How Shanghai’s First Regional Startup Space Alliance Began Over Coffee

It started with a simple invitation: “Let’s grab coffee downstairs at Fu Coffee.” On March 29, 2015, just after 11 a.m., dozens of grassroots startup leaders walked out of a formal announcement upstairs at the Shanghai Technology Entrepreneurship Center. The country’s very first regional startup space alliance had just been formed—and they were already gathering on the ground floor at a startup hangout to keep the conversation going, sharing tables, drinks, and ideas.

In short: Shanghai’s first regional startup alliance formed in March 2015, bringing together over 50 local incubators, many of which began meeting in casual coffee spaces like Fu Coffee to exchange resources and ideas. The launch event immediately moved to a ground-floor café to continue networking.

What Is a ‘Startup Space’ in Shanghai?

Think of these as community-run hubs where aspiring entrepreneurs can access tools, advice, and collaborators—often with little more than a table and strong coffee. Many operate out of modest spaces, offering low-cost services to help people turn rough ideas into business plans. One of the most visible is Fu Coffee , located in the basement of the Shanghai Technology Entrepreneurship Center, where founders routinely gather post-event.

The Spark: A 54-Hour ‘Maker Marathon’

Just before the official alliance launch, a 54-hour hackathon called the “Maker Marathon” kicked off at InnoSpace. From Friday evening through Sunday, 120 independent creators worked in a single room, fueled by coffee and snacks, sometimes pulling all-nighters. Participants pitched rough ideas—like a point-of-sale device or relationship mediation software for couples—and then recruited teammates. Only those who found at least four others could advance; 35 ideas yielded just 15 viable teams. “A ‘startup space’ is really a way to crowdsource talent,” explained Hu Dong, co-founder of “Start China” and a participant.

From Hackathons to a Formal Network

The idea for a citywide network grew organically. Hu Dong and other organizers ran public, nonprofit incubators that welcomed anyone with an idea. As these spaces began linking up, they attracted more skilled participants and outside investors. On the day of the official alliance launch, 15 teams were putting the final touches on their business plans, preparing for pitch sessions to potential backers. The grassroots momentum led city officials to invite incubator leaders for coffee—and that casual meeting sparked the plan for a self-governing alliance.

Government Support and the ‘New Workshop’ Model

The Shanghai Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Center offered 300,000 RMB in subsidies to support the alliance’s public service activities, with plans to increase funding. One standout member is “New Workshop” , a 100-square-meter workspace near a 24-hour convenience store on Yuanyuan East Road. Founded by Taiwanese engineer David Li, the space functions like a hardware lab, filled with tools, electronics, and workbenches reminiscent of a TV workshop. It offers open access to prototyping equipment, much like the fictional lab in “The Big Bang Theory.”

Why ‘Coffee Shop Incubators’ Matter

These spaces are often dubbed “coffee shop incubators” because they blend low-key social environments with serious entrepreneurship. According to Yan Xiong, deputy director of the Shanghai Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Center, most couldn’t qualify for traditional government support under standard incubator criteria due to small size or lack of fixed address—but the new alliance changed that. The grassroots push helped create a recognized, citywide network that makes early-stage innovation more practical and sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first regional startup space alliance in China?

The first regional startup space alliance in China was the Shanghai Startup Space Alliance, officially formed on March 29, 2015, at the Shanghai Technology Entrepreneurship Center. It united dozens of local grassroots incubators to share resources and support early-stage entrepreneurs.

Where did the founding members of the alliance meet after the announcement?

After the official announcement at the Shanghai Technology Entrepreneurship Center, the founding members of the alliance gathered downstairs at Fu Coffee to continue discussions, share tables, and enjoy coffee together.

What was the Maker Marathon, and how did it contribute to the alliance?

The Maker Marathon was a 54-hour hackathon held just before the alliance launch at InnoSpace, where 120 creators developed startup ideas in teams. It demonstrated the need for collaboration and helped inspire the formation of a formal startup space network in Shanghai.

What is New Workshop, and what kind of services does it offer?

New Workshop is a 100-square-meter community hardware space in Shanghai founded by David Li. It provides tools, electronics, and workbenches for prototype development, operating like an open-access workshop for independent inventors and makers.

How did the government support the new startup space alliance?

The Shanghai Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Center provided 300,000 RMB in subsidies to support the alliance’s public service activities. Future funding levels are expected to increase to further assist grassroots incubators.

Why are these spaces referred to as ‘coffee shop incubators’?

These grassroots incubators are called ‘coffee shop incubators’ because they often operate in casual, café-like settings where entrepreneurs meet over coffee to collaborate, network, and develop business ideas in a relaxed environment.