XNode
XNode is a Shanghai-based open innovation platform that runs cross-border acceleration, corporate innovation, and venture building programs linking 500+ technology companies, 50+ multinationals, and government partners across China, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersShanghai, China
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What XNode does
XNode is a Shanghai-headquartered open innovation platform founded in 2015, operating across Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore, that delivers cross-border innovation services between China and global markets. The company runs five service lines — Launch China (inbound landing support for overseas tech companies), Global Expansion (outbound support for Chinese enterprises entering Southeast Asia, UAE, and other markets), Corporate Innovation (open innovation programs for MNCs and large Chinese corporates), City Innovation (services for municipal governments and industrial parks), and Venture Building through its ATUM Ventures sub-brand (direct investment of up to SGD 200,000 per deep-tech startup). Its platform combines innovation intelligence and trend analysis, tech scouting and startup matching, 3-6 month acceleration programs, learning expeditions, and investment commercialization support, delivered through proprietary frameworks rather than a self-serve SaaS product.
The business model is anchored in professional services fees for customized enterprise programs and city engagements, supplemented by equity returns from the ATUM Ventures portfolio (20 startups built in 4 years with a first exit recently achieved). Customer segments span multinational corporates (Intel China, Scania, BASF, Changi Airport Group, Michelin, Sodexo, Novares, Henkel, SAP, Philips), overseas startups seeking China entry, Chinese companies pursuing outbound expansion, and Chinese municipal governments. Long-tenured exclusive partnerships with Intel China's GrowthX platform (since 2018) and Enterprise Singapore's GIA program (since 2019), along with newer country-level agreements with Thailand's NIA (2024), Brazil's ApexBrasil (2021), and Singapore's NGRIP (2026), form the strategic backbone. Distribution is direct enterprise field sales combined with government and investment-institution referral channels, supported by a community-led alumni model. The company is founder-led by CEO Zhou Wei and operates with 11-50 employees.
XNode firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- XNode
- Legal name
- XNode
- Website
- https://thexnode.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- XNode is a Shanghai-based open innovation platform that runs cross-border acceleration, corporate innovation, and venture building programs linking 500+ technology companies, 50+ multinationals, and government partners across China, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
XNode industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Innovation Consulting and Cross-Border Business Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Other Computer Related Services (541519), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Custom Application Development (Web/Mobile/Desktop) (BPAEAFAA)
Keywords
Where XNode is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Shanghai
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
XNode business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Venture Building Investment Returns: XNode generates returns through direct equity investments in startups via the ATUM Ventures program. Each portfolio company receives up to SGD 200,000 in direct investment, with follow-on funding support and investment capacity at pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. The company has achieved its first exit among 20 startups built in 4 years.
- Corporate Innovation Consulting and Acceleration Services: Fee-based services for multinational and Chinese corporations seeking open innovation solutions, including tech scouting, innovation acceleration programs (3-6 months), learning expeditions, and investment commercialization support. Programs are customized per client needs.
- Global Expansion Acceleration Programs: Structured acceleration boot camps and consulting services helping Chinese companies enter Southeast Asia, UAE, and other global markets. Services include market research, strategic planning, company registration support, and ongoing operational assistance.
- City Innovation Consulting: Strategic advisory and operational services for cities and industrial parks seeking to attract international projects or expand globally. Services include overseas service hub setup, international matchmaking, policy advisory, and localized branding support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | Venture Building Program - ATUM Ventures |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Corporate Innovation Acceleration Programs |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
XNode product offering
Product offeringCore offering
XNode operates a global open innovation platform that provides corporate innovation consulting, venture building, and cross-border market entry services. Its five core offerings include Launch China (helping overseas tech companies enter China), Global Expansion (enabling Chinese companies to go international), Corporate Innovation (open innovation programs for MNCs), City Innovation (services for governments and industrial parks), and Venture Building through ATUM Ventures (direct investment and acceleration for deep-tech startups).
Product overview
XNode is a global entrepreneurship and innovation platform operating as a multi-service accelerator with five core service lines: Launch China (helping overseas tech companies enter China), Global Expansion (enabling Chinese companies to go international), Corporate Innovation (matching innovation solutions for enterprises), City Innovation (empowering cities with global resources), and Venture Building via ATUM Ventures (investing in deep-tech startups). The platform operates across Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Singapore, offering programs ranging from acceleration boot camps, leadership programs, consulting services, to technical support including rapid prototyping credits and workspace provision. XNode serves 500+ technology companies and partners with over 50 MNCs and Chinese corporate clients to facilitate cross-border innovation and business growth.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ATUM Ventures: Venture building and investment arm focusing on science-based startups in Singapore, built in collaboration with Alliance Partners. Has built 20 startups in 4 years with first exit achieved.
- GrowthX
Products and services
- Launch China (落地中国) Launch China empowers overseas technology companies to seamlessly enter the Chinese market through strategic localization, resource integration, and collaborative innovation for long-term business success. The service includes market research, partner matching, regulatory compliance support, and ongoing operational assistance.
- Global Expansion (出海全球) Global Expansion helps Chinese enterprises and institutes go global by building international bridges and unlocking global market opportunities through strategic planning, company registration, financial solutions, talent acquisition, and market validation services.
- Corporate Innovation (大企业创新) Corporate Innovation identifies and matches cutting-edge innovation solutions for leading global and domestic corporations, driving breakthroughs in technology and business models through open innovation programs. Services include innovation intelligence, tech scouting, 3-6 month acceleration programs, and investment commercialization support.
- City Innovation (城市创新) City Innovation empowers cities and industrial parks with global resources and local support to grow inbound and outbound business, boosting international visibility and sustainable growth. Services include overseas service hub setup, international matchmaking, policy advisory, and localized branding support.
- Venture Building / ATUM Ventures Venture Building through ATUM Ventures builds and invests in science-based startups, offering direct investment up to SGD 200,000, acceleration program access, office space, technical support, ecosystem access, and mentoring for deep-tech startups in areas like Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, MedTech, Robotics, and Physical AI.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ technology companies achieved international market entry and business breakthroughs
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use XNode
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
XNode technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
XNode partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- Enterprise SingaporecoreLong-term strategic partnership for operating internationally oriented innovation and entrepreneurship accelerators. XNode supports Enterprise Singapore's Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) program, having helped 100+ Singapore startups enter the China market through multi-city acceleration cohorts spanning the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area.
- Intel ChinacoreExclusive partnership since 2018 for GrowthX (formerly Idea2Reality, I2R) internal innovation platform. XNode designs and delivers tailored acceleration programs, developing business use cases leveraging Intel's core technologies and accelerating ideas from Intel employees and external startups.
- Sodexo ChinamajorOpen innovation program launched in 2018 to leverage local technologies for smart dining solutions. XNode screened 65 tech firms, selected 4 for acceleration, and facilitated Sodexo's first million-dollar investment in a Chinese tech firm.
- Shanghai Zhangjiang GroupcoreLong-term partnership for operating internationally oriented innovation and entrepreneurship accelerators. XNode leverages its experience in providing highly globalized entrepreneurial innovation community services to nearly 300 entrepreneurs from over 28 countries and regions, jointly supporting the expansion of Zhangjiang's overseas base in Singapore.
- ATUM VenturescoreXNode's venture building initiative in collaboration with ATUM Collective. ATUM builds and invests in science-based startups in Singapore, having built 20 startups in 4 years with first exit achieved. XNode provides follow-on support via China platform for local market expansion.
- Foxconn (Maxnerva Technology Services)majorPartnership for hardware-centric acceleration programs, providing tailored market research, production deployment support, and technical iteration through Foxconn's Xi'an factory for wearable technology companies like NURVV entering China.
- 500+ MNCs and Corporate PartnerscoreExtensive network of multinational enterprises including Changi Airport Group, Michelin, Scania, BASF, Intel, SAP, Henkel, Continental, Kering, PepsiCo, AstraZeneca, and others engaged in open innovation programs.
- Government Innovation AgenciescorePartnerships with governmental organizations including Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry, Thailand's National Innovation Agency (NIA), Brazil's ApexBrasil, and various Chinese municipal governments for innovation programs.
- Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversitysupportingResearch institution partnership for technology sourcing in the Sodexo innovation program, providing access to AI visual recognition and other innovations from top academic institutions.
- Shanghai Technology Innovation CentersupportingCollaboration on Brazil Acceleration Camp project, working with Brazilian Consulate General in Shanghai and ApexBrasil to support Brazilian startups entering the China market.
- Thailand National Innovation Agency (NIA)supportingJoint program in 2025 to help Thai tech companies enter China, with first cohort including startups in healthcare, sustainable protein, and blockchain+AI health data.
- HighTechXLsupportingPartnership with Netherlands-based deep tech startup incubator, part of XNode's global innovation ecosystem connecting Asia-Pacific with European innovation networks.
- DeepTechXLsupportingPartnership with global deep tech investment institution specializing in disruptive technologies, expanding XNode's network for cross-border innovation support.
- Takumi (匠创科技)supportingCross-border innovation consulting firm connecting Japan and China, with offices in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Tokyo, providing startup incubation, investment matching, and market entry support.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
XNode competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Plug and Play Tech Center: Global startup accelerator and corporate innovation platform running multi-vertical programs and partnering with MNCs on open innovation. Direct comparable in business model — corporate innovation programs, acceleration cohorts, and tech scouting — with a comparable footprint across multiple geographies.
- SOSV: Multi-stage venture capital and accelerator operator (incl. HAX, Chinaccelerator, MOX) running global accelerator programs for startups. Comparable as a global accelerator with deep China and Asia presence via Chinaccelerator, serving similar corporate and startup clients.
- Chinaccelerator: China-focused startup accelerator (part of SOSV) helping Chinese and international startups scale. Direct comparable for inbound China market entry support, startup acceleration cohorts, and corporate-startup matching.
- Brinc: Hong Kong-headquartered global accelerator running vertical programs (cleantech, IoT, health) with strong China and Asia-Pacific links. Comparable for cross-border acceleration, corporate innovation programs, and hardware/IoT startup support.
- HAX (SOSV): Hardware-focused accelerator running Shenzhen-based programs to help global hardware startups manufacture and scale in China. Direct comparable for cross-border Shenzhen-based hardware acceleration and China market entry support, including Foxconn-like manufacturing partnerships.
Broad incumbents
- Techstars: Global accelerator network operating accelerator programs worldwide with corporate partnerships. Comparable business model (3-month cohorts, mentorship, corporate-startup matching), though much larger and broader in geography; less China specialization than XNode.
- 500 Global: Global venture firm and accelerator (formerly 500 Startups) running programs across emerging and developed markets. Comparable for startup acceleration and VC tie-ins, with broader geographic reach but less China-specific deep operational presence.
Regional players
- Sinovation Ventures: China-based technology investment firm founded by Kai-Fu Lee with corporate innovation and venture building activities. Comparable for China-rooted corporate innovation and venture building, though focused more on direct investing than services platform.
- Shanghai-based government-linked accelerators (e.g., Zhangjiang InnoPark programs): Government-backed innovation platforms in Shanghai operating city innovation and international project attraction programs. Comparable for city-level innovation services and Chinese municipal partnerships, with whom XNode partners directly.
Emerging players
- Startupbootcamp: Global network of industry-focused accelerators with programs in multiple verticals. Comparable for vertical-specific acceleration cohorts and corporate-startup matching, though less China-specific depth than XNode.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
XNode social profiles
Digital presenceXNode financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
XNode leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
XNode subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
XNode funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
XNode M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about XNode
What does XNode do?
XNode operates a global open innovation platform that provides corporate innovation consulting, venture building, and cross-border market entry services. Its five core offerings include Launch China (helping overseas tech companies enter China), Global Expansion (enabling Chinese companies to go international), Corporate Innovation (open innovation programs for MNCs), City Innovation (services for governments and industrial parks), and Venture Building through ATUM Ventures (direct investment and acceleration for deep-tech startups).
Is XNode a public or private company?
XNode is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was XNode founded?
XNode was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is XNode based?
XNode is headquartered in Shanghai, China, in the Asia region.
How does XNode make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Venture Building Investment Returns are the primary driver. The others are corporate Innovation Consulting and Acceleration Services, global Expansion Acceleration Programs and city Innovation Consulting.
Who are XNode's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Plug and Play Tech Center, SOSV, Chinaccelerator, Brinc and HAX (SOSV). Broad incumbents are Techstars and 500 Global. Regional players are Sinovation Ventures and Shanghai-based government-linked accelerators (e.g., Zhangjiang InnoPark programs). Startupbootcamp is listed as an emerging player.
Does XNode have an API?
No public API is recorded for XNode.
What industry is XNode in?
XNode's product category is Innovation Consulting and Cross-Border Business Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAFAA, Custom Application Development (Web/Mobile/Desktop). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 8700.