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Top Unicorn Startups in Shanghai for 2026

In Shanghai, we rank 31 unicorn startups based on an algorithm that considers factors such as total investment, quarterly employee count, and website traffic. Unicorns in Shanghai are falling behind the performance of their global counterparts.

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Top Unicorn Startups in Shanghai for 2026

1st
Xiaohongshu logo
XiaohongshuSB Score: 796

Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) is a popular social media and e-commerce platform in China that combines lifestyle content with user reviews and shopping. It offers a unique blend of shopping inspiration and community-driven recommendations for users.

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Website
xiaohongshu.com
Employee range
1,001 – 5,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$917.7M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
2nd
Ximalaya FM logo
Ximalaya FMSB Score: 667

Ximalaya FM is a leading Chinese podcast platform valued at $3.5B. Despite intense competition, the company has carved out a successful niche in the industry. Engage with a variety of podcasts and content on this popular platform.

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Website
www.ximalaya.com
Employee range
1,001 – 5,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$2B
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
3rd
Huaqin Communication Technology logo

Huaqin Telecom Technology ranks first in the smartphone and tablet ODM industry globally whose main business covers smartphones, tablets, notebooks, servers, and IoT products. Moreover, Huaqin is a Google ODM partner to provide a way for a brand company to build AndroidTM devices with Google Mobile Services which the Android team at Google certifies to ensure they are secure and ready to run apps from Google and Google Play Store. HQ focuses on the design, development, and production of phones, tablets, and other products, providing competitive products for their customers. Its products are exported to more than 100 countries and regions, covering Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and other areas. By 2015, HQ accumulatively shipped more than 200 million mobile phones. The annual shipment of tablets reached more than 5 million units. And HQ can provide leading 4G products. HQ adheres to the concept of “Integrity, Diligence, Focus, Innovation” and dedicates to providing more advanced and competitive products to create a prosperous sustainable development future.

View Full Page
Website
www.huaqin.com
Employee range
10,001+
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$297.6M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)

Total amount:28

Most Valuable Unicorns in Shanghai for 2026

The top three most valuable unicorns in Shanghai have raised total funding of more than USD 11.4B. Among the top three funded unicorns, the most popular industry, based on total funding, is Hardware & IoT.
1st
Xiaohongshu logo
XiaohongshuSB Score: 796

Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) is a popular social media and e-commerce platform in China that combines lifestyle content with user reviews and shopping. It offers a unique blend of shopping inspiration and community-driven recommendations for users.

View Full Page
Website
xiaohongshu.com
Employee range
1,001 – 5,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$917.7M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
2nd
Zongmu logo
ZongmuSB Score: 386

ZongMu Technology was founded in January 2013. Headquartered in Pudong ZhangJiang high-tech park of Shanghai, ZongMu has RD centers in Beijing and ShenZhen respectively. Through its innovative solution and excellent service to the local market, ZongMu has shipped multiple SurroundView ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance System) in main stream OEM automotive markets, becoming the leading SurroundView ADAS solution vendor for China domestic market and formed strategic partnership with multiple OEM car makers and their tier1 suppliers.

View Full Page
Website
www.zongmutech.com
Employee range
11 – 50
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$376M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
3rd
Hozon Auto logo
Hozon AutoSB Score: 574

Hozon Auto specializes in developing and producing new energy vehicles, offering charging solutions, after-sales support, and financial services. Their focus on NEVs ensures a sustainable and efficient transportation solution.

View Full Page
Website
hozonauto.com
Employee range
5,001 – 10,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$3.9B
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
4th
Biren Technology logo
Biren TechnologySB Score: 533

Biren Technology is a cutting-edge company specializing in chip and cloud computing. They are dedicated to creating a state-of-the-art general computing system, offering efficient software and hardware solutions, and delivering integrated intelligent computing services.

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Website
birentech.com
Employee range
101 – 250
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$785.2M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
5th
Yitu Technology logo
Yitu TechnologySB Score: 484

They are pioneer of artificial intelligence research and innovation.YITU Technology integrates advanced AI technology business applications to build a safer, faster and healthier world. YITU maintains an outstanding R&D team to drive industrial development with advanced technologies. Rather than simply using technologies from large companies or laboratories for monetary gains, they are engaged in fundamental research of artificial intelligence aimed to find comprehensive solutions for machine vision, listening and understanding. They strive for breakthroughs in computer vision, natural language understanding, knowledge reasoning, intelligent hardware and robotics. Today YITU has an extensive presence in sectors such as security, finance, transportation and healthcare. They are curious about human wisdoms, and they expand the potential of AI. Side by side, They look forward to creating an intelligent future with you.

View Full Page
Website
www.yitutech.com/en
Employee range
1,001 – 5,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$385.2M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
6th
Black Sesame Technologies logo

Black Sesame Technologies develops cutting-edge AI solutions for practical imaging challenges, specializing in digital technology. Their innovative solutions address real-world problems with ease and precision.

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Website
bst.ai
Employee range
1,001 – 5,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$115M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
7th
ENOVATE logo
ENOVATESB Score: 434

ENOVATE Motors is a trailblazer in eco-friendly smart electric SUVs, crafting high-end vehicles that redefine intelligent mobility.

View Full Page
Website
enovatemotors.com
Employee range
501 – 1,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$1.2B
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
8th
AIWAYS logo
AIWAYSSB Score: 463

AIWAYS is a leading Chinese electric car manufacturer. Specializing in sustainable transportation, they design and produce cutting-edge electric vehicles for a cleaner future. Their innovative technology and commitment to eco-friendly practices set them apart in the automotive industry.

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Website
www.ai-ways.com
Employee range
501 – 1,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$791.7M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
9th
Carzone logo
CarzoneSB Score: 491

Carzone is an online store for car parts, specializing in aftermarket spare parts. Find everything you need to upgrade or repair your vehicle with ease.

View Full Page
Website
ncarzone.com
Employee range
10,001+
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$706.7M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
10th
Ximalaya FM logo
Ximalaya FMSB Score: 667

Ximalaya FM is a leading Chinese podcast platform valued at $3.5B. Despite intense competition, the company has carved out a successful niche in the industry. Engage with a variety of podcasts and content on this popular platform.

View Full Page
Website
www.ximalaya.com
Employee range
1,001 – 5,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$2B
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)

Total amount:28

Top Hiring Unicorns in Shanghai by Employee Number

The top three hiring unicorns in Shanghai have an average employee size that is larger than to the global average. Among these, the Hardware & IoT industry features the unicorn with the largest workforce.
1st
Huaqin Communication Technology logo

Huaqin Telecom Technology ranks first in the smartphone and tablet ODM industry globally whose main business covers smartphones, tablets, notebooks, servers, and IoT products. Moreover, Huaqin is a Google ODM partner to provide a way for a brand company to build AndroidTM devices with Google Mobile Services which the Android team at Google certifies to ensure they are secure and ready to run apps from Google and Google Play Store. HQ focuses on the design, development, and production of phones, tablets, and other products, providing competitive products for their customers. Its products are exported to more than 100 countries and regions, covering Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and other areas. By 2015, HQ accumulatively shipped more than 200 million mobile phones. The annual shipment of tablets reached more than 5 million units. And HQ can provide leading 4G products. HQ adheres to the concept of “Integrity, Diligence, Focus, Innovation” and dedicates to providing more advanced and competitive products to create a prosperous sustainable development future.

View Full Page
Website
www.huaqin.com
Employee range
10,001+
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$297.6M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
2nd
Yimidida logo
YimididaSB Score: 570

Yimidida is a platform connecting users with local couriers for efficient and affordable deliveries. Get your items delivered quickly and securely through our crowd-sourced network. Join Yimidida today for seamless logistics solutions at your fingertips.

View Full Page
Website
www.yimidida.com
Employee range
10,001+
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$543.6M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
3rd
Carzone logo
CarzoneSB Score: 491

Carzone is an online store for car parts, specializing in aftermarket spare parts. Find everything you need to upgrade or repair your vehicle with ease.

View Full Page
Website
ncarzone.com
Employee range
10,001+
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$706.7M
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)
4th
Hozon Auto logo
Hozon AutoSB Score: 574

Hozon Auto specializes in developing and producing new energy vehicles, offering charging solutions, after-sales support, and financial services. Their focus on NEVs ensures a sustainable and efficient transportation solution.

View Full Page
Website
hozonauto.com
Employee range
5,001 – 10,000
Web Traffic (Monthly)
Funding amount
$3.9B
National Rank(China)
Regional Rank(East Asia)
Global Rank(Worldwide)

Total amount:31

Explore More Top Startups

Explore the Startup Ecosystem of Shanghai

National Rank

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Regional Rank

(East Asia)

2nd

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Global Rank

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Top Cities for Startups in China - Ranked by StartupBlink

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2026 National Rank CityGlobal RankTotal Score & National ShareAnnual Growth

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