2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme aims to put Hong Kong on the global start-up map (with photo/video)

2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme aims to put Hong Kong on the global start-up map (with photo/video)
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     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (May 27) the launch of its 2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme, which aims to highlight Hong Kong as the region's leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

     A key part of the Venture Programme is a global competition to promote Hong Kong's rapidly expanding start-up ecosystem. Open until July 31 for entries from innovative and scalable businesses, it will culminate in a week-long start-up festival from November 10 to 14. A Forum during this week will see 12 shortlisted winners from two categories compete for three Grand Awards and two sector awards in the financial technology and smart city fields. Prizes worth more than US$500,000 include pro bono accounting, legal, design and branding advice and services, supported by sponsors including Baker Tilly, CoCoon, CWL Partners, Nest, Orangefield ICS, Paperclip Startup Campus and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, said, "Now in its second year, I am happy to see the competition attracting more attention. Start-ups and entrepreneurs can make significant contributions to Hong Kong's economy. What InvestHK is doing to promote Hong Kong as the start-up location in Asia and attract start-up entrepreneurs will help our city further develop its growing status as the region's leading innovation and entrepreneurship hub," he said.

     The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, said, "Hong Kong has become an important centre for overseas entrepreneurs looking to expand globally. With our StartmeupHK Venture Programme, we hope to build on last year's momentum and put Hong Kong on the global start-up map."

     He added, "We are seeking to bring in not only innovation but also to promote Hong Kong to potential founders and angel investors who will, in the long run, help further develop Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem."

     Details and the online entry form for the StartmeupHK Venture Programme 2014 are available on InvestHK's dedicated start-up website www.startmeup.hk. The site offers a one-stop portal to the start-up community in the city, listing the latest start-up events and signposting visitors to resources including government incentive and incubation schemes.

About InvestHK

     InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As of December 2013, InvestHK had completed over 3 090 investment projects creating more than 34 900 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$82 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

     For an event photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/14094721800/.

Ends/Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:23

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