Top 10 Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a bustling hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in Asia, is home to a vibrant ecosystem of startup accelerators.

These startup accelerators and incubators in Hong Kong play a pivotal role in supporting early-stage ventures, providing them with crucial resources, mentorship, and funding.

From fintech to biotech, and from digital technology to social impact enterprises, Hong Kong’s top startup accelerators are catalysts for groundbreaking ideas and transformative businesses. 

In this dynamic landscape, startup accelerators like Cyberport, Nest, and Brinc stand out for their commitment. Others, such as the FinTech Innovation Lab and Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, specialize in specific sectors.

Whether aiming to revolutionize finance through technology or to drive social change with impactful solutions, these accelerators exemplify Hong Kong’s dedication to fostering a diverse startup ecosystem. 

500 Global Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

500 Global is a venture capital firm managing $2.4 billion in assets, focusing on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can drive long-term value and economic growth.

The firm works closely with key stakeholders. It advises governments and corporations on supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems to help startups thrive.

With a robust portfolio, 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders and more than 2,800 companies across 80+ countries. 

The firm’s impressive track record includes over 35 companies valued at over $1 billion and 160+ companies valued at over $100 million. 500 Global’s 190+ team members are spread across 25 countries.

This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong brings extensive experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from leading technology companies.

This wealth of knowledge and global presence positions 500 Global as a powerhouse in the venture capital world. They’re dedicated to nurturing fast-growing technology companies. 

Ideal for: 

Early-stage startups across all industries, with a focus on scalable business models. 

Programs: 

Offers a renowned accelerator program twice a year, providing seed funding, mentorship, and access to a vast network of investors and alumni. 

Notable Features: 

Known for its rigorous application process and high success rate with startups like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. 

Founder Institute Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

The Founder Institute is renowned as the world’s most proven network for turning ideas into fundable startups and startups into global businesses.

Since its inception, FI has helped launch over 7,000 companies in more than 200 cities across six continents. This vast reach is a testament to its effective methodology and supportive network, which have consistently propelled startups toward success. 

Founded in 2009 by serial entrepreneur Adeo Ressi and his colleague Jonathan Greechan, the Founder Institute emerged from the insights gained while operating TheFunded.com.

Initially announced on TechCrunch and crowdsourced by over 10,000 CEO members of TheFunded.com, the inaugural program started in a small classroom at Stanford University.

This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong operates in over 200 cities, localized into nine languages, continuing to empower entrepreneurs worldwide. 

Ideal for: 

Aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startups across various industries. 

Programs: 

Provides a structured 4-month program focused on building a company from the ground up, including mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders. 

Notable Features: 

Global network and support system, with programs running in multiple cities worldwide, offering a strong community and ongoing resources. 

Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

The Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund is a not-for-profit initiative established by the Alibaba Group. It is to support entrepreneurs and young people with investment capital and strategic guidance.

This initiative is designed to help budding entrepreneurs achieve their business goals by providing financial backing. This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong provides expert advice necessary to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. 

With a strong focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund leverages the vast resources and network of the Alibaba Group.

This support enables startups to gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. It offers unique opportunities for growth and development in a dynamic market environment. 

Ideal for: 

Startups in e-commerce, technology, and other innovative industries. 

Programs: 

Provides funding, mentorship, and strategic support through the Alibaba ecosystem, including access to Alibaba’s resources and partners. 

Notable Features: 

Strong backing from Alibaba Group, offering unique opportunities for growth and expansion, especially in the Asian market. 

Brinc Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

Brinc is a unique venture capital and accelerator firm. They believe the world’s biggest challenges can be solved by entrepreneurs, whom they refer to as GAME CHANGERS.

Brinc is dedicated to providing the support and mentorship these visionary founders and their teams need to make a positive impact. By offering investment and guidance, Brinc helps startups from around the world grow and thrive. 

Focused on technology-driven startups, Brinc aims to fundamentally improve how we move, what we eat, how we feel, and where we live.

This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong believes that with the right backing and support, innovative companies can create significant changes for the better.

Brinc’s commitment to nurturing game-changing ideas underscores its mission to support entrepreneurs in building a better future. 

Ideal for: 

Hardware and IoT startups, as well as those in the food technology and health sectors. 

Programs: 

Runs multiple accelerator programs focusing on product development, market fit, and scaling, including access to prototyping labs and manufacturing partners. 

Notable Features: 

Emphasis on hardware and physical product startups, with a global network of mentors and partners to support manufacturing and distribution. 

The FinTech Innovation Lab Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

From New York to London to Hong Kong, the FinTech Innovation Lab is a highly competitive program designed to help early- to growth-stage companies redefine the fintech industry.

With the support of the world’s top financial service firms, this program provides startups with the resources and guidance needed to grow their businesses.

This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong makes significant advancements in the financial technology space. 

The impact of the FinTech Innovation Lab is evident through its impressive alumni network of 270 companies. They have collectively created 2,900 jobs and raised $2.7 billion in capital.

By fostering innovation and connecting startups with key industry players, the FinTech Innovation Lab plays a crucial role in shaping the future of financial technology on a global scale. 

Ideal for: 

Early and growth-stage fintech startups. 

Programs: 

Provides a 12-week mentorship program with guidance from leading financial institutions, technology experts, and venture capitalists. 

Notable Features: 

Strong industry connections, with direct access to potential customers and partners in the financial sector. 

Cyberport Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

Cyberport is Hong Kong’s premier digital technology flagship and incubator. They support over 2,000 members, including more than 900 onsite and nearly 1,100 offsite startups and technology companies.

Managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government, Cyberport aims to be the hub for digital technology.

This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong drives economic growth and innovation. 

With a commitment to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem, Cyberport focuses on cultivating talent. They promote entrepreneurship among youth and support startups.

It fosters industry development through strategic collaborations with local and international partners. They accelerate digital transformation in both the public and private sectors.

By integrating new and traditional economies, Cyberport plays a crucial role in shaping Hong Kong’s future as a leading digital economy. 

Ideal for: 

Digital tech startups across various sectors, including fintech, smart living, and e-commerce. 

Programs: 

Provides funding, co-working space, and a comprehensive incubation program with mentorship and networking opportunities. 

Notable Features: 

Strong government support and a robust ecosystem, with access to a large network of investors, partners, and industry experts. 

SOW Asia Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

SOW Asia is dedicated to becoming a trusted partner. This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong is an investor of choice for social-impact organizations seeking to expand their influence in Hong Kong and across Asia.

The organization’s vision is to cultivate an ecosystem where local social enterprises can thrive independently. They attract external funding and achieve sustainable growth. This goal is realized through their i2i accelerator program and strategic investments in portfolio companies. 

SOW Asia offers tailored accelerator programs and long-term impact investment initiatives designed specifically for social enterprises.

These programs provide comprehensive support across various categories. They empower social entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance needed to scale their impact.

With a track record of accelerating 72 social enterprises, SOW Asia boasts a 94% survival rate among its accelerated companies. They further enhance opportunities for growth and sustainability in the social impact sector. 

Ideal for: 

Social enterprises and impact-driven startups. 

Programs: 

Offers incubation and acceleration programs that include funding, mentorship, and capacity-building support. 

Notable Features: 

Emphasis on social impact and sustainability, with a strong network of impact investors and partners. 

IOSG Ventures Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

Founded in 2017, IOSG Ventures is a pioneering crypto fund that focuses on investing in the future of Web3. As a research-driven firm, IOSG Ventures is dedicated to helping founders develop community-friendly protocols.

They are poised to transform the crypto landscape. Their passion lies in supporting innovative crypto-native paradigms. This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong can shape the industry’s future. 

IOSG Ventures invests in a diverse range of projects, including infrastructure, middleware, security, gaming, and social platforms.

By offering strategic guidance and financial backing, IOSG Ventures empowers startups to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the crypto space. This commitment to innovation and transformation makes IOSG Ventures a key player in the Web3 ecosystem. 

Ideal for: 

Blockchain and cryptocurrency startups, as well as projects in decentralized finance (DeFi). 

Programs:   

Offers funding, strategic guidance, and access to a global network of industry experts and partners. 

Notable Features: 

Focus on innovative blockchain solutions and a strong track record of supporting successful projects in the crypto space. 

Nest Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

Nest is a dynamic startup accelerator. It supports startups across various industries by offering seed to early-stage funding and mentorship.

Nest’s programs are designed to help startups scale. It helps grow through accelerator programs, corporate innovation partnerships, and venture-building services.

By providing a robust support system, this startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong helps navigate the challenges of early-stage growth and achieve its business goals. 

What sets Nest apart is its close collaboration with corporates and large enterprises, offering startups unique market access and business development opportunities.

This connection to established businesses provides startups with valuable insights and resources. It enables them to scale more effectively. Nest’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs makes it a pivotal player in the global startup ecosystem. 

Ideal for: 

Startups across various industries looking for seed to early-stage funding and mentorship. 

Programs: 

Offers accelerator programs, corporate innovation partnerships, and venture-building services, focusing on scaling and growth. 

Notable Features: 

Close collaboration with corporates and large enterprises, providing startups with unique market access and business development opportunities. 

ParticleX Startup Accelerator and Incubator in Hong Kong 

ParticleX is inspired by the concept of particle acceleration in physics. It aims to accelerate tech startups by facilitating collisions with diverse aspects of the field to generate new ideas, concepts, and technological breakthroughs.

This approach leads to disruptive businesses, innovative technologies, and a thriving startup ecosystem that drives the future forward. 

Based in Hong Kong, ParticleX operates as a tech startup investor and innovation enabler under Particle Accelerator Limited.

By leveraging networks, capital, and research resources, ParticleX accelerates technological innovation and supports early-stage startups in seizing cross-border opportunities across Asia.

This startup accelerator and incubator in Hong Kong focuses on disruptive technologies and their application across various business domains. It contributes to the advancement of global innovation. 

Ideal for:  

Early-stage startups in technology and innovation sectors. 

Programs: 

Provides seed funding, mentorship, and acceleration programs focusing on market fit and scalability. 

Notable Features: 

Close collaboration with universities and research institutions, fostering a strong innovation ecosystem. 

Conclusion  

In conclusion, startup accelerators and incubators in Hong Kong exemplify a commitment to innovation, growth, and global impact.

They provide invaluable support to entrepreneurs by offering mentorship and funding. They provide access to networks that propel early-stage ventures toward success.  

 As they continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of innovation, these accelerators remain pivotal in accelerating the growth of startups and contributing to the dynamic growth of the global startup ecosystem.