Plug and Play China
Plug and Play China (璞跃中国) is a Beijing-headquartered innovation platform and accelerator, subsidiary of Silicon Valley's Plug and Play, that connects 100+ Chinese corporations, early-stage startups, and city governments through themed accelerators, early-stage venture investment, and physical innovation centers across six cities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2016
- HeadquartersHaidian, China
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Plug and Play China does
Plug and Play China (璞跃中国) is the Chinese subsidiary of the Silicon Valley-originated Plug and Play global innovation platform, established in China in 2016 and headquartered in Beijing's Zhongguancun district. The company operates an open innovation ecosystem that connects three constituencies: large enterprises seeking startup-driven innovation, early-stage startups seeking acceleration and funding, and city/regional governments seeking innovation ecosystem development. Its service portfolio comprises four interlocking lines: (1) Corporate Innovation Services — multi-year open innovation partnerships through which enterprises access curated startup pipelines and co-run themed accelerator batches; (2) Accelerator Programs — twice-yearly 3-month cohorts across 10+ vertical themes including fintech, insurtech, mobility, health, supply chain, energy, IoT, brand & retail, real estate, and food/agtech; (3) Early-Stage Investment — Plug and Play's venture arm made 187 investments in 2023 and has backed over 2,000 startups globally since 2006, generating 30+ unicorns; (4) City Innovation Platforms and Co-working Space — physical innovation centers totaling over 34,000 sqm across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Wuxi, frequently established in partnership with municipal governments and SOEs.
Plug and Play China firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Plug and Play China
- Legal name
- Plug and Play China
- Website
- https://pnpchina.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2016
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Plug and Play China (璞跃中国) is a Beijing-headquartered innovation platform and accelerator, subsidiary of Silicon Valley's Plug and Play, that connects 100+ Chinese corporations, early-stage startups, and city governments through themed accelerators, early-stage venture investment, and physical innovation centers across six cities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Plug and Play China industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Startup Accelerator & Innovation Platform
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Electronic Computers (3571), Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industry-Specific Low-Code Platforms (Vertical App Platforms) (HDAEAKAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Venture Creation Centers (EDAHAHAH), Technical Universities with Entrepreneurship & Incubation Focus (EDAHAEAH), Technology & Innovation Expos Organizers (THAHABAE)
Keywords
Where Plug and Play China is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Haidian
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices6 records
Markets served
Plug and Play China business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Corporate Innovation Partnership Fees: Large corporations pay fees to access the innovation platform, connect with startups, and participate in accelerator programs. Over 500 industry-leading corporations globally, including 100+ in China, partner with Plug and Play for innovation services.
- Venture Capital Investment Returns: Plug and Play invests in early-stage startups through their ventures arm. In 2023, they made 187 early-stage investments. They have invested in over 2,000 startups since 2006, with 30+ unicorns generated globally.
- Coworking Space Rental: Plug and Play China operates over 34,000 square meters of coworking space across Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Wuxi for startups and innovation ecosystem participants.
- Government/City Innovation Services: Plug and Play partners with city governments to establish innovation centers and promote in-depth industrial collaboration, providing innovation ecosystem development services.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Plug and Play China product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Plug and Play China operates a global innovation platform that connects large corporations, startups, governments, and investors to drive technology entrepreneurship and open innovation. Its offerings span corporate innovation partnerships, industry-themed accelerator programs across 10+ verticals (fintech, insurtech, mobility, health, supply chain, energy, IoT, retail, real estate, food/agtech), early-stage venture capital investment, city/government innovation center development, and co-working innovation spaces across six Chinese cities.
Product overview
Plug and Play China operates as a global innovation ecosystem platform connecting corporations, startups, governments, and investors. The platform comprises multiple interconnected service offerings: Corporate Innovation Services help enterprises connect with startups for open innovation; Accelerator Programs provide themed 3-month bootcamps across 10+ industry verticals (fintech, insurtech, mobility, health, supply chain, energy, IoT, retail, real estate, food/agtech); Venture Capital conducts early-stage investments (187 deals in 2023); City Innovation builds regional innovation centers across 35+ cities; and Co-working Spaces provide physical offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuhan, and Wuxi totaling 34,000+ sqm. The Global Tech Network (GTN) facilitates ongoing connection through regular events. The ecosystem has supported 2,000+ invested companies, 100,000+ startup projects reviewed, and 30+ unicorns generated globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- 璞跃中国: Chinese brand name for Plug and Play China
- OPC
Products and services
- Corporate Innovation Services Open innovation platform service for enterprises that facilitates connections with startups, builds corporate innovation strategy, and supports open innovation culture. Designed for large industry-leading corporations seeking to source disruptive technologies and partner with growth-stage startups.
- Accelerator Programs Industry-themed 3-month accelerator bootcamps that select startups from thousands of global applications and match them with corporate partners for pilots, mentorship, and introductions to investors. Aimed at early-stage technology startups seeking acceleration, corporate customers, and funding.
- Venture Capital / Early-Stage Investment Direct early-stage investment into startups participating in Plug and Play's accelerator programs and broader ecosystem, often co-investing with top-tier venture capital firms such as Sequoia China. Investment activity is conducted through the ventures arm.
- City Innovation Platform Partnership service for city and regional governments to establish innovation centers, promote industrial collaboration, attract startups and investment, and develop local innovation ecosystems. Deployed in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Wuhan, Wuxi, and other cities.
- Co-working Innovation Space Physical co-working and innovation office space providing flexible offices, meeting rooms, roadshow halls, and event facilities for startups and innovation ecosystem participants across six Chinese cities.
- Fintech Accelerator Industry-specific accelerator program focused on financial technology innovation, connecting fintech startups with major banks and financial institutions for pilots and partnerships.
- Mobility Accelerator Vertical accelerator for automotive and mobility innovation, connecting mobility startups with original equipment manufacturers, tier-one suppliers, and mobility ecosystem participants to shape the future of transportation.
Quantifiable outcome
- 187 early-stage investments made in 2023, with 2,000+ startups invested since 2006
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Plug and Play China
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Plug and Play China technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Plug and Play China partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- 佛吉亚集团 (Faurecia)coreGlobal top-10 automotive supplier with operations in 35 countries, 266 industrial bases, and 39 R&D centers. Partnership focuses on mobility innovation and future cockpit technologies.
- 东风汽车集团有限公司coreOne of China's four major automotive groups with operations spanning commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, new energy vehicles, and military vehicles. Operating scale exceeds 4 million vehicles.
- 现代摩比斯 (Hyundai Mobis)coreKorean automotive parts company specializing in autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification. First globally to mass-produce hydrogen fuel cell components.
- 博世 (Bosch)coreGlobal leading technology and services supplier operating in mobility, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy sectors.
- 交通银行 (Bank of Communications)coreOne of China's six major banks with history dating back to 1908. Offers commercial banking services including credit cards, loans, and international settlements.
- 南京银行coreJoint-stock commercial bank established in 1996 with RMB 1.7 trillion in assets as of September 2021. Operates 17 branches with 215 business outlets across China.
- 浦发银行 (SPD Bank)coreNational joint-stock commercial bank established in 1993. Ranked 15th globally in banking brands by The Banker magazine in 2021.
- VisacoreGlobal payments technology company connecting consumers, businesses, merchants, and government entities in more than 200 countries and territories.
- 德意志银行 (Deutsche Bank)coreGlobal leading bank with operations in 70 countries serving corporate, institutional, and individual clients.
- 中国建设银行 (CCB)coreOne of China's four large state-owned commercial banks with extensive domestic and international branch network.
- 慕尼黑再保险 (Munich Re)coreWorld's largest reinsurer providing property and casualty reinsurance and insurance services globally.
- 瑞士再保险集团 (Swiss Re)coreLeading reinsurance and risk transfer provider operating globally with both direct and broker-mediated business.
- 中国人保 (PICC)coreChina's largest property and casualty insurance issuer, operating through subsidiaries including PICC Asset Management and PICC Property and Casualty.
- 巴斯夫集团 (BASF)coreWorld's leading chemical company with approximately 115,000 employees serving customers in almost all industries in nearly all countries. Sales of EUR 64.5 billion in 2017.
- 欧莱雅 (L'Oreal)coreGlobal number one cosmetics group with 88,000+ employees and 36 brands sold in 150+ countries. Sales exceeded EUR 29.9 billion in 2019.
- 强生 (Johnson & Johnson)coreGlobal healthcare company operating in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer healthcare sectors.
- 普洛斯 (GLP)coreGlobal leading investment manager and industrial operator in supply chain, big data, and new energy infrastructure. Manages assets exceeding USD 120 billion.
- 沃尔玛中国 (Walmart China)coreOperates hundreds of stores across 100+ Chinese cities including Walmart hypermarkets and Sam's Club. Committed to long-term investment and development in China.
- 玛氏 (Mars)coreGlobal confectionery, food, and pet care products company operating in approximately 180 countries.
- 百事集团 (PepsiCo)coreLeading food and beverage company with brands including Pepsi-Cola, Quaker, Gatorade, and Frito-Lay. Produces 3,000+ products sold in 200+ countries.
- 雅诗兰黛集团 (Estee Lauder)coreWorld-leading manufacturer and marketer of skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, and haircare products sold in approximately 150 countries.
- 宝马集团 (BMW)corePremium automotive manufacturer producing BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles with global production network.
- 戴姆勒 (Daimler)coreGlobal automotive corporation producing Mercedes-Benz vehicles and other automotive brands.
- 开云集团 (Kering)coreFrench luxury goods conglomerate managing Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and other luxury brands. Revenue of EUR 13.1 billion in 2020.
- 费列罗集团 (Ferrero)coreFamily-owned chocolate and confectionery company founded in 1946, operating in 55 countries and distributing products in 170+ countries.
- Plug and Play Global EcosystemcoreGlobal innovation platform with 60+ offices across Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific, enabling cross-border innovation and investment flows between Silicon Valley, Europe, China, and other markets.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Plug and Play China competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Techstars: One of the largest global accelerator networks operating thematic accelerator programs worldwide. Direct competitor for both corporate innovation partnerships and startup acceleration deals across multiple verticals, with a comparable mentorship-driven, equity-based model.
- MassChallenge: Global non-equity accelerator running programs across multiple verticals and geographies including partnerships in China. Competes for both startup deal flow and corporate partnership revenue, with a more non-profit oriented model.
- Y Combinator: Premier global startup accelerator with the largest portfolio by company count and valuation. Direct competitor for top-tier startup deal flow and increasingly competing for corporate partnership revenue through YC Continuity and partnerships.
- Chinaccelerator (MOX): China-focused accelerator backed by SOSV, running programs for cross-border startups between China and global markets. Direct competitor for corporate-startup matching services in the China market specifically.
- SOSV: Global accelerator and venture fund running vertical-specific accelerator programs (HAX for hardware, IndieBio for biotech, etc.). Highly comparable model to Plug and Play with thematic vertical specialization and strong global footprint including significant China operations.
- Innovation Works (创新工场): Leading Chinese venture capital and startup incubation platform founded by Kai-Fu Lee. Provides the most direct domestic Chinese comparison, offering accelerator programs, early-stage VC, and corporate innovation services primarily to Chinese startups and enterprises.
- 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups): Global venture firm and accelerator with programs across multiple regions including APAC. Competes directly for corporate partnership fees and startup deal flow with comparable equity-based accelerator model.
Regional players
- Legend Star (联想之星): Chinese early-stage investment and accelerator arm of Lenovo Group. Direct competitor in China for tech startup acceleration and corporate innovation services, with strong backing from a major Chinese tech conglomerate.
Emerging players
- Founders Factory: Global accelerator and venture builder partnering with major corporates (Coca-Cola, Aviva, etc.) to run vertical-specific innovation programs. Direct competitor in the corporate innovation partnership space with a similar vertical-specialization strategy.
Broad incumbents
- Station F: World's largest startup campus based in Paris, offering accelerator programs, corporate partnerships, and co-working space. Comparable in scale and breadth of services but primarily serves European startups and corporates.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Plug and Play China social profiles
Digital presencePlug and Play China financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Plug and Play China leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
Plug and Play China funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Plug and Play China M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments5 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Plug and Play China
What does Plug and Play China do?
Plug and Play China operates a global innovation platform that connects large corporations, startups, governments, and investors to drive technology entrepreneurship and open innovation. Its offerings span corporate innovation partnerships, industry-themed accelerator programs across 10+ verticals (fintech, insurtech, mobility, health, supply chain, energy, IoT, retail, real estate, food/agtech), early-stage venture capital investment, city/government innovation center development, and co-working innovation spaces across six Chinese cities.
Is Plug and Play China a public or private company?
Plug and Play China is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Plug and Play China founded?
Plug and Play China was founded in 2016. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Plug and Play China based?
Plug and Play China is headquartered in Haidian, China, in the Asia region.
How does Plug and Play China make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Corporate Innovation Partnership Fees are the primary driver. The others are venture Capital Investment Returns, coworking Space Rental and government/City Innovation Services.
Who are Plug and Play China's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Techstars, MassChallenge, Y Combinator, Chinaccelerator (MOX), SOSV, Innovation Works (创新工场) and 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups). Legend Star (联想之星) is listed as a regional player. Founders Factory is listed as an emerging player. Station F is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Plug and Play China have an API?
No public API is recorded for Plug and Play China.
What industry is Plug and Play China in?
Plug and Play China's product category is Startup Accelerator & Innovation Platform. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAEAKAL, Industry-Specific Low-Code Platforms (Vertical App Platforms), with a secondary code of EDAHAHAH, Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Venture Creation Centers. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 3571.