The spatial dynamics of globalizing venture capital in China

This paper examines the spatial dynamics and emerging locational hierarchies of the venture capital (VC) industry in China, largely as a result of the global expansion of VC investors from the US and other advanced economies. Based on a comprehensive database compiled by the author from the best available sources, this is the first systemic geographic study on the VC industry in an emerging economy. This study finds that the rising cluster of VC supply and demand in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen was enabled by the juxtaposition of spatial proximity effects, investment syndication, and interregional office networks within China’s unique institutional environment. It further demonstrates that the spatial dynamics of the globalizing venture capitalism has to be understood in light of the geo-institutional mechanisms shaping the whole ‘VC cycle’ of fundraising – investing – divesting.