Dongguan’s First Internet-Focused Café Opens to Entrepreneurs

Looking for a place where entrepreneurs and tech professionals can meet, share ideas, and find resources—without paying sky-high rent or dealing with stiff corporate events? A new kind of coffee shop has launched in Dongguan with just that mission. But it’s not your average café.

Netcome Café, Dongguan’s first internet-focused café, opened officially on 21st May, backed by 59 local entrepreneurs who crowdfunded over 1 million RMB, with each contributing at least 10,000 RMB. It offers free event space especially for startups and tech meetups.

What Is Netcome Café?

Located in Rongda Building at Nancheng Art Exhibition Center, Netcome Café was initiated by the Dongguan E-Commerce Association on 15th February. The team drew inspiration from Beijing’s well-known 3W Café—a hub for China’s internet community—to create a physical meeting point for entrepreneurs in Dongguan. The idea was to build a tight-knit social platform that could foster collaboration, investment discussions, and shared learning among business owners, especially those in the early stages of building their companies.

How Did the Crowdfunding Work?

The crowdfunding effort saw rapid buy-in from local business leaders focused on the internet economy. With a minimum buy-in of 10,000 RMB per share, 59 entrepreneurs collectively raised more than 1 million RMB to launch and operate the café. This model not only funded the space but also ensured a core group of invested stakeholders committed to its long-term vision.

What Happens Inside the Café?

During its soft-launch phase, Netcome Café already hosted multiple free events. These included a post-Singles’ Day reflection session by a clothing brand and the product launch of Dongguan’s first O2O dry-cleaning platform, run by a group of millennial entrepreneurs. All of these gatherings used the space without charge. The café’s management has committed to continuing this approach, offering its facilities to any company or individual looking to host knowledge-sharing salons or networking meetups.

What’s the Long-Term Vision?

Netcome Café’s operations head and shareholder Luo Zhicheng says the goal isn’t short-term profit. “We aim to create a deep exchange platform for internet professionals,” he explains. The café plans to invite leading figures from China’s internet industry to Dongguan for informal meetings and project discussions over coffee. They also want to expand their network to include influential ecommerce and tech players from nearby cities. “This café is a catalyst,” Luo adds, “not just a place to drink coffee.”

How Will It Stay Open Without Focusing on Profit?

Unlike many struggling startup cafés, Netcome Café’s investors aren’t fixated on immediate financial returns. Shareholder and Dongguan Jetlink Technology chairman Xiuxiyi says the focus is on building a meaningful ecosystem. “We want the network effect to benefit the wider Dongguan internet community, turning potential losses into long-term value.”

What’s the Business Model Going Forward?

The café has outlined a preliminary strategy based on its strong community ties. It plans to develop a curated micro-mall featuring selected high-quality “Dongguan-made” products. The selection process follows the café’s philosophy of “product enjoyment” and “crowdfunded sharing.” One key initiative is the “Showcase Dongguan” campaign, where local entrepreneurs regularly introduce their products at the café. The micro-mall will focus on a limited number of items, chosen for their sensory appeal and story, and may even include factory tour experiences for consumers to see how Dongguan goods are made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Netcome Café located?

Netcome Café is located in Rongda Building at Nancheng Art Exhibition Center in Dongguan, a central area for local business and creative activity.

Who founded Netcome Café?

The café was initiated by the Dongguan E-Commerce Association and backed by 59 local entrepreneurs, including shareholders like Luo Zhicheng and Xiuxiyi.

How was the café funded?

It was funded through a crowdfunding effort where 59 entrepreneurs each invested at least 10,000 RMB, raising over 1 million RMB in total.

Does Netcome Café charge for events?

No, during its soft launch the café hosted multiple free events for startups, including product launches and industry talks, and plans to continue offering free space for qualifying meetups.

What kind of businesses does the café want to attract?

It especially targets startups and internet-focused companies, aiming to serve as a collaborative hub for early-stage entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

What is the “Showcase Dongguan” initiative?

This is a planned campaign where Dongguan-based entrepreneurs present their products at the café, supported by a micro-mall featuring locally made goods with an emphasis on quality and experience.