Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem is expanding at an impressive pace. According to InvestHK, the government agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment, a record 4,694 start-ups were registered in 2024.
These early-stage companies benefit from the city’s financial infrastructure, legal framework and access to capital markets, which together create a favourable environment for founders looking to scale their businesses.
It is because of advantages such as these that Jean Eric Salata, chairperson of EQT Asia, one of the world’s leading investment organisations, sees Hong Kong as such a dynamic hub for innovative enterprises.
EQT itself has nearly three decades of investment experience in Hong Kong, and Salata says the city’s strategic location, connectivity to international markets, financial expertise and access to capital make it well-positioned to allow start-ups to thrive.
“This city has always been a gateway for capital, a hub for talent and a bridge to southern China and Southeast Asia,” he says.
However, many early-stage deep-tech start-ups still struggle to secure funding, since their innovations often require several years to reach commercial viability.
