Hong Kong’s Booming Startup Ecosystem Draws Global Founders

Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem is thriving, attracting a growing number of local and international founders. The city’s business-friendly environment and strong innovation support make it an appealing base for startups aiming to expand in the region.

Startups thriving in HK.

One of them is a Hong Kong fintech startup that was acquired last year by a loyalty and travel rewards platform from Singapore.

David B Wang, the platform’s Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong, said the city offers favourable conditions for startup development.

Hong Kong is first and foremost a travel hub, he noted, adding that following the COVID-19 pandemic recovery, passenger traffic at Hong Kong International Airport has benefited significantly, and with a new terminal opening, he expects travel demand to continue growing.

David B Wang, the platform’s Global Head of Loyalty Partnerships and General Manager of Hong Kong.

Mr Wang also highlighted Hong Kong as a dynamic fintech hub that unites financial services and innovation, enabling companies to test new ideas and products. He also expressed appreciation for the various partners and stakeholders who supported the company’s entry into Hong Kong.

“Thanks to organisations, including Cyberport and Invest Hong Kong, for giving us the resources and showing us that there is an ecosystem here for us to tap into so that we can accelerate our growth and expansion to the market.”

Startups thriving in HK.

Last year, the number of startups and startup employees in Hong Kong reached new all-time highs. According to Invest Hong Kong, the number of startup firms in the city exceeded 5,200 in 2025, representing an 11% year-on-year increase. These companies employed nearly 20,000 people, reflecting growth of 12% compared with the previous year.

Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau said Hong Kong’s appeal extends far beyond its borders, with international founders accounting for approximately 33% of the city’s startup community, demonstrating that it is an ideal place for such firms.

“Whether they are local or from around the region using Hong Kong’s wonderful ecosystem for financing, or whether it is to look for support from government funding or develop test cases so that they can grow their dreams.”

Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau.

In 2025, Invest Hong Kong helped 560 companies to set up or expand their operations in the city. These companies are expected to bring in nearly $70 billion in direct investment and create more than 10,000 new jobs.

In addition, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which is partly administered by Invest Hong Kong, received more than 2,850 applications last year, and is expected to bring in investment of more than $85.5 billion to Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, Ms Lau said the department will focus on the Northern Metropolis and supporting Mainland enterprises in “going global” through Hong Kong.

Startups thriving in HK.

She said as Chinese Mainland industries continue to grow and expand their sales, technologies and investments abroad, Invest Hong Kong will help them to use the city as a platform. This includes managing the functions of their regional headquarters, fundraising, serving as a corporate treasury centre, and managing international operations.

Ms Lau outlined that the department will also identify companies that are interested in using the Northern Metropolis to expand their businesses, such as technology companies looking to establish research and development functions and pursue advanced manufacturing in the area.

DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 12) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.

In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:

• Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
• Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
• Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
• Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:

• Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
• The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
• Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.

The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.

Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:

• Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.

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