Imagine a badminton court transforming into a networking hub where entrepreneurs and investors connect. This unconventional approach is being tested in Wenjiang District, where Qiaoxing Venture Capital Ecosystem is conducting an innovative social experiment that blends sports with business networking.
A Unique Investment Event: The Social Code of Badminton Courts
The group recently organized an unconventional event at Wenjiang's largest badminton facility - the Unlimited Badminton Center. Founded by Yang Fuxing (who also established the talent platform Youcai Network) and several partners, the venue serves as more than just a sports complex. It aims to create a cross-industry platform connecting local entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and sales professionals through badminton.
The event format was straightforward: two hours of intense badminton matches followed by networking and resource sharing. This approach creates a more relaxed and effective environment for building professional relationships compared to traditional conference room meetings.
Qiaoxing Venture Capital Ecosystem: Bridging Startups and Investors
The organizer, Zhou Qiao, founder of Qiaoxing Venture Capital Ecosystem, brings two decades of sales experience to this initiative. After working in private equity institutions in Shanghai and Shenzhen, the Chengdu native returned to launch this platform, recognizing the need for better connections between entrepreneurs and capital sources.
The ecosystem is currently recruiting members primarily from high-tech zones, Shuangliu District, and Tianfu New Area, targeting sales professionals and small business owners. Membership offers access to several valuable resources:
- Funding opportunities: Partnerships with investment firms across Chengdu, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing provide direct access to potential investors.
- Resource optimization: Services to help sales-oriented companies utilize idle resources and connect with new projects.
- Professional development: Monthly events including pitch sessions, expert training, and meetings with investment leaders.
- Networking activities: Regular offline gatherings including resource integration meetings, project connections, and cultural events.
- Market intelligence: Regular updates on industry trends and developments.
- Personalized services: One-on-one project matching assistance.
The Founder's Perspective: Mental Resilience, Connections and Resources
Zhou Qiao emphasizes the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions. "A hundred online conversations can't replace one offline meeting," he notes, stressing the importance of connecting with like-minded professionals, particularly industry leaders.
He highlights the concept of mental resilience - the difference between feeling capable of conquering the world versus being crushed by minor setbacks. Zhou believes building this resilience comes through three actions: earning more, meeting more people, and working harder.
Participant Expectations and Opportunities
To maximize efficiency, the ecosystem sets clear expectations for attendees:
- Three-minute self-introductions covering professional challenges, desired resources, and available expertise.
- Optional industry knowledge sharing through impromptu or prepared presentations.
- Monthly pitch days for entrepreneurs to present business plans to potential investors.
A New Platform's Vision for the Future
As a newly established platform, Qiaoxing Venture Capital Ecosystem aims to continuously improve its model while fostering deeper connections between small businesses and investment institutions across major Chinese cities.
This innovative approach to venture capital networking demonstrates how unconventional settings can break down traditional barriers in the investment community. By combining physical activity with professional networking, the platform creates more organic opportunities for collaboration and funding.
While challenges remain regarding event quality control, participant selection, and sustainable operations, this experiment offers fresh perspectives on how venture capital ecosystems might evolve beyond formal meeting rooms and traditional forums.