We're looking for those who stand against the wind | Call for entries for the 2026 "36 Under 36" begins

Produced by | 36Kr Venture Capital Research Institute

Written by | Luo Jing, Du Meng

How to describe the venture capital industry in 2026?

Looking back on the past year, "Undercurrent Waves" tries to find the most appropriate description: When AI rebuilds the industrial foundation, when hard technology becomes the background, and when globalization and local innovation are intertwined, we have fully embraced the new narrative and new generation of the primary market.

From Xiao Hong's hackathon in 2016 to the butterfly effect in 2026, we know that there are always people standing at the forefront of entrepreneurship; when scientists step out of the laboratory and onto the front line of mass production, we firmly believe that there are always people paving the way.

This group of people has one thing in common: They are not shaped by the trends, stand firm in the turbulent flow, and define themselves through continuous creation. Youth is their common feature. Each of them proves with actions that true value never lies on the trends, but in the land of long - term perseverance.

To sum up this year's venture capital circle: The wind has arrived, and the road lies ahead.

In 2026, young people are pushed to the forefront. Founders born in the 95s and 00s are emerging, and post - 10 "geeks" are winning awards in various hackathons. They will speak out: "This is the stage for young people, and this is the era of young people." We can't predict the entire picture and figures of the future primary market, but it always makes sense to record the samples of the era and this group of people.

"36Under36" has been running for nine years. We know that the age of 36 is just a boundary.

Thirty - six is the golden age when precipitation and edge coexist. With precipitation, one doesn't lose enthusiasm; having seen ups and downs, one remains firm. This is not a scale trapped by age, but the confidence to start again. Who can predict the future? The edge of the youth should be written. The business world also loves to hear some inspiring stories. We have seen this kind of power in the previous lists again and again:

In 2023, we witnessed the infinite possibilities of youth in "You're Only 36, You Can Be Whoever You Want to Be" ; in 2024, we re - anchored the meaning of innovation in "There Are Two Roads Ahead, But You Can't Tread on Both at the Same Time" ...

And this year, we are looking for those who stand against the wind.

In 1959, at the age of 36, Jin Yong, facing the difficulties of founding "Ming Pao", middle - age, and the turbulent era, wrote a sober self - reflection in the postscript of "The Return of the Condor Heroes": "Although the encounters and changes in the world are unpredictable, in the final analysis, they are always determined by one's own character."

The venture capital world is full of endless waves, and the trends come and go unpredictably. We are looking for those who can withstand the waves with their inner strength and stand firm with their perseverance. For the Under36s standing at the center of the world, may we stand against the wind and stay young forever.

The registration channel for the 2026 "36Under36" is officially open!

Image source: Unsplash

This article is from "Undercurrent Waves".