Top 38 Shenzhen Startups to Watch in 2026
Shenzhen is a major center for hardware and robotics development. The city's startups often focus on creating physical products for consumers and industries.
For example, robotics company X Square raised over one billion yuan in its Series A round. Meanwhile, pool cleaning company Aiper has secured over $212 million in funding.
Below is our list of 38 Shenzhen startups worth keeping an eye on.
Failory's Top 10 Picks
Aiper builds cordless robotic cleaners that automate pool maintenance for homeowners. Their line of products is designed to make the entire cleaning process effortless.
| 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 builds a suite of smart home products that make it easy to automate your home. Their most notable device is a tiny robot that mechanically flips switches and presses buttons, turning almost any existing appliance into a smart one.
| 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 |
X Square develops a universal 'brain' for robots, a system that integrates perception, decision-making, and physical action. Their platform aims to provide the core intelligence for general-purpose robots, enabling them to operate autonomously in complex environments.
| 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 builds advanced robots to clean and inspect ship hulls for the global maritime industry. Their technology helps operators reduce fuel consumption and prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species.
| 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 develops a comprehensive ecosystem of smart home hardware and software, including a wide range of sensors, hubs, and controllers. Their products are designed to integrate with major platforms, making home automation more accessible for everyday users.
| 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 |
JMGO develops and manufactures a range of smart projectors and laser TVs designed for home entertainment. Their products combine high-end optical technology with intelligent software to create immersive viewing experiences.
| 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 develops autonomous case-handling robot (ACR) systems that automate logistics within warehouses and factories. Their signature HAIPICK solution uses advanced robotics and AI to increase storage density and improve operational efficiency.
| 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 builds a range of electric bikes designed for everyday commuting and leisure. Their models are recognized for combining stylish design with reliable performance and safety features.
| 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 |
DJI designs and manufactures drones and camera systems that have become the standard for aerial photography and videography. Their products serve a wide audience, from hobbyists and content creators to enterprise clients in sectors like agriculture and public safety.
| Year Founded | 2006 |
| Founders | Frank Wang |
| Funding Amount | $107.8M |
| Startup Size | Enterprise Organization (5,001+) |
| Last Funding Status | Secondary Market |
| Top Investors | Accel, HSG, Lighthouse Capital Management, Victor Koch, Aeternam Stella |
ENGINEAI develops general-purpose humanoid robots, like its X1 model, designed to operate in complex real-world environments. The team focuses on advancing embodied intelligence, enabling their robots to handle sophisticated tasks in industrial manufacturing and commercial services.
| Year Founded | 2023 |
| Founders | — |
| Funding Amount | CN¥1.3B |
| Startup Size | Lean Team (11-50) |
| Last Funding Status | Series A |
| Top Investors | Highlight Capital, Baidu Ventures, JD.com, Contemporary Amperex Technology, Fortune Venture Capital |
28 Additional Shenzhen Startups Worth Following
Those top picks are just a glimpse into the city's bustling startup world. Founders across Shenzhen are tackling big problems, especially in fields like AI and hardware.
Combined, these companies have raised more than $2 billion to bring their ideas to life. Below is a look at the other startups that are defining the city's tech landscape.
| Startup | Industry | Year Founded | Amount Raised | Last Funding Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 OnePlus | Manufacturing | 2013 | — | — |
 Haivivi | Retail | 2021 | CN¥200M | Series A |
 AUKEY | Hardware | 2005 | $1.3M | Venture Round |
 HeyTea | Food | 2012 | $595.1M | Series D |
 Hohem | Media | 2014 | CN¥100M | Series B |
 Elegoo | Hardware | 2015 | £2.5M | Equity Crowdfunding |
 Ambilight | Manufacturing | 2017 | $20M | Series C |
 Timekettle | AI | 2016 | CN¥10M | Series A |
 Orbbec | AI | 2013 | $200M | Series D |
 ZongTeng Group | Other | 2009 | CN¥700M | Series B |
 RealMe | Retail | 2018 | — | — |
 BMW | AI | 1999 | — | Venture Round |
 xTool | Retail | 2013 | $4.3M | Product Crowdfunding |
 Deeproute | AI | 2019 | $450M | Series C |
 PuduTech | AI | 2016 | $185.1M | Series C |
 Deep Stream Micro | AI | 2021 | CN¥200M | Series A |
 Naixuecha | Food | 2014 | $215.8M | Series C |
 XVERSE | Media | 2019 | $160M | Series A |
 CVA Chip | Enterprise | 2018 | CN¥300M | Series B |
 ACE Battery | Hardware | 2014 | CN¥300M | Series B |
 Asensing | Mobility | 2014 | CN¥380M | Venture Round |
 LightSail Technology | AI | 2016 | CN¥130M | Series A |
 Syrius Robotics | AI | 2018 | $52.3M | Venture Round |
 Zhuiyi Technology | AI | 2016 | $61.6M | Series C |
 AllSaints Music | Media | 1993 | $60M | Series B |
 Starfield Food & Science Technology | AgTech | 2017 | $125M | Series B |
 VISPEK | AI | 2018 | $6.5M | Series B |
 Comicool | Media | 2014 | $15M | Series B |
