating content platforms.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$140.00
B (
April 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2012
Founders:
Yiming Zhang
Industries:
Artificial Intelligence, Content, Data Mining, Machine Learning
Number of employees:
10,000+
Funding Amount:
$9,405,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
12
Number of investors:
29
Changingedu is helping make learning an accessible and affordable experience for students.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.50
B (
October 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Xuhui
Started in:
2014
Founders:
Liu Changke
Industries:
E-Learning, EdTech, Education, Mobile
Number of employees:
100-250
Funding Amount:
$188,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
5
Number of investors:
7
China UnionPay Merchant Services is a professional payment company that provides merchants with the opportunity to accept credit cards and other electronic payments.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$2.90
B (
October 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2001
Founders:
Lin Tian
Industries:
Banking, Customer Service, Finance, Financial Services, Professional Services
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$318,774,795
Number of funding rounds:
4
Number of investors:
4
COSMOplat is a cloud platform that provides cost-effective and useful solutions for your industrial automation.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.00
B (
April 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2017
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Information Technology, Internet, Internet of Things
Number of employees:
10-50
Funding Amount:
CN¥1,150,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
2
Number of investors:
7
DeepBlue Technology is a leader in image-processing solutions for retail establishments. They create customized solutions that help retailers collect better data and increase their customer base.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.35
B (
April 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2014
Founders:
Haibo Chen
Industries:
Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Information Technology, Machine Learning, Retail Technology
Number of employees:
10-50
Funding Amount:
$94,800,000
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
4
Dianrong is an online marketplace lending company that makes financing more easily accessible to individuals.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.00
B (
August 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2013
Founders:
Kevin Guo, Soul Htite
Industries:
Finance, Financial Services, FinTech, Internet, Marketplace
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$549,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
8
Number of investors:
21
Dingdong Maicai is a fresh vegetable e-commerce platform that enables farmers to sell their fresh produce online to consumers.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$2.00
B (
May 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2014
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
E-Commerce, Food and Beverage, Sales
Number of employees:
50-100
Funding Amount:
$1,330,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
7
Number of investors:
22
DotC United Group helps governments and businesses with digital transformation to thrive in a connected world.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1
B (
July 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2009
Founders:
Yi Shi
Industries:
Android, Internet, iOS, Marketing, Mobile Apps, Software
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
CN¥2,500,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
7
eBroker is a B2B2C global insurance and financial services marketplace that allows Chinese consumers to buy from a global array of products, including private insurance.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.90
B (
February 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
Max He
Industries:
Financial Services, FinTech, Insurance, Marketplace
Number of employees:
100-250
Funding Amount:
$101,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
4
Number of investors:
4
Enflame is a chip development company focusing on training platforms for deep learning solutions to common AI problems. This will significantly reduce business time and costs.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.40
B (
January 2021
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2018
Founders:
Arthur Zhang, Lidong Zhao
Industries:
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Semiconductor, Software
Number of employees:
100-250
Funding Amount:
CN¥3,149,500,000
Number of funding rounds:
6
Number of investors:
12
ENOVATE is a high-end new energy vehicle manufacturer employing modern technology and innovative methods to change the way people travel.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.85
B (
April 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Automotive, Energy, Mobile
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
CN¥2,000,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
No Data
Hello TransTech (formerly HelloBike) is a smart-sharing platform that develops innovative ways to experience travel in different cities.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$5.00
B (
June 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2016
Founders:
Han Mei, Jiang Wei, Li Kaizhu, Yang Lei
Industries:
Apps, Customer Service, Cycling, Information Technology, Last Mile Transportation, Ride Sharing, Transportation, Travel
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$1,754,944,610
Number of funding rounds:
7
Number of investors:
7
Hesai has designed the first fully-autonomous radar based on laser-microwave technology that accurately detects moving obstacles and recognizes static obstacles with the highest accuracy.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.05
B (
August 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2013
Founders:
Kai Sun, Shaoqing Xiang, Yifan Li
Industries:
Autonomous Vehicles, Laser, Manufacturing, Sensor, Transportation
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
$231,151,155
Number of funding rounds:
7
Number of investors:
11
Huaqin provides wireless network solutions and services for multinational corporations world-wide.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$2.19
B (
October 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2001
Founders:
Wensheng Qiu
Industries:
Communication Hardware, Mobile Devices, Telecommunications, Wireless
Number of employees:
10,000+
Funding Amount:
CN¥2,020,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
11
Hujiang is a professional learning platform that provides users with enjoyable and convenient learning.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.00
B (
October 2015
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2001
Founders:
Cairui Fu
Industries:
EdTech, Education, Internet
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$187,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
5
Number of investors:
4
Hupu provides news and commentary for sports fans. It is the premier destination where sports fanatics can congregate, discuss their favorite teams, and follow their favorite players.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.10
B (
June 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2004
Founders:
Shawn Cheng
Industries:
Media and Entertainment, News, Social Media, Sports
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
$337,927,040
Number of funding rounds:
5
Number of investors:
5
Lianshang Literature is a purely online novel reading platform. Readers are able to read original works without the intrusion of ads or pop-ups.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1
B (
December 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2017
Founders:
Jinguo Zhang
Industries:
EBooks
Number of employees:
No Data
Funding Amount:
$20,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
1
Manner is a specialty coffee chain, committed to exceptional atmosphere, taste, and style while maintaining a sustainable work environment.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.30
B (
December 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Coffee, Food and Beverage, Supply Chain Management
Number of employees:
50-100
Funding Amount:
No Data
Number of funding rounds:
2
Number of investors:
3
MicroPort Medbot is the premier choice for robotic surgery, Intravascular Robotic Surgery, radiology intervention and image-guided intervention.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$3.29
B (
September 2020
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2014
Founders:
Zhaohua Chang
Industries:
Health Care, Medical, Medical Device, Robotics
Number of employees:
10-50
Funding Amount:
CN¥3,500,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
5
Mofang Gongyu is a real estate developer and property manager that provides apartment homes to individuals, families, and professionals.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.50
B (
April 2016
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2010
Founders:
Lan Ge
Industries:
Property Management, Real Estate, Rental Property, Sales
Number of employees:
50-100
Funding Amount:
$650,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
4
Number of investors:
4
Ouyeel Trading Platform is an online platform for Chinese steelmakers to buy and sell their excess production. The platform enables Chinese steelmakers to share products, improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.45
B (
June 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Baoshan
Started in:
2016
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Advanced Materials, Industrial Manufacturing, Trading Platform
Number of employees:
250-500
Funding Amount:
$431,894,100
Number of funding rounds:
2
Number of investors:
9
Qianxun Spatial Intelligence has integrated global positioning technologies to deliver precise positioning products and solutions for various applications.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.83
B (
October 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Geospatial, GPS, Location Based Services, Navigation
Number of employees:
100-250
Funding Amount:
CN¥1,000,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
7
Squirrel AI Learning builds adaptive educational solutions that drive academic achievement and enhance the learner experience.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.10
B (
April 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2014
Founders:
Derek Li, Jason Wei Zhou, Wei Cui
Industries:
Artificial Intelligence, E-Learning, EdTech, Education, Internet, Machine Learning
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$131,300,000
Number of funding rounds:
4
Number of investors:
10
Tuhu is an automotive supplier delivering high value, innovative products and services.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.16
B (
September 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2011
Founders:
Min Chen
Industries:
Automotive, E-Commerce, Service Industry
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
$874,783,159
Number of funding rounds:
7
Number of investors:
14
United Imaging Healthcare is a manufacturer of medical equipment and treatments for the healthcare industry.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$5.00
B (
September 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2011
Founders:
Daniel Mou
Industries:
Health Care, Health Diagnostics, Manufacturing, Medical, Medical Device
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
CN¥3,300,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
1
Number of investors:
5
WeWork China is a fully integrated, all-in-one workspace provider that unites the work of every aspect of your business.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$5
B (
July 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2017
Founders:
Adam Neumann, Miguel McKelvey
Industries:
Coworking, Real Estate
Number of employees:
10,000+
Funding Amount:
$1,200,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
14
Shanghai Lian Shang is a leading Internet technology developer and provider. Its vision is to create a value-added online platform for mobile operators and content providers.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.00
B (
January 2015
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2008
Founders:
No Data
Industries:
Internet, Mobile, Wireless
Number of employees:
10-50
Funding Amount:
$52,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
4
WM Motor is an all-electric company that designs, builds, and markets super safe zero emissions vehicles.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$5.00
B (
March 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
Bin Lu, Hui Shen, Ligang Du
Industries:
Automotive, Autonomous Vehicles, Electric Vehicle, Manufacturing
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$4,859,399,622
Number of funding rounds:
6
Number of investors:
24
Xiaohongshu is the latest innovation in social interaction, a way to share your experiences and learn from those around you.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$3.00
B (
March 2016
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2013
Founders:
Charlwin Mao Wenchao, Miranda Qu
Industries:
E-Commerce, Mobile, Mobile Apps, Shopping
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$417,691,786
Number of funding rounds:
7
Number of investors:
8
Ximalaya is a commercial web radio platform. Ximalaya provides royalty-free music, audio books, and podcasts for businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.52
B (
September 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2012
Founders:
Jianjun Yu
Industries:
Audio, Internet Radio, Mobile
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
$123,117,134
Number of funding rounds:
9
Number of investors:
31
Yiguo.com is a fresh food e-commerce platform offering Asia’s best choices in online grocery shopping.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.20
B (
November 2016
)
Country:
China
City:
Changning
Started in:
2005
Founders:
Zhang Ye
Industries:
E-Commerce, Grocery, Online Portals, Retail
Number of employees:
5,000-10,000
Funding Amount:
$500,000,000
Number of funding rounds:
3
Number of investors:
3
Yimidida is a Chinese pioneer in the crowd-sourced delivery industry which provides high-quality logistics services with an AI algorithm model.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.17
B (
January 2019
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2015
Founders:
Yang Xingyun
Industries:
Cloud Data Services, Logistics, Productivity Tools
Number of employees:
10,000+
Funding Amount:
$543,605,512
Number of funding rounds:
6
Number of investors:
10
YITU Technology Inc. is a technology company that designs, manufactures, and markets products using artificial intelligence and interactive motion technology applications.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$2.17
B (
March 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2012
Founders:
Lin Chenxi, Zhu Long
Industries:
Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Health Care, Machine Learning
Number of employees:
500-1,000
Funding Amount:
$411,800,418
Number of funding rounds:
13
Number of investors:
15
Youxia Motors is a niche EV manufacturer that provides high quality production and a wide range of services.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$3.35
B (
April 2018
)
Country:
China
City:
Minhang
Started in:
2014
Founders:
Will Lee
Industries:
Automotive, Electric Vehicle, Industrial Design, Manufacturing
Number of employees:
100-250
Funding Amount:
$1,334,520,263
Number of funding rounds:
4
Number of investors:
5
Zhangmen is a tutoring platform that offers affordable, high-quality, customized courses online.
Details of the startup:
Valuation:
$1.60
B (
December 2017
)
Country:
China
City:
Shanghai
Started in:
2010
Founders:
Yi Zhang
Industries:
EdTech, Education, Information Services
Number of employees:
1,000-5,000
Funding Amount:
$502,277,273
Number of funding rounds:
6
Number of investors:
8
