Dongguan’s First Crowdfunded O2O Internet Cafe Launches

When 59 ecommerce professionals in Dongguan pooled resources to open a new kind of cafe, they weren’t chasing profits—they were solving a bigger problem: how to build stronger connections, share knowledge, and grow talent in a fragmented industry. The result is (Wanglai Coffee), the city’s first O2O internet-themed cafe built entirely through crowdfunding.

In short: This 59-shareholder cafe launched after 10 months of prep and soft opening, raised ¥1 million in a month, and isn’t focused on coffee sales—it’s a hub for ecommerce networking, workshops, and product launches.

What Is and Why Does It Matter?

(Wanglai Coffee), located in Nancheng District, Dongguan, is the city’s first crowdfunding-based O2O (online-to-offline) internet theme coffee bar. It officially opened in late 2014 following nearly 10 months of preparation and trial operations. While it serves coffee, its primary mission isn’t beverage sales—it’s community building and ecommerce talent cultivation.

How It Started: A Crowdfunding Success Story

The project began in February 2014 when members of the Dongguan Ecommerce Association proposed creating an industry platform via crowdfunding. The response was immediate and strong: within a month, the initiative raised ¥1 million in seed funding. The final group includes 59 shareholders, mostly ecommerce entrepreneurs and executives from Dongguan. This collective approach allowed them to launch quickly and with clear industry focus.

What the Cafe Actually Does

According to Luo Zhicheng, project leader and Secretary-General of the Dongguan Ecommerce Association, profitability isn’t the goal. Instead, the cafe functions as a platform for:

• Knowledge sharing and lecture salons
• Resource and product sharing
• Project matchmaking and collaboration
• Hosting company presentations and release events
• Inviting industry leaders for investment talks
• Supporting ecommerce-centric crowdfunding projects

The space has already hosted multiple private salons and product unveilings during its closed beta phase in Q3 2014. Two elected boards of directors now manage daily operations.

The Online Extension: Ecommerce Meets Physical Space

Beyond the physical cafe, Wanglai Coffee is developing an online platform and micro-mall. Unlike conventional e-commerce, the mall promotes "Guangdong-made" products through experiential marketing. Potential items are first shared with a curated consumer group and even involve factory visits—only products with broad approval make it to the shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is and where is it located?

(Wanglai Coffee) is Dongguan’s first O2O (online-to-offline) internet-themed coffee bar, located in Nancheng District. It was founded by 59 ecommerce professionals through a crowdfunding model.

How was the cafe funded?

The project raised ¥1 million in just one month through crowdfunding. It now has 59 shareholders, most of whom are ecommerce business owners and executives from the Dongguan area.

Is the cafe focused on making money?

No. Profit isn’t the main goal. The cafe is designed as a hub for knowledge sharing, resource networking, and ecommerce talent development. It also hosts workshops, lectures, and product showcases.

What kinds of activities take place there?

The cafe hosts company salons, product launches, industry talks, and networking events. It also acts as a venue for inviting successful ecommerce leaders to meet local entrepreneurs.

Does the cafe have an online component?

Yes. Wanglai Coffee is building an online platform and micro-mall that promotes local Guangdong products. Products are selected based on consumer experience and factory tours, not traditional marketing.

Who manages the cafe?

The cafe is overseen by two elected boards of directors. Luo Zhicheng, Secretary-General of the Dongguan Ecommerce Association, is the project leader.