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UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs
Incubation
Programme
Nurturing success for Hong Kong
entrepreneurs in the UK
Disclaimer: Hong Kong Business Hub will not provide any legal and financial advice to applicants and investors. The applicants and investors acknowledge and agree that they will take their own independent legal and financial advice with regard to the opportunity for funding or investments.
Hong Kong Business Hub is thrilled to launch the first-ever incubation programme designed for new migrants from Hong Kong in the UK. The UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme is an initiative aimed at providing vital support and resources to Hong Kong entrepreneurs as they embark on their journey to establish their own businesses in the UK.
Supported by private funding, the Programme revolves around three key pillars: training, networking and equity investment. We link up the entrepreneurs, our coaches, investors and other stakeholders in order to increase the successful rate of the fund-raising.
Who can join?
We welcome applications from any newly founded businesses in the UK that can provide a solid business plan and financial forecast for the next 3 years. Besides, the business must fulfil the following requirements:
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The company must be a UK-based private company limited by share
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The company must have been established on or after 1 January, 2020
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The company must have at least one full-time working staff, including the founders
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The founding team must collectively hold 51% of the company shares
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At least one member of the founding team must be a new migrant (start residing in the UK on or after 1 January, 2020) from Hong Kong with appropriate status that permits them to start a business who hold not less than 30% of the company shares
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The investment amount requested shall be £50,000 or above
Why should you join?
This programme is designed to foster collaboration, idea exchange, and support member companies of the Incubation Programme in their fundraising efforts.
Practical training workshops and coaching - Hong Kong Business Hub will provide essential training workshops, coaching and business model refinement services to enhance your investment readiness.
Networking opportunity - The programme also presents a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse group of visionary Hong Kong entrepreneurs who share your passion for innovation and business growth. You’ll to engage in meaningful conversations, forge valuable connections, and expand your professional network within the entrepreneurial community.
Fundraising – Member companies can showcase their ideas to investors, gaining valuable feedback and potential equity investment for their innovative ventures in our online pitching event.
Selection criteria
Eligible applicants will be assessed against the following evaluators by the Incubation Programme Selection Board.
The application must receive a minimum 60 marks in average, including both basic and bonus marks, and the mark of each basic mark dimension must not be 0 in average. Shortlisted applicants will gain entry to the incubation programme.
Basic Marks
Dimension | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
Innovation and creativity | 20% |
Feasibility and reasonableness of the business model | 20% |
Background and competence of the core team members | 30% |
Current status of the product and/or business development | 10% |
Go-to-market strategy | 10% |
3-year business proposal including milestones and budget | 10% |
Bonus Marks
Dimension | Weight(%) |
|---|---|
PR profile and character of team members can assist the branding of the programme | 5% |
The applicant’s company represents a distinctive industry that contribute to the diversity of the programme portfolio | 5% |
Business can benefit Hongkongers community and align with Hong Kong Business Hub’s core values | 5% |
ESG policies or related concepts incorporated in the business | 5% |
Application procedure
Application
Complete the online application form and submit the required documents by an authorised representative of your business.
Selection
All eligible applications will be marked against the scoring criteria detailed above by the Selection Board.
Virtual interview & due diligence
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a virtual interview. Due diligence will be conducted.
Announcement
Successful applicants will be notified individually and admitted to the programme after signing a formal agreement.
We strongly recommend applicants to download and carefully read the Programme and Application Guidelines. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the requirements before you proceed.
What’s next for member companies?
Training workshops
All member companies are required to join 2 complementary training workshops on business plan refinements and pitching skills.
Coaching (optional)
Member companies can join additional
1-2-1 coaching sessions provided by our entrepreneurship coaches at their own cost.
Networking event
Member companies can join our networking event to meet with other visionary entrepreneurs to exchange ideas.
Online investor pitching
An investor pitching day will be arranged for investors to meet member companies that demonstrated readiness and continued commitment to the long-term success of the business.
Result announcement
Member companies will be notified individually if they are selected by investor.
Term sheet negotiation
Member companies will negotiate the terms with the investor directly. Member companies are recommended to hire their own solicitors while HKBH can provide referral if needed.
Agreement signing & deal closing
After signing the term sheet, member companies shall instruct their solicitors to draft the investment agreement and close the deal with the investor#.
Monthly reporting
Member companies are required to submit monthly financial reports* and quarterly progress report to the investor. If the deal is closed by 29 February, 2024, Hong Kong Business Hub will facilitate the reporting for 6 months.
#The member companies will be charged 1% of the capital raised as referral fee once investors confirm their investment and sign the investment agreements.
*Monthly financial reports include balance sheets, income and expenditure statements and cashflow statements generated by software required by the investor or equivalent accounting system. Member companies are recommended to hire their own accountant while HKBH can provide referral if needed.
How to apply?
The first round of the UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme has successfully concluded, and applications are now closed. To stay updated on the next round, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media. Don’t miss out on future opportunities—stay tuned!
When preparing your online application, we highly recommend that you download and carefully read the Programme and Application Guidelines. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the requirements before you proceed. The application form must be completed by an authorised representative of your business.
Hong Kong Business Hub reserves the right to seek additional information as it deems necessary. You should also provide all clarification, information and documents requested by HKBH from time to time for processing your registration.
Success stories
The first round of the programme achieved outstanding success. Through a series of enriching training workshops, a cohort of visionary entrepreneurs with compelling projects were connect with participating investors. Several member companies have already secured investments to establish or expand their businesses. Here are two inspiring success stories:
Obobobu – Nature-Inspired Skincare Brand Flourishes
Obobobu, founded by two passionate entrepreneurs, creates nature-inspired handmade soaps using premium-quality, natural ingredients tailored to meet diverse skin and hair care needs. Their dedication goes beyond skincare, focusing on minimizing chemical exposure and promoting eco-consciousness. By using the cold-process method to craft their soaps, they not only ensure gentle, nourishing products but also reduce their environmental impact.
When Obobobu was still in the pre-startup phase, the founders joined the UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme to seek guidance and initial funding. Their primary goal was to acquire essential equipment, working capital, and cover startup expenses.
Investors and mentors within the programme were impressed by the brand’s commitment to quality and its outstanding branding and marketing strategy. The founders successfully raised the necessary funds to support their business launch.
With the help of the incubation programme, Obobobu is now fully prepared to enter the market, with an official launch planned for Q1 2025. This marks a significant milestone in their journey, as they strive to offer eco-friendly, luxurious skincare while promoting sustainable business practices.
Key Achievements:
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Raised initial funding through the UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme
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Secured equipment and capital for product development and marketing
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Positioned for a Q1 2025 market launch with a strong eco-conscious brand identity
Obobobu’s story exemplifies the impact of the Incubation Programme in empowering startups to thrive in competitive industries while staying true to their core values.
Bookliner – Empowering Emotional Well-being and Creativity Through Art
Bookliner, a startup supported by the UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme, is the brainchild of a talented team with strong backgrounds in both art and education. After bringing their expertise to the UK, they established Bookliner, a unique venture that offers tailor-made art and creative activities designed for a wide range of participants—from children to adults, individuals to families, and even couples.
Bookliner’s mission is to empower clients through creativity. Their workshops encourage relaxation, self-discovery, focus, and emotional well-being. By using art as a medium, they help participants express their inner world, form deep connections, reflect on emotions, and promote mindfulness. Their innovative approach builds inner confidence, helping clients manage big feelings while discovering their creative identity.
The startup's creative concept, which combines art with personal growth, deeply resonated with investors. Moved by Bookliner’s vision of fostering emotional well-being through artistic expression, investors provided the necessary funding for their launch.
In September 2024, Bookliner successfully opened their studio, and they are set to roll out a series of workshops, programmes, and services over the coming months. With the support of the UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme, Bookliner is well on its way to becoming a unique hub for creative expression and emotional empowerment in the UK.
Key Achievements:
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Successfully raised startup investment through the incubation programme
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Opened their creative studio in September 2024
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Positioned to launch workshops and programmes for diverse age groups and audiences
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Developed a unique fusion of art, creativity, and emotional well-being
Bookliner's journey is a testament to the power of combining art with emotional and personal growth, highlighting the significant role of the UK-Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Incubation Programme in supporting impactful and creative startups.
Join as an investor
If you are looking to support and invest in businesses established by Hongkongers in the UK, please contact us at info@hkbusinesshub.net
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