In a city known for its speed, scale, and innovation, building a company in Shanghai offers as many opportunities as it does questions. For French-speaking entrepreneurs and tech founders in China, one key question emerges early on:

Where can I find the right people, resources, and support to grow here?

That’s where French Tech Shanghai comes in.

A Clear Mission: Help Startups and Scale-ups Thrive in China

French Tech Shanghai is not just a community, it’s an initiative with purpose. Its mission is to support the growth of French tech entrepreneurs in China by creating the right environment to connect, learn, and grow.

Behind this mission is a simple truth: startups rarely succeed alone. They thrive when they have access to a network, the right information, and a team that genuinely cares.

Whether you’re in your first year of operations or preparing to scale, French Tech Shanghai is designed to accompany you at every step.

Building the Pillars of Support: Connect – Learn – Grow

French Tech Shanghai organizes its support around three core activity pillars, each one targeting a key need that startups face in the Chinese market.

🤝 CONNECT

Exchanging ideas and building bridges between entrepreneurs

Every month, French Tech Shanghai hosts “Connect” sessions. These informal yet high-value events bring together members of the community to discover companies, hear real founder stories, and ask the questions we don’t always get to ask.

With one or two presenters at each event, the format is intimate, focused, and packed with lessons. Topics range from go-to-market strategies to overcoming cultural gaps or growing a team across borders.

It’s not networking for the sake of it, it’s real conversations about real challenges.

🎓 LEARN

Understanding the rules of the game—and how to play to win

For most foreign entrepreneurs, the Chinese market is both fascinating and complex. That’s why the “Learn” pillar is so crucial. Through practical workshops and expert-led talks, French Tech Shanghai helps members understand how to build solid foundations for their business.

From structuring a company to hiring locally, protecting intellectual property, managing cross-border compliance, or raising funds and these sessions demystify key steps and help avoid common pitfalls.

Startups gain access to information that’s not in textbooks but based on lived experience.

🚀 GROW

Creating momentum through large-scale events

Beyond regular meetups and workshops, French Tech Shanghai is investing in major events that celebrate innovation and give startups the stage they deserve.

This year, the calendar includes:

1. Growth Summit (September) A strong kick-off designed for early-stage startups, this event offers insights, founder panels, and structured networking—all aimed at accelerating growth.
2. Hackathon AI (Q4) A major opportunity for AI-focused startups to showcase their solutions, solve real-world problems, and win meaningful exposure (and prizes).
3. Pitch Perfect (Q2-2026) A high-stakes pitch session where selected startups present to a panel of investors and mentors. It’s more than just visibility—it’s an open door to partnerships, funding, and advice.

4. Tech for Good / Tech for Impact (Annual) One of the most powerful gatherings of the year, celebrating innovation that makes a difference. After this year’s success, the next edition is already building momentum.

Why It Matters

As China continues to evolve as a tech powerhouse, French/ Francophile entrepreneurs have a unique role to play which is bringing a blend of European innovation, design thinking, and global ambition.

French Tech Shanghai exists to support this role. It’s a platform, a support system, and a team of people who want you to succeed.

And while the resources are valuable, perhaps the most important asset is this: a community that believes in cooperation over competition. One where ideas are shared, problems are solved together, and success is collective.

Because in today’s startup world, going fast is good but going far requires others.

✨ Want to Join Us?

If you’re building something bold in China, or just exploring the idea, you’re welcome in La French Tech Shanghai.