Update | Beijing start-ups move out as hazardous smog smothers capital
New survey reveals around half of nearly 300 entrepreneurs polled have thought about moving their whole, or parts of their business out of the city because of the appalling air conditions
Beijing issued its highest “red” fog alert for a second day running on Wednesday, after weeks of choking winter pollution, and experts are now warning the conditions are starting to have a serious effect on not only attracting new talent and entrepreneurs to the capital, but forcing more to relocate.
A latest survey by 36kr.com, a Beijing-based online platform providing tech start-up news and services revealed around half of nearly 300 entrepreneurs polled have thought about moving their businesses or part of their operation out of the city because of the appalling air conditions – though only 4 per cent have already made actual plans.
Cities in developed eastern and southern China, where the economy is thriving and pollution is less frequent and less severe, are starting to emerge as more popular choices for tech experts and start-ups, it said.
Nearly a quarter of respondents would chose to move to Hangzhou, home to Alibaba Group Holdings, followed by Shenzhen’s 23.23 per cent and Shanghai’s 13.13 per cent. Alibaba is owner of the South China Morning Post.
Beijing-based entrepreneur Gu Jun, for instance, told the Post he has begun 2017 by busily planning to relocate his business.
