There are two tech markets that consistently generate billion-dollar tech companies: the U.S. and China. And the Chinese juggernauts often take longer to make themselves known than American firms. (Didi Chuxing, for instance, the on-demand ride company now valued at more than $25 billion, was underestimated and misunderstood for years in the U.S.)

To help spot the next Didi, we picked eight fast-growing companies that enjoy large user numbers and a good reputation in China, but have been largely under the radar in the West. They include several companies already valued at a billion dollars or more. Details and interviews with some of the founders below.