Lali presents investment opportunities for Chinese investors and stakeholders in African startups at the 2024 Submit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing in September. Courtesy of interviewee

Liu Yangyang

524652046@qq.com

YOHANNES TAYE, better known as Lali, is a seasoned tech professional whose journey has taken him from Ethiopia to Shenzhen, the heart of China’s tech innovation. Over the past decade, he has collaborated with startup founders, solved complex challenges, and driven innovative technological advancements. Today, Lali is leveraging his expertise to build bridges between African entrepreneurs and global opportunities, carving out a unique role in Shenzhen’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

Discovering Shenzhen

Lali’s decision to move to Shenzhen was strategic — he was drawn by the city’s reputation as a global hub of innovation. After spending several years in Beijing working on cutting-edge technologies like drones and real-time virtual movie production, he relocated to Shenzhen in 2023 to join an extended reality (XR) company that specializes in real-time 3D surveillance systems.

“Shenzhen feels much younger compared to Beijing,” Lali said. “There’s an energy here — a sense that the city is always evolving. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the stunning coastal views add a special charm,” he shared with Shenzhen Daily.

Now living near Sea World in Nanshan District, Lali has developed a daily routine that keeps him grounded. “I love starting my mornings by watching the sunrise by the sea. It’s a peaceful and grounding way to begin the day,” he shared. In the evenings, he often revisits the water. “The nighttime scenery by the sea is so calming — it’s the perfect counterbalance to Shenzhen’s fast-paced tech environment,” he added.

Adapting to life in Shenzhen has also meant embracing the local language and culture. “Learning Chinese has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences during my time in China,” Lali admitted. “I recently earned my HSK4 certificate and am preparing for HSK5. It’s so rewarding to see the excitement on people’s faces when I speak Chinese. It’s a connection that transcends words,” said Lali.

HSK is an international standardized test for Chinese language proficiency.

Shenzhen’s entrepreneurial spirit

For Lali, Shenzhen is more than just a city — it’s a thriving ecosystem of innovation and opportunity. The city’s relentless focus on technological progress aligns perfectly with his entrepreneurial mindset.

“The tech scene here is incredibly active and vibrant,” Lali explained. “Shenzhen’s pace of innovation and the opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals in the industry are unparalleled. It’s a dynamic and inspiring place to be for anyone in tech,” he said.

A particularly impactful moment for Lali was visiting the high-tech zones that house industry giants like Tencent, DJI, and Alibaba. “Watching thousands of employees pour out of these massive buildings after work, I’m reminded that these companies all started as just an idea,” he reflected. “It’s incredibly inspiring. It makes scaling a business from a simple thought feel tangible and achievable,” he said.

Bridging African innovation and the world

For the past three years, Lali has been working to bridge the gap between Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem and global investors. He is developing a platform that leverages Shenzhen’s resources to create meaningful opportunities for African startups.

One of his key initiatives is Startups Safari, a project designed to bring potential Chinese investors to his hometown. The program offers investors a firsthand look at the opportunities African startups present. “They can not only visit startups but also connect with people who are well-versed in local policies,” Lali explained. “It’s more than just a tour — it’s a personalized networking experience where they can immerse themselves in the local ecosystem, including accelerators and incubation programs,” Lali shared.

Lali envisions staying in Shenzhen for the long term, driven by his commitment to strengthening ties between African startups and investors in the city. “I believe there’s significant potential to bridge these worlds, and I’m eager to continue working on this vision while leveraging the resources and networks that Shenzhen offers,” he said.

While much of his work focuses on connecting African startups with international investors, Lali appreciates the diversity of Shenzhen’s expat community. “It’s rare to meet others with the same focus as mine,” he said, “but the variety of backgrounds and interests among expats adds a richness to life here.”

Life in Shenzhen has not only propelled Lali’s career but also reshaped his perspective on entrepreneurship and possibilities. “Being here has raised the bar for what I believe is possible,” he reflected. “Seeing companies that started as mere ideas grow into global giants has inspired me to dream bigger and work harder. This deeply shaped my outlook on life and entrepreneurship,” said Lali.

When asked for advice for anyone considering a move to Shenzhen, Lali didn’t hesitate to say, “Do it!”