How 28 Shareholders Opened a Coffee Shop Together in China

Ever dreamed of opening a coffee shop but didn’t have the tens of thousands needed to get started—or the time to run it alone? You’re not alone. Most would-be cafe owners abandon the idea before it begins. But a group of 28 people in Foshan, China, found a way to make it happen together, turning a shared dream into a brick-and-mortar reality by July.

The solution? A crowdfunded, multi-shareholder model inspired by Beijing’s 'many people’s coffee shop'. Twenty-eight individuals contributed as little as ¥2,000 each, pooling over ¥350,000 to open a cafe—proving that collective effort can overcome high startup costs and solo burnout.

The Origins: Three Friends and a Big Idea

It all started with three friends: Huang Jiasheng, Wang Feng, and Lu Zhihui, all 23-year-old e-commerce majors. In February, they hatched a plan to open a cafe. By June, their vision had expanded far beyond the three of them. With just ¥120,000 saved between them—and full-time jobs limiting their availability—they realized they’d need help to reach their ¥350,000 goal.

They found inspiration online. In late 2010, a Beijing netizen had launched a campaign on Douban (a Chinese social platform) to open a 'many people’s coffee shop', inviting others to invest as little as ¥2,000 to become shareholders. That project attracted over 80 backers and successfully opened its doors. The Foshan trio decided to replicate the model locally.

From Online Post to Real-World Cafe

Initially, the team struggled to gain traction. Their first public meeting on April 23 attracted 13 potential investors, but their abstract pitch failed to convince all but one. Undeterred, they refined their approach. They researched local cafes, fine-tuned their business plan, and broke costs down in detail—even estimating the price per cup.

By May 1, a second meeting showed progress. Attendees responded positively to the detailed proposal, and word spread online through Weibo, Douban, QQ, and WeChat. Soon, strangers from Fujian and Zhejiang provinces were contacting them, transferring money after brief online chats. One person even sent funds the day after a QQ conversation.

The Shareholder Model: 28 People, One Vision

The project now involves 28 shareholders contributing a total of 134 out of 175 planned shares (each priced at ¥2,000), raising nearly ¥268,000 toward their ¥350,000 target. No single shareholder owns more than ¥100,000, with the largest contribution at ¥50,000. Most invested just one or two shares.

The shareholders come from diverse backgrounds—fashion designers, office workers, corporate executives, small business owners, and even university students. Ages range from the 70s to 90s generations, though most are in their 30s. Despite their differences, they share a common drive: to open a cafe, even if it means taking on unconventional roles.

Managing a 28-Person Team

Coordinating such a large group with no prior business experience posed challenges. Many had never run a company, let alone collaborated with 27 others. To manage, the founders divided shareholders into functional teams based on skills and interests—such as interior design, procurement, marketing, and finance.

Those living out of town contributed remotely, advising on branding, uniforms, and legal structures. One art-loving shareholder sketched a custom painting for the café’s decor. Despite limited business experience, everyone contributed in their own way—learning as they went.

Governance: Voting, Budgets, and Transparency

Before opening, a preparatory committee oversees spending. Decisions under ¥5,000 can be made independently; larger amounts require email approval from a majority of shareholders. Post-opening, governance shifts to a democratically elected board, with major decisions requiring a two-thirds majority vote at shareholder meetings—each share equals one vote.

To maintain trust, the team committed to monthly financial reports and full transparency with receipts. They also capped individual ownership at ¥100,000 to preserve the 'many people’ spirit and avoid dominance by a few.

The Name and the Dream: Soulmate Cafe

The café is set to open in July under the name 'Soulmate'—a phonetic translation of the English word 'soulmate'. Beyond profit, the founders emphasize that the cafe represents a shared dream and community bond. Financial sustainability matters more than rapid returns, with an estimated break-even timeline of around two years.

'We’re clear with our shareholders,' said Huang Jiasheng. 'The priority is keeping the cafe alive and nurturing the dream—not chasing profits. That’s what makes this more than just another business.'

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shareholders contributed to the Foshan coffee shop?

Twenty-eight shareholders collectively invested in the project, contributing between one and two shares each in most cases. The maximum any one person invested was ¥50,000, with a strict limit of ¥100,000 per shareholder to preserve the collective ownership spirit.

How much money did they raise and what was the goal?

The group raised nearly ¥268,000 (134 shares at ¥2,000 each) toward a target of ¥350,000. Their initial funding goal covered pre-launch expenses and one year of operating costs.

What model did they use to start the cafe?

They replicated the 'many people’s coffee shop' model, inspired by a successful Beijing initiative where over 80 people each invested ¥2,000 or more to open a cafe together. The Foshan team adapted the same grassroots crowdfunding approach.

How are decisions made in a cafe with so many owners?

During the setup phase, a preparatory committee manages budgets under ¥5,000, while larger expenditures require majority shareholder email approval. After opening, a board elected by all shareholders handles daily decisions, with major issues decided by a two-thirds vote at general meetings.

What’s the business philosophy behind this model?

The founders prioritized making the cafe dream a reality over immediate profitability. They emphasize community, transparency, and collective ownership—stating that sustaining the project and learning together matter more than short-term financial gains.

When is the cafe scheduled to open?

The cafe, named Soulmate, is set to open in July. The name symbolizes the deep personal connections among the shareholders, who see the project as a way to create meaningful experiences beyond just serving coffee.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Community Cafes

For a community-focused cafe like Soulmate, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for its balanced profile with caramel sweetness and mild acidity—great for milk drinks and beginner drinkers. Pair it with Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral notes and fruity complexity in filter brews. For espresso lovers, their Black Cocoa Blend offers rich chocolatey depth with a velvety mouthfeel. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Community Cafes

For a community-focused cafe like Soulmate, we recommend FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend for its balanced profile with caramel sweetness and mild acidity—great for milk drinks and beginner drinkers. Pair it with Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral notes and fruity complexity in filter brews. For espresso lovers, their Black Cocoa Blend offers rich chocolatey depth with a velvety mouthfeel. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.