Is Hong Kong a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Hong Kong has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Hong Kong gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Hong Kong

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Hong Kong offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Hong Kong's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by various players. Notable VC firms like Horizons Ventures, MindWorks Capital, and Vectr Ventures are active in the early and seed stages. Government initiatives also provide crucial backing, including grants like the Cyberport Creative Micro Fund and incubation programs at HKSTP, alongside co-investment schemes such as the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund. Angel networks like the Hong Kong Business Angel Network connect founders with individual investors. However, challenges persist, particularly a recognized funding gap between seed and later-stage Series A and B investments. While the number of startups has grown significantly, securing funding remains a hurdle for many, partly due to investors favoring more mature businesses and the competitive landscape. Despite this, efforts are being made to channel more private capital into early ventures and improve the overall funding ecosystem.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Hong Kong has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Hong Kong has a vibrant and growing startup ecosystem with a strong entrepreneurial culture. The city hosts numerous coworking spaces and a variety of tech and entrepreneur events, including conferences and workshops. The government actively supports the sector with various funding schemes and initiatives aimed at different stages of startup development. While there are competitive, standardized programs like incubation and acceleration schemes, there are also indications of personalized support, such as mentorship and one-on-one consultations, particularly for early-stage companies and SMEs. The ecosystem supports both early-stage and more mature startups, with a recent surge in early-stage firms.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Hong Kong can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Hong Kong, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Hong Kong is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Hong Kong possesses a strong talent pool for startups, significantly supported by its world-class educational institutions. Several universities rank globally, producing skilled graduates across various disciplines, particularly in sought-after areas like FinTech, Information & Computer Technology, E-commerce, and EdTech. These institutions actively foster entrepreneurship through programs, incubators, and industry collaboration, providing a pipeline of talent and innovative ideas. While there is high demand for specialized skills, particularly in AI, data science, and cybersecurity, Hong Kong attracts both local and international professionals. Government initiatives and a vibrant ecosystem with accelerators and co-working spaces further support entrepreneurial growth by connecting startups with resources and talent. Local talent, alongside returnees and overseas professionals, contributes to a diverse and productive workforce crucial for the expanding startup landscape.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Hong Kong can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Hong Kong boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Hong Kong offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring extensive infrastructure and support systems. This includes numerous incubators, accelerators like those at Cyberport and HKSTP, and co-working spaces that provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The government plays a significant role through initiatives like the Innovation and Technology Fund and various schemes offering substantial funding, grants, and investment matching to fuel growth and R&D. This comprehensive support, coupled with Hong Kong's strategic location and business-friendly environment, helps startups thrive and expand regionally and globally.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Hong Kong. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Hong Kong Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Hong Kong provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Hong Kong face significant challenges. Competition is intense in the diverse and established market, making it difficult to stand out. The high cost of living and operating expenses, particularly expensive rent for both residential and office spaces, presents a major hurdle for startups with limited resources. Navigating regulatory requirements and compliance can also be complex, including business registration, licenses, permits, and tax obligations.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Hong Kong or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Hong Kong offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash