Expand Your Startup into China: Expert Panel at EU-Startups Summit 2026

Jan de Vries · 2026-03-31

Mark your calendars for May 7-8, 2026. That's when the EU-Startups Summit heads back to sunny Malta. We're talking about 2,500 founders, investors, and startup leaders all in one place. It's two solid days of networking, finding inspiration, and sharing what works. Think of it as a massive brain trust for anyone building something new. For a lot of startups, going international is the big dream. But China? That's a whole different ball game. It's huge, it's complex, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming. You need more than just a good product. You need the right strategy, the right partners, and a real feel for how things work over there. From navigating regulations to finding investment and planning your launch, it's a different world. That's exactly why we're hosting this panel. ### What You'll Learn from the China Expansion Panel Our session, "From Local to Global: Taking Your Startup into China's High-Growth Markets," is designed to cut through the noise. We'll get into the practical, nitty-gritty details of expanding into China. What support is actually out there for European startups? What are the real opportunities, and what are the hidden challenges? We're here to give you a clear roadmap so you can move forward with confidence, not confusion.  ### Meet the Experts Guiding Your Journey You'll be learning from people who've been in the trenches. Here's who's sharing their hard-won knowledge: - **Sara Medina:** She's a recognized expert in EU-China cooperation and helping small businesses go global. Sara serves on the Board of Advisors for the EU SME Centre—that's a European Commission initiative specifically for SMEs entering China. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in China and Southeast Asia, her advice isn't theoretical. It's grounded in what actually works on the ground. - **Paula Kant:** As the Head of Investment Promotion at InvestHK in Brussels, Paula's job is to help overseas companies set up and grow in Hong Kong. Her career has taken her across Asia, Europe, North Africa, and New Zealand in roles spanning business development, sales, and management. She brings a truly global lens to the table, perfect for understanding cross-border expansion. If the idea of taking your business into one of the world's most dynamic markets excites you, this panel is a must. You'll get insights from experts who work directly on market access and growth strategies every single day. > "Entering China isn't just about translation; it's about transformation. You have to adapt your entire mindset." ### A Look at Our Summit Sponsors Great events need great support. We're proud to be backed by organizations that believe in fostering innovation. **Malta Enterprise** is the island's economic development agency. They're all about fueling growth and investment by supporting both local and foreign businesses setting up shop in Malta. They're a key reason Malta has become such a hot spot for entrepreneurs, actively building a vibrant ecosystem with tailored support for startups. **M. Demajo Group** is a Maltese business institution with a 115-year history. Their team of 500 people works across a diverse range of sectors, grown through smart acquisitions, partnerships, and startups. Their strong reputation and ethical standards make them a powerhouse partner. **The IONOS Cloud Start-up Program** offers a serious boost for new companies. They provide up to $108,000 in cloud credits (that's the USD equivalent of €100,000) for up to five years after founding. The big sell? A sovereign IT infrastructure "Made in Germany" that guarantees 100% GDPR compliance and full legal certainty—a major peace of mind for any startup handling data. So, what's the next step? If you're serious about scaling your startup and exploring what China has to offer, secure your ticket. This is a unique chance to learn, connect, and get the clarity you need to make your global move.