How Chengdu’s 'Startup Coffee' Became a Hub for Entrepreneurs

In Chengdu, where tech talent abounds but collaboration hubs were scarce, one entrepreneur spotted a gap—and filled it with coffee. For aspiring founders tired of working in isolation, a simple question emerged: where could they meet like-minded people, pitch ideas, and find investors without the formality of a boardroom? The answer turned out to be a coffee shop designed not just for caffeine, but for connection.

Very Coffee , founded in 2012, serves as both a café and a networking hub where entrepreneurs can work, meet investors, and attend events—all for the price of an 18-yuan coffee. The model isn’t about profit from coffee sales, but about creating a space where deals and dreams are brewed together.

The Founder’s Journey: From Games to Incubation

Martin Ma , founder of Very Coffee, is now a prominent figure among Chengdu’s startup scene—but his path wasn’t straightforward. A native of Henan and graduate of Southwest Jiaotong University, Ma initially landed a high-paying job at NetEase Games in Guangzhou after graduation. With a salary far above his peers, he seemed set for a stable career. Yet, just two years in, he felt the itch to create something of his own.

First Attempt: A Costly Misstep

In October 2007, Ma borrowed 320,000 yuan from his parents to start a company—but he chose the wrong path. Lacking expertise in his chosen field, he built a product that didn’t sell. After six tough months, only around 10,000 yuan remained from his initial loan. “I stepped into a minefield by doing something I wasn’t good at,” Ma reflects.

Pivot to Web Games—and an Unexpected Exit

Ma regrouped with a small team to develop low-cost web games, which generated enough revenue to keep going. But his real focus was on a dynamic password protection device he hoped to bring to market. During a trip to Beijing, he pitched endlessly to investors—but it was his gaming background, not his hardware idea, that caught the attention of a local real estate tycoon. The result? A major investment in game development, a first-class flight home, and an unexpected shift into becoming a professional manager. Two years later, he walked away, still longing to build something of his own.

Second Try: Mobile Games with Funding Ups and Downs

Back in Chengdu, Ma secured 3 million yuan from friends and launched a mobile gaming startup. The industry, he says, is “like gambling”—some succeed overnight, others fail just as fast. While his venture didn’t explode, it survived. At its peak, the company handled agency fees exceeding 5 million yuan, offering a taste of stability. Yet Ma knew he wanted to solve a different kind of problem.

The Birth of 'Startup Coffee'

In late 2012, during a casual chat with friends, Ma identified a glaring hole in Chengdu’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: there was no dedicated space for startups to gather, network, and find support. Inspired by successful models like Beijing’s Garage Café and Guangzhou’s 3W Coffee, he envisioned a similar space in Chengdu—one that served more than coffee.

Thus, Very Coffee was born. Located on the third floor of Building 9 in Chengdu’s Software Park, the 1,500-square-meter café quickly became a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors. The concept was simple yet powerful: offer affordable coffee (18 yuan per cup), long hours, and a space where ideas could flow as freely as the espresso.

A Space Designed for Collaboration

Very Coffee isn’t your average café. Its walls feature posters, blackboard scribbles, and shelves stacked with magazines—all echoing themes of innovation and ambition. Entrepreneurs gather here, laptops open, pitching ideas, refining business plans, or simply soaking in the energy of like-minded individuals. Regular events bring together founders and funders, transforming coffee breaks into deal-making moments.

“When we first hosted an event, only about a dozen people showed up,” Ma recalls. “Now, we regularly attract 300-plus attendees.” The space also includes private meeting rooms for startup teams needing a more focused environment.

How the Model Works—Without Selling Coffee

Unlike traditional cafés, Very Coffee doesn’t rely on coffee sales for profit. Instead, it operates on a balanced revenue model, offering basic services at cost while creating opportunities for additional value. “If someone needs a sugar packet, we’ll sell it to them—and maybe even give them a nice tin to go with it,” Ma explains. “Everyone leaves happy.”

The café maintains operational equilibrium by keeping costs in check and focusing on community-driven income streams. Events, membership services, and ancillary sales contribute to its sustainability, ensuring the space remains a hub for innovation without pressuring customers to overspend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Very Coffee ?

Very Coffee is a Chengdu-based café and entrepreneurial hub that combines affordable coffee with workspace, networking events, and investor meetups. Founded in 2012, it allows entrepreneurs to work for 18 yuan per cup while accessing resources and connections to grow their startups.

Who founded Very Coffee and why?

Martin Ma , a former game developer from NetEase, founded Very Coffee after three failed and successful ventures. He identified a lack of collaborative spaces for Chengdu entrepreneurs and wanted to create a café where startups could meet, pitch, and find funding opportunities over coffee.

How does Very Coffee make money if it doesn't focus on coffee sales?

Very Coffee maintains financial balance by selling coffee at near cost, hosting paid events, offering meeting room rentals, and selling ancillary items. The model isn't about profiting from coffee alone but creating a sustainable ecosystem where ancillary services support the community.

What kind of events does Very Coffee host?

Very Coffee regularly holds networking events, pitch sessions, and workshops for entrepreneurs and investors. These gatherings often draw 300+ attendees and serve as platforms for startups to connect with funding sources and industry mentors.

Where is Very Coffee located and what’s the space like?

Very Coffee is located in Building 9, Software Park, Chengdu. The 1,500-square-meter café features startup-themed décor, private meeting rooms, and communal workspaces. It’s designed to foster creativity and collaboration among founders.

Is Very Coffee planning to expand outside Chengdu?

Yes, Martin Ma has announced plans to open branches in cities like Chongqing and Changsha in 2024, aiming to replicate Chengdu’s startup coffee model in other regions.