From September 13 to 28, 2024, we at EntoSus took the leap to Asia and visited Shanghai and Hong Kong – two vibrant metropolises that were full of exciting impressions and new opportunities for us. In this first part of our travel report, we would like to take you on our journey of discovery through Shanghai, which ranged from sightseeing highlights to exciting business opportunities.
Arriving in Shanghai: The first impression counts
On September 14, after a long flight, we finally arrived in Shanghai. The city's impressive skyline, which greeted us as we drove from the airport, immediately captivated us. We took the first day easy and used the weekend for a little exploration.
Sightseeing and life on the Bund
The first weekend in Shanghai was all about getting to know each other. We started with a food tour, discovering the city's culinary diversity, and in the evening we were enchanted by the glittering lights on the Bund. But Shanghai also had a surprise in store for us: a typhoon passed over the city from Sunday to Monday. During this time, I stayed safely in my hotel – only to find that by the evening the streets were already filled with people again, as if nothing had happened. The city's fascinating vibrancy immediately captivated me.
Start of the program with the German Accelerator
The official program of the German Accelerator Start2 in China began on September 17. In the following days, we had intensive mentoring sessions with experienced industry experts like Damian Maib and Daisy Tang, where we analyzed the potential of our products in the Chinese market. The feedback was overwhelming and helped us further refine our strategy.
On stage: Pitchnight in Shanghai
A special highlight was September 19th: Together with the other program participants, we had the opportunity to present our vision for EntoSus at a pitch night. The excitement was high, but the positive feedback and enthusiasm of the audience showed us that we are on the right track to convincing people in China of our sustainable protein products.
Enthusiasm at the booth: Our products at STRON Shanghai
On September 20 and 21, STRON Shanghai opened its doors, and we had the opportunity to present our products to a wide audience. Our protein snacks and bars were very well received – many visitors were surprised by how good insect protein can taste. We were particularly pleased by the interest shown by the younger generation, who are open to new taste experiences and healthy alternatives. The discussions and direct feedback on site gave us valuable insights that we will use for our future development.
A Sunday in the old town of Shanghai
After these exciting days, we treated ourselves to a short break on Sunday and visited one of Shanghai's four historic old towns. The traditional houses and narrow alleys gave us a sense of ancient China and offered an exciting contrast to the modern, dynamic side of the city.
Outlook: Hong Kong awaits us!
After an eventful week in Shanghai, we continued on to Hong Kong. You can read about our experiences there and the new insights we gained in the second part of our blog post. Stay tuned!