The Startup Ecosystem of Hong Kong

Hong Kong has 440 startups in our sample database. This represents about 8% of China’s startups. Hong Kong is the 5th best startup ecosystem in China.

CITY RANKING

Hong Kong kept its position stable in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index of 2023, ranking 36th.

National Ranking

5th
0
In China

Regional Ranking

7th
0
In East Asia

Global Ranking

36th
0
Worldwide

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

aerial photography of city, body of water, and forest


Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem has positioned itself as a prominent hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Asia. With its strategic location, solid financial infrastructure, and extensive government support, Hong Kong provides an ideal environment for startups to succeed.


The city’s startup ecosystem is fueled by a diverse range of industries, notably fintech, where it ranks (18th) worldwide, along with technology, e-commerce, biotech, and more. Hong Kong’s advantageous position as an international financial center attracts global investors and provides startups with access to a vast network of potential customers and partners.


Hong Kong’s government plays a crucial role in supporting startups through various initiatives. InvestHK, a government agency, actively promotes Hong Kong as a premier startup destination and offers comprehensive support services to both local and international startups, including guidance on market entry, networking opportunities, and connections with key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.


Co-working spaces and startup incubators are abundant in Hong Kong, offering entrepreneurs flexible workspaces, mentorship programs, and access to a supportive community. Some notable spaces include The Mills, Cyberport, Science Park, and Blueprint.


The city also hosts a multitude of events, conferences, and pitch competitions, which serve as platforms for startups to showcase their innovations, gain exposure, and connect with investors and industry experts. The StartmeupHK Festival, for example, attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders from around the world.


Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure is another significant advantage for startups. The city provides access to a robust banking system, venture capital firms, and angel investors, offering startups a wide range of funding options to fuel their growth. Examples include HSBC, Horizons Ventures, and AngelHub Ventures.


Lastly, Hong Kong’s proximity to mainland China and its integration with the Greater Bay Area initiative present immense opportunities for startups looking to tap into the vast Chinese market and expand their reach.

Startups

Hong Kong Top Startup Industries

Fintech icon
Fintech
#18 worldwide

122 startups

Transportation icon
Transportation
#27 worldwide

8 startups

Ecommerce & Retail icon
Ecommerce & Retail
#34 worldwide

55 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Hong Kong Ecosystem Health Check

The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Hong Kong has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
ParameterParameter Global rankParameter rank change since 2022ResultContribution to total scoreRank gain / loss due to parameter
Total Score36020.184100%0
Quantity Score3522.96714.7%1
Sample size of startups39240913.51%1
Sample size of accelerators44-4649220%0
Sample size of coworking spaces17-32050%1
Community Score46-56-150.241.19%0

ECOSYSTEM

Browse the startup ecosystem database of Hong Kong

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Hong Kong

Our startup ecosystem map for Hong Kong includes a sample of 440 tech companies. We have identified as unicorns 9 startups that have passed the USD 1 billion valuations. Get the Pro account for unrestricted insights on this ecosystem.

Global Rank

Hong Kong is ranked within the top 40 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Hong Kong’s startups excel particularly in Fintech where it ranks 18 and in Transportation, and Ecommerce & Retail. Find out more

Top Cities for Startups in China - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal Score
Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries
Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
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6th
0
99.019
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
0
7th
0
67.567
00.00
00.00
00.00
3rd
0
16th
+
2
35.292
00.00
00.00
00.00
4th
0
35th
-
5
21.057
00.00
00.00
00.00
5th
0
36th
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20.184
00.00
00.00
00.00
6th
0
45th
+
6
14.297
00.00
00.00
00.00
7th
+
3
69th
+
88
8.986
00.00
00.00
00.00
8th
-
1
97th
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19
7.257
00.00
00.00
00.00
9th
0
123rd
+
4
5.702
00.00
00.00
00.00
10th
-
2
125th
-
11
5.629
00.00
00.00
00.00
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Startups

Notable Startups in Hong Kong
AfterShip startup icon
AfterShip
GoGoX startup icon
GoGoX
Sandbox VR startup icon
Sandbox VR

Startups

Successful Fintech startups in Hong Kong
Bowtie Life Insurance Company startup icon
Bowtie Life Insurance Company
YouTrip startup icon
YouTrip
Hyphen Group startup icon
Hyphen Group

ECOSYSTEM

Why should you join Hong Kong's Startup Ecosystem?

Overview

Within Hong Kong there is an increased attraction for entrepreneurs to set up their startups in industries such as Fintech, Transportation, Ecommerce & Retail. These three industries represent about 42% of the startups represented on the Startup Ecosystem Map of Hong Kong.

5th

National Rank

7th

Regional Rank

Overview

Hong Kong is China's 5th best startup ecosystem and is ranked 7th in East Asia. With a population of 2M - 10M people, Hong Kong is ranked 36th in the world. The city has some notable startup success stories including AfterShip.

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