Huawei Alumni Launch Tech-Themed Cafe Xiaoju in Beijing

When a group of former Huawei professionals and other industry leaders pooled resources to open a cafe in Beijing’s bustling innovation district, they weren’t just serving coffee—they were building a community hub. On December 19, 2015, Xiaoju Coffee officially launched in the heart of China’s tech triangle, nestled between Tsinghua University, Peking University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Xiaoju Coffee opened in December 2015 at 87 Chengfu Road in Beijing’s Haidian District, founded primarily by former Huawei employees and supported by over 90 shareholders through crowdfunding.

What Is Xiaoju Coffee?

Xiaoju Coffee is China’s first enterprise-themed crowdfunding cafe, built around a vision that blends technology, entrepreneurship, and community. Located at 87 Chengfu Road in Beijing’s Haidian District, the cafe sits at the center of the new Zhongguancun Innovation Street—strategically positioned between Tsinghua and Peking Universities and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The space was designed with a minimalist aesthetic infused with Huawei-inspired industrial elements, merging technology with humanistic design. Its logo symbolizes incubation and connection, using the form of an egg to represent potential, creativity, and the nurturing of ideas.

The Founding Team and Vision

The project was led by former Huawei employees, including General Manager Fu Liming, and backed by a diverse shareholder group. Notable figures such as Peng Jianfeng, Chairman of Huaxia Foundation Stone, and Yang Yong, advocate of Chinese-style crowdfunding, spoke at the opening. The cafe embodies what the founders call the “Three Stupid Spirits” of Huawei: “stupid hard work,” “stupid dedication,” and “stupid investment”—a metaphor for perseverance and value-driven effort beyond conventional smart calculations. The team aimed to create a space where technology meets humanity, and where the spirit of collaboration could thrive. Xiaoju also planned to launch a global campaign called “Finding Zhengfei” to select a distinctive brand icon and eventually establish a global coffee festival under the Xiaoju name.

Crowdfunding, Conflict, and Community

The cafe’s journey wasn’t without hurdles. Xiaoju faced internal conflicts and a “shareholder earthquake” but managed to re-emerge with a refined structure and stronger cohesion. The reopening at 87 Chengfu Road marked a rebirth made possible by the collective trust of its shareholders and the effectiveness of its institutional design. At the launch ceremony, leadership roles for the ribbon-cutting were democratically assigned via a WeChat red envelope game. Nine shareholders, including Peng Jianfeng and Fu Liming, were randomly chosen to cut the ribbon, reinforcing the event’s egalitarian spirit. The opening also featured contributions from shareholders: Peng Jianfeng donated a polar wolf specimen as the cafe’s mascot, symbolizing Huawei’s wolf culture; Bu Yuanzhe sponsored a 100 Mbps fiber-optic internet connection; Hong Dingzhi donated 200 signed copies of his book Information Age; Deng Guicai offered free WeChat public account maintenance; and Zheng Yanning arranged for a calligraphy gift from master Li Yulong.

The Grand Opening Celebration

The inauguration culminated in a lively celebration complete with games, a lucky draw, and a gala dinner. Xiaoju’s management team, including Chief Architect Lu Xuebin and team members Yuan Haitao and Zhao Junxin, shared insights into the business model and their vision for a “spreading entrepreneurial platform.” Shareholders like Liu Lu and Song Tao also recounted personal stories tied to the cafe. The event highlighted not just the launch of a business, but the formation of a network driven by shared ideals and entrepreneurial energy. Xiaoju aims to become more than a coffee shop—it aspires to be a cultural and creative nexus for innovators and thinkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Xiaoju Coffee located?

Xiaoju Coffee is located at 87 Chengfu Road, Haidian District, Beijing—right between Tsinghua University, Peking University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, in the heart of the city’s innovation corridor.

Who founded Xiaoju Coffee?

Xiaoju Coffee was primarily founded by former Huawei employees, with significant participation from a broad group of shareholders across various industries, all backing the project through a crowdfunding model.

What is the concept behind Xiaoju Coffee?

Xiaoju blends technology and humanities, aiming to foster innovation and collaboration. It's described as China’s first enterprise-themed crowdfunding cafe, designed to act as a hub for entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

How was the grand opening of Xiaoju Coffee conducted?

The opening included speeches from notable figures, a democratic ribbon-cutting ceremony determined by a red envelope lottery, shareholder contributions, and a celebratory gala with games and awards.

What challenges did Xiaoju Coffee face before opening?

The project encountered internal conflict and a “shareholder earthquake” but overcame these issues through revised governance, renewed shareholder trust, and a focus on professional management.

Does Xiaoju Coffee have plans for expansion or events?

Yes, Xiaoju aims to launch a global brand campaign called “Finding Zhengfei” to select a signature identity and eventually host a global Xiaoju coffee festival.

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