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.
Hong Kong kept its position stable in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index of 2023, ranking 36th.
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.
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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...
Hong Kong is ranked within the top 40 startup ecosystems globally.
Hong Kong’s startups excel particularly in Fintech where it ranks 18 and in Transportation, and Ecommerce & Retail. Find out more
2023 National Rank & Change | City | Global Rank & Change | Total Score | Quantity Score | Quality Score | Business Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st 0 | 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 0 | 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 - 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 |
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.
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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