01
China market entry
Market-entry, business culture and negotiation masterclasses.
Applications open
CM Advisory × CM Venture Capital
China Founders
Expedition
Five focused days of market insight, industry access and investor connections for international founders ready to explore China.
19–23 October 2026 Shanghai & Suzhou, China
Apply for the Expedition Built for international founders
See China’s opportunity from the inside.
The China Founders Expedition is a joint initiative by CM Advisory and CM Venture Capital, created for international startups ready to explore opportunities in China.
The program combines expert masterclasses, company visits, investor meetings and cultural immersion—giving founders the insight, relationships and practical tools required to navigate the Chinese market with confidence.
What the expedition includes
From market understanding to practical execution.
Each element is designed to help founders test assumptions, build relevant relationships and leave China with a focused next-step plan.
02
Founder readiness
Business-plan review, pitch coaching and practical action planning.
03
Industry access
Technology park, manufacturing and innovation-ecosystem visits.
04
IP and supply chains
Guidance on intellectual property, sourcing, risk and resilient operations.
05
Cross-cultural leadership
Training for founders building trusted teams and relationships in China.
06
Investor connections
Pitch opportunities with investors, CVC leaders and strategic partners.
07
Innovation insight
First-hand exposure to emerging technologies and China’s startup ecosystem.
08
Cultural immersion
Curated dining, tea, city and Suzhou garden experiences.
Five-day program
A week built around access, learning and action.
The program may evolve as hosts and site visits are confirmed. Final participation details will be shared with successful applicants.
19OctMon
Understanding China
- Welcome, cultural immersion and Chinese business-culture masterclass
- China market strategy and innovation-ecosystem lab
- Tea ceremony and founder networking
20OctTue
Innovation and Investment
- Science, technology park and startup-ecosystem tour
- Fundraising, valuation and China-ready pitching masterclass
- Founder dinner with venture capital and corporate innovation guests
21OctWed
Manufacturing, Supply Chain and IP
- Supplier selection, production excellence and supply-chain immersion
- Intellectual property, partnership and risk masterclass
- Suzhou garden tour and local dinner
22OctThu
Operating and Leading in China
- Company setup, compliance, tax, talent and data-regulation clinic
- CEO and cross-cultural leadership lab
- Guided Shanghai tour and Chinese business dinner
23OctFri
Investor Roadshow and Action Planning
- Corporate venture capital pitch forum
- Strategic visits and individual 90-day China roadmaps
- Closing ceremony and Huangpu River dinner cruise
Who should apply
For founders ready to engage seriously with China.
Places are limited to keep the experience focused, relevant and highly connected.
- International startup in advanced materials or an adjacent innovation-led sector
- Product validated or market-ready
- Clear interest in entering or expanding into China
- Founder, CEO or senior decision-maker available to participate
- Able to attend the complete five-day program
- Working proficiency in English
Program cost
Secure your place with our early-bird offer.
The program fee covers the complete five-day expedition experience. Further participation details are provided during the application process.
Early-bird · 20% off
US$12,000
Standard price US$15,000
Book before 1 September 2026
Includes hotel accommodation and all program content.
Excludes international and domestic flights.
19–23 October 2026 · Shanghai & Suzhou
Ready to explore your opportunity in China?
Tell us about your company, your ambitions and what you hope to achieve through the expedition.
Start Your Application Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.