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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (October 6) that it has set up a dedicated team to assist startups.
The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, said, "The setting up of the new startup team marks a milestone for InvestHK in its outreach to founders and the local and overseas startup communities. I am hoping that the startup team will further embed Hong Kong's position as a leading destination and hub for startups and attract entrepreneurs and founders to set up their businesses in the city."
The new team comprises two executives with extensive links and experience in the local and overseas startup communities. Investor Relations Officer (StartmeupHK), Ms Jayne Chan heads the team and is ably supported by Investor Support Officer (Startmeuphk), Mr Duncan Tong.
Ms Chan has been working with entrepreneurs and startups for a number of years, most recently as Executive Director for TiE Hong Kong, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in Hong Kong. Mr Tong was latterly based in Hong Kong with the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ), covering cross border transactions mainly focusing on SMEs and startups.
Mr Galpin said that the new team will establish strong networks with key startup community stakeholders in Hong Kong and help connect budding entrepreneurs with InvestHK's sector and overseas teams. "The intention is to leverage the Department's existing strengths and resources to assist startups and help Hong Kong's startup communities to continue thriving," he added.
InvestHK has been actively promoting Hong Kong's role as the preferred regional startup hub for scalable and innovative startups. The Department has seen steady growth in the number of startup businesses in its portfolio since 2012, rising from about 10 per cent to 17.5 per cent in the first half of 2014. Its 2014 StartmeupHK Venture Programme received 550 entries from 47 economies, vying for prizes worth more than US$500,000. The 12 finalists were recently named and will compete against each other in the Grand Finale in Hong Kong on November 11.
About InvestHK
InvestHK is a department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, and was established in July 2000 to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help these businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As at June 2014, InvestHK had completed over 3 300 investment projects creating more than 36 400 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$88 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157648034559548/.
Ends/Monday, October 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:33
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