Top 20 Startups in Hong Kong: Leading the Way in Innovation
Top 20 Startups in Hong Kong: Leading the Way in Innovation
Hong Kong is not just a bustling metropolis known for its skyscrapers and vibrant nightlife; it’s also a thriving hub for startups. With its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and supportive ecosystem, Hong Kong has become a breeding ground for innovative startups. Here are the top 20 startups in Hong Kong, covering various industries, their founders, the year of foundation, and their valuations.
1. Lalamove
Industry: Logistics & Delivery
Founders: Shing Chow
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $1 billion
Lalamove is an on-demand logistics company that connects users with delivery drivers via its mobile app, offering fast and reliable delivery services across Asia and beyond.
2. WeLab
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Simon Loong
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $1.2 billion
WeLab provides online lending and virtual banking services, leveraging technology to offer seamless financial services to consumers and businesses in Asia.
3. SenseTime
Industry: Artificial Intelligence
Founders: Tang Xiaoou, Xu Li
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $7.7 billion
SenseTime is a leading AI company specializing in computer vision and deep learning technologies, providing solutions for various industries, including healthcare, finance, and security.
4. GoGoVan
Industry: Logistics & Delivery
Founders: Steven Lam, Reeve Kwan, Nick Tang
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $1 billion
GoGoVan is an on-demand van-hailing service that connects users with drivers for goods transportation, offering a convenient solution for delivery needs in urban areas.
5. Tink Labs
Industry: Travel Tech
Founders: Terence Kwok
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: $500 million
Tink Labs offers Handy, a smartphone solution for travelers that provides free internet, local and international calls, and a city guide, enhancing the travel experience for hotel guests.
6. GOGOX
Industry: Logistics & Delivery
Founders: Steven Lam, Reeve Kwan, Nick Tang
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $1 billion
GOGOX, formerly known as GoGoVan, is a technology platform that connects individuals and businesses with delivery drivers for efficient and reliable transportation of goods.
7. Ztore
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: David Yeung, Danny Shum
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $60 million
Ztore is an online grocery store that offers a wide range of local and international products, providing a convenient shopping experience with home delivery services.
8. Bowtie
Industry: Insurtech
Founders: Michael Chan, Fred Ngan
Year of Foundation: 2018
Valuation: $30 million
Bowtie is Hong Kong’s first virtual insurance company, offering health insurance products directly to consumers through an online platform, simplifying the insurance process.
9. Prenetics
Industry: HealthTech
Founders: Danny Yeung
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $800 million
Prenetics is a genetic testing and digital health company that provides DNA testing and personalized health solutions, empowering individuals to make informed health decisions.
10. Klook
Industry: Travel & Leisure
Founders: Ethan Lin, Eric Gnock Fah
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $1 billion
Klook is a travel activity booking platform that offers travelers a wide range of experiences and services, including tours, attractions, and transportation, at discounted rates.
11. Airwallex
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Jack Zhang, Lucy Liu
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $2.6 billion
Airwallex provides cross-border payment solutions, enabling businesses to manage international payments and finances more efficiently through its innovative platform.
12. Shopline
Industry: E-commerce
Founders: Fiona Lau, Tony Wong
Year of Foundation: 2013
Valuation: $50 million
Shopline is an e-commerce platform that empowers businesses to set up and manage online stores, offering tools and services to streamline the e-commerce process.
13. 8 Securities (acquired by SoFi)
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Mikaal Abdulla, Mathias Helleu
Year of Foundation: 2012
Valuation: Acquired
8 Securities provided online brokerage services, offering commission-free trading and investment management tools before being acquired by SoFi in 2020.
14. QD Health (formerly known as Quidditch)
Industry: HealthTech
Founders: Henry Yu, Daniel Fung
Year of Foundation: 2017
Valuation: $15 million
QD Health is a digital health platform that offers personalized health and wellness solutions, using data and AI to improve health outcomes for users.
15. Hype Asia
Industry: Fashion Tech
Founders: Danny Yeung, Yoann El Jaouhari
Year of Foundation: 2019
Valuation: $10 million
Hype Asia is a platform that connects fashion brands with influencers and consumers, providing marketing and promotional services to boost brand visibility and engagement.
16. Animoca Brands
Industry: Blockchain & Gaming
Founders: Yat Siu
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $1 billion
Animoca Brands develops and publishes blockchain-based games and digital entertainment, creating innovative and engaging experiences for users worldwide.
17. FreightAmigo
Industry: Logistics & Fintech
Founders: Hugo Cheuk, Ray Leung
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $20 million
FreightAmigo is a logistics and supply chain management platform that integrates fintech solutions, offering end-to-end services for freight and trade finance.
18. Dash Living
Industry: PropTech
Founders: Aaron Lee
Year of Foundation: 2014
Valuation: $50 million
Dash Living provides flexible living solutions through its network of serviced apartments, co-living spaces, and hotels, catering to the needs of modern urban dwellers.
19. Neat
Industry: Fintech
Founders: David Rosa, Igor Wos
Year of Foundation: 2015
Valuation: $25 million
Neat offers digital banking services for startups and SMEs, providing business accounts, payment solutions, and financial management tools to simplify business operations.
20. AQUMON
Industry: Fintech
Founders: Kelvin Lei, Dr. Wei Cui
Year of Foundation: 2016
Valuation: $15 million
AQUMON is a robo-advisory platform that provides automated investment solutions, helping individuals and institutions manage their investments with ease and efficiency.
Conclusion
Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is vibrant and diverse, with innovative companies leading the charge in various industries. From fintech and e-commerce to healthtech and logistics, these top 20 startups are making significant strides, not just in Hong Kong but on the global stage. Keep an eye on these trailblazers as they continue to innovate and shape the future of the business landscape.
