InfluenConnect™ Shortlisted in Nanshan Global Challenge: A Gateway to Growth in China

Last Friday marked a proud and exciting moment for InfluenConnect™, as we joined the finals of the Nanshan Entrepreneurs Next Star & Million Prize Global Challenge, a prestigious competition in Shenzhen designed to spotlight the next wave of global tech innovators.

Out of more than 140 European companies that entered, InfluenConnect™ was honoured to be shortlisted as one of the final 18. As a platform built to bridge brands and Asian influencers with purpose and precision, being recognised among such a high-calibre group reaffirms the growing relevance of our work in the global tech and innovation space.

Set in the heart of Nanshan, Shenzhen’s dynamic tech district – this competition isn’t just about prizes. It’s about pathways. It’s about unlocking real opportunities for companies ready to scale, collaborate, and innovate across borders. From AI and biomedicine to the future of immersive experiences, Nanshan is fast becoming one of the most exciting launchpads for global innovation. And for us at InfluenConnect™, that vision aligns closely with our mission to make influencer marketing truly borderless and data-driven.

Part of a broader journey, earlier this year, InfluenConnect™ was proudly selected to join the Mayor of London’s trade mission to China as part of the Grow London Global programme by London & Partners. This honour not only reflected our international ambitions, but also deepened our commitment to building lasting bridges between the UK and Asia’s most exciting digital economies.

As we continue expanding across Asia, our journey into the Chinese market has never felt more timely, or more promising. With China’s influencer economy booming and local consumers seeking authentic, culturally relevant brand stories, we see tremendous opportunity in connecting international brands with the right voices on the ground.

The Nanshan pitch competition gave us more than a stage—it offered a platform to engage, learn, and connect with policymakers, investors, and innovators who are shaping the future of tech collaboration between East and West. From showcasing our platform’s capabilities to hearing about new funding avenues and post-competition support schemes, the event underscored just how serious Nanshan is about welcoming global players into its ecosystem.

A heartfelt thanks to the organisers, Plug and Play China, and all the fellow finalists for an inspiring and forward-thinking exchange. And to our community, we’re just getting started.

InfluenConnect™ remains dedicated to helping brands discover diverse influencers, launch impactful campaigns, and grow authentically in China and across Asia.

Let’s keep the conversation going. If you’re exploring growth in China or want to tap into the power of Asia’s top influencer networks, drop us a message! Let’s meet, share stories, and explore new possibilities together. 

We can’t wait to hear your ideas, exchange insights, and discover what the future of retail holds — together.

Stay tuned for updates, and follow Comms8 and InfluenConnect™ for more insights from the events!

InfluenConnect is one of the fastest-moving ethnic influencer networks, helping brands discover influencers beyond borders and language barriers for a more authentic reach. 

With over 105K influencers across 12 platforms, we are the biggest search engine for Asian influencers, making influencer marketing simple, accessible, and purposeful.

Together Comms8 and InfluenConnect are breaking down language barriers and making global collaborations seamless.  Curious about how we can help you connect with influencers worldwide? Contact us today to explore more!