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Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (September 15) that its recently completed poll of the startup ecosystem showed continued growth in terms of the number of startups and co-work spaces and incubators operative in Hong Kong.
The survey conducted in August polled operators of 40 co-work space, incubator and accelerator locations in Hong Kong, which said that a total of 1,558 startups were registered in their premises, up 46 per cent, or 493 more startups, compared to a similar poll done a year ago. According to the respondents, there were 3,721 staff employed by the startups and 4,535 workstations available in these locations, up by 56 per cent and 60 per cent respectively from a year ago.
In terms of origin, 43 per cent of the founders were from overseas including Mainland and Taiwan, 50 per cent Hong Kong locals and the remaining seven per cent Hong Kong returnees.
Top sectors included Information, Computer and Technology taking up 19 per cent, Hardware (IoT, prototypes and wearables) accounting for 14 per cent (compared to only five per cent a year ago) and E-commerce/Supply Chain Management and Professional or Consultancy Services, each taking up 10 per cent.
InvestHK's Director-General of Investment Promotion, Dr Simon Galpin, was delighted to see the continued growth. He said, "The results of the survey demonstrate Hong Kong's continued appeal to global founders as one of the fastest growing startup hubs in the world."
Dr Galpin added, "A big part of InvestHK's job is to assist startups and promote the startup ecosystem in Hong Kong. We plan to do this poll more regularly such that based on the latest findings and developments, we can adjust our promotion strategy more effectively."
The Department has just announced the launch of the 2016 StartmeupHK Festival which will be held from January 23 to 30 to promote Hong Kong as a "super-connector" and one of the world's fastest growing ecosystems for innovative startups, investors and enterprises. The festival will feature keynotes, interactive how-to-sessions, hackathons, powerful lessons from seasoned founders and investors plus much more. For more information of the Festival, please visit www.startmeup.hk/en/startmeuphk-festival-2016/.¡@
About InvestHK
Invest Hong Kong (Invest HK) is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to attract 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 at June 2015, InvestHK had assisted over 3,700 companies which have created more than 40,200 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over $99 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For survey charts, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72157658616764432.
Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Issued at HKT 14:50
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