Technology and Innovation to Weather the Storm?—A Case Study of the Role of Technology and Innovation for Startup Survival in Shanghai, China

This chapter examines the challenges faced by startup companies in China during the great lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020. A study of six startup companies in Shanghai is conducted focused on the nature of challenges they have faced, their responses to these challenges and the prospects for the post-pandemic business world in their respective area of business. Particular attention is paid to the roles of technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem involving venture capitals, incubators, and governments. The results lead to the conclusion to exercise caution regarding online technologies but highlight the importance of the entrepreneurship ecosystem for startup survival during the pandemic.