Top Startup Founders to Watch in Hong Kong 2025
Hong Kong is rapidly evolving into Asia’s next innovation gateway. In 2025, the city’s startup ecosystem thrives on financial strength, technological agility, and global ambition. With its world-class infrastructure, transparent legal framework, and access to both Western and Chinese markets, Hong Kong has become a launchpad for founders looking to scale internationally.
From fintech and blockchain to AI and sustainability, Hong Kong’s entrepreneurs are building companies that connect ideas, capital, and opportunity across borders. The region’s growing venture network, combined with government-backed innovation programs, makes it one of Asia’s most exciting startup destinations. Discover the founders driving this evolution – starting with leaders shaping finance, technology, and innovation for the global stage.
Hong Kong Startup Ecosystem Snapshot 2025
Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem continues to accelerate in 2025, ranking among Asia’s fastest-maturing innovation hubs. Local startups raised over $5.8 billion USD in funding in 2024, led by fintech, blockchain, and AI ventures. This momentum carries into 2025, supported by a potent mix of government incentives, private venture capital, and cross-border investor participation.
The city’s strategic location, situated between mainland China and the global market, remains one of its greatest strengths. Hong Kong’s founders benefit from a seamless business infrastructure, low taxation, and international financial credibility that attract both regional and global investors.
Programs like Cyberport, HKSTP, and the Innovation and Technology Fund continue to nurture early-stage startups, offering funding, mentorship, and access to R&D facilities. With growing talent inflow, digital transformation, and global scalability potential, Hong Kong is positioning itself as Asia’s bridge for international innovation and investment in 2025.
Expert Insight: The Shift From Local Growth to Global Readiness
“Hong Kong’s startup scene has evolved far beyond its financial roots; it’s now a launchpad for globally scalable innovation. At aboveA, we see founders combining the city’s financial strength with strategic digital execution to reach audiences worldwide. Our mission is to give Hong Kong startups the systems, insights, and visibility they need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best. Growth isn’t just about traction anymore – it’s about building global relevance.”
— Faustas Norvaiša, CEO & Co-Founder of aboveA
How We Selected Hong Kong’s Top Startup Founders 2025
Our selection of Hong Kong’s top startup founders for 2025 is based on measurable impact, innovation, and regional scalability. The evaluation covered over 120 active startups across the fintech, AI, sustainability, and healthtech sectors – industries that are leading Hong Kong’s digital economy.
We prioritized founders who demonstrated clear growth indicators such as funding milestones, strategic partnerships, and international expansion results. Public data, accelerator reports, and investor insights were analyzed to ensure each profile reflects genuine ecosystem contribution, not popularity.
This list celebrates visionary leadership – individuals who build globally relevant solutions, drive cross-border collaboration, and strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as Asia’s gateway for innovation. Each founder featured here represents a different path toward growth, yet all share one common goal: transforming Hong Kong into a world-class startup hub.
Top Startup Founders to Watch in Hong Kong 2025
Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is driven by founders who combine innovation with a global vision. These leaders are redefining what it means to build scalable, globally competitive businesses from Asia’s financial heart, driving transformation across fintech, AI, sustainability, and digital infrastructure in 2025.
1. Simon Loong — Founder & Group CEO, WeLab
Simon Loong is one of Hong Kong’s most respected startup leaders and the Founder and Group CEO of WeLab, a fintech company transforming Asia’s financial landscape. Under his leadership, WeLab became Hong Kong’s first homegrown virtual bank and a regional leader in digital lending and finance innovation.
With operations extending across Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia, WeLab has raised more than $600 million from top global investors, including Sequoia Capital and Allianz X. Simon’s vision centers on making financial access seamless, secure, and data-driven for millions of users – redefining how people and businesses manage money in the digital era.
Recognized among Asia’s most influential fintech pioneers, Simon Loong frequently speaks at international conferences on digital banking, AI in finance, and financial inclusion. His leadership continues to inspire founders aiming to scale Hong Kong-born startups across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
2. Faustas Norvaiša — Founder & Group CEO, aboveA
Faustas Norvaiša is a regional growth strategist and the CEO & Co-Founder of aboveA, a global marketing and innovation ecosystem helping startups expand beyond their local markets. From its base in Asia, aboveA connects Hong Kong founders with systems that turn early traction into sustainable international growth.
Through aboveA Tech, Academy, Lab, Capital, and Incubator, Faustas leads initiatives that blend marketing automation, data intelligence, and investor readiness – empowering startups to scale faster and smarter. His approach focuses on simplifying global expansion by combining technology, creativity, and actionable growth frameworks tailored for APAC markets.
A frequent speaker at startup and tech conferences, Faustas has previously helped numerous startups in the DACH region and Southeast Asia achieve international scalability. His influence continues to expand across Hong Kong’s ecosystem, positioning aboveA as a catalyst for founders aiming to build credible, globally competitive brands from Asia’s gateway city.
3. Adrian Cheng — Founder, C Ventures & K11 Group
Adrian Cheng is a leading voice in Hong Kong’s innovation and cultural economy. As the Founder of C Ventures and CEO of K11 Group, he bridges creativity, investment, and technology to empower startups transforming Asia’s lifestyle and sustainability sectors. His portfolio spans art-tech, digital retail, and next-generation consumer brands.
Through C Ventures, Adrian focuses on funding early-stage companies driving change in fintech, sustainability, and the creative industries. His unique approach merges cultural intelligence with entrepreneurial growth, positioning Hong Kong as a global intersection of innovation and identity.
Known for his long-term commitment to ecosystem building, Adrian frequently collaborates with universities, accelerators, and investors to nurture youth entrepreneurship. His leadership not only supports startups financially but also redefines how Hong Kong connects creativity with scalable business impact.
4. Michael Wu — Founder & CEO, Amber Group
Michael Wu is the Founder and CEO of Amber Group, one of Hong Kong’s most successful blockchain-based fintech companies. Established in 2017, Amber Group has evolved into a global leader in digital asset management, serving institutional and individual clients across over 150 countries.
Under Michael’s leadership, the company has raised over $300 million from investors including Temasek, Sequoia Capital, and Tiger Global. His vision focuses on bridging traditional finance with next-generation blockchain technologies, helping Hong Kong position itself as a trusted global center for digital asset innovation.
A frequent speaker at fintech and Web3 conferences, Michael actively promotes responsible blockchain adoption and transparent regulation. His work embodies the forward-thinking spirit of Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem, where finance, innovation, and global opportunities converge.
5. Jessica Lam — Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, WeLab Bank
Jessica Lam is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of WeLab Bank, Hong Kong’s first licensed virtual bank and a core division of WeLab Group. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product vision, regulatory strategy, and sustainability roadmap as it scales across Asia.
Her leadership combines deep expertise in fintech innovation and corporate transformation. Jessica has been instrumental in advancing digital banking accessibility while maintaining transparency and trust, values that have helped position Hong Kong as a model for modern financial ecosystems.
Recognized as one of Hong Kong’s top female tech leaders, Jessica frequently speaks about inclusion, ESG finance, and women’s leadership in technology. Her work at WeLab Bank underscores how Hong Kong’s new generation of founders is driving sustainable, forward-thinking innovation across industries.
6. Edith Yeung — General Partner, Race Capital
Edith Yeung is a globally recognized investor, entrepreneur, and ecosystem builder. As the General Partner at Race Capital, she leads early-stage investments in high-potential technology startups across AI, blockchain, and SaaS – helping shape the future of innovation in Hong Kong and beyond.
Before founding Race Capital, Edith built a successful career in Silicon Valley, working with companies like Dolphin Browser and 500 Startups. Her deep understanding of both Western and Asian ecosystems allows her to connect Hong Kong founders with global investors and accelerate cross-border scaling opportunities.
Named one of the Top 100 Women in Fintech, Edith is a frequent speaker at international conferences and a respected thought leader in venture capital and emerging technology. Her work continues to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a launchpad for globally competitive startups.
7. Shing Chow — Founder & CEO, Lalamove
Shing Chow is the founder and CEO of Lalamove, a Hong Kong–born on-demand logistics platform connecting businesses with fleets of drivers for same-day delivery. Under his leadership, Lalamove has become one of the city’s most notable tech success stories, digitizing urban logistics and empowering SMEs with fast and flexible fulfillment.
Focused on operational excellence and data-driven dispatching, Chow has expanded Lalamove across Asia, building resilient supply networks and scalable driver ecosystems. The company’s product velocity and market execution have helped set a benchmark for homegrown platforms navigating multi-city expansion.
A frequent voice in the ecosystem, he shares lessons on founder grit, marketplace dynamics, and unit economics, inspiring Hong Kong entrepreneurs to build regionally scalable products. LinkedIn verified.
8. Yat Siu — Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands
Yat Siu is one of Hong Kong’s most internationally recognized tech entrepreneurs and the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, a global leader in blockchain gaming and digital asset innovation. His mission is to redefine digital property rights through Web3 technology and open-metaverse ecosystems.
Under his leadership, Animoca Brands has invested in hundreds of Web3 and gaming startups, building an interconnected network of decentralized platforms. The company’s work has placed Hong Kong at the center of blockchain innovation, attracting developers, investors, and creators from around the world.
A consistent advocate for digital freedom and equitable access, Yat Siu frequently speaks at major global tech conferences and policy forums. His leadership continues to expand Hong Kong’s role as a hub for emerging technology and digital entrepreneurship.
Hong Kong Startup Outlook 2025: Momentum and Opportunity
In 2025, Hong Kong’s startup landscape reflects confidence, capital, and connectivity. The city continues to attract founders who seek not only regional growth but also a global footprint. Its financial infrastructure, bilingual workforce, and strong legal framework create an environment where startups can scale rapidly while maintaining investor trust. The focus sectors shaping Hong Kong’s innovation economy include fintech, green technology, AI, and healthtech, each supported by government-backed programs and venture accelerators. The rise of cross-border partnerships with mainland China, Singapore, and Japan has strengthened Hong Kong’s position as a central node in Asia’s tech and investment network.
As more early-stage ventures mature into Series A and B rounds, Hong Kong is seeing a surge in international funding, sustainable innovation, and digital transformation. In 2025, the city’s startup ecosystem isn’t just rebuilding momentum – it’s becoming a model for globally scalable entrepreneurship.
Conclusion: Hong Kong’s Founders Are Defining Asia’s Next Innovation Chapter
Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem in 2025 represents a potent mix of financial strength, creative energy, and global ambition. The city’s founders are proving that innovation here is more than a trend; it’s a transformation shaping the future of business in Asia.
From fintech disruptors like Simon Loong and Jessica Lam, to tech visionaries such as Yat Siu and Michael Wu, Hong Kong continues to produce leaders who merge talent with purpose. And among them, Faustas Norvaiša, CEO & Co-Founder of aboveA, stands out for his mission to connect Hong Kong startups with global markets through data-driven strategy, marketing technology, and investor readiness.
As 2025 unfolds, these founders are not just building companies; they’re strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation hub. With collaboration, technology, and ambition at its core, Hong Kong’s startup community is ready to lead the next wave of growth across the APAC region and beyond.
Ready to Scale Your Hong Kong Startup Globally?
Hong Kong’s innovation story is just beginning – and aboveA is here to accelerate it. From global market entry strategies and marketing automation to investor readiness and data-driven growth systems, we help Hong Kong founders scale smarter, faster, and further.
FAQ
Hong Kong Startup Founders Questions
Who are the top startup founders to watch in Hong Kong in 2025?
Leaders include Simon Loong, Faustas Norvaiša, Michael Wu, Yat Siu, and Jessica Lam, all shaping Hong Kong’s global startup ecosystem through technology, finance, and innovation.
Why is Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem growing in 2025?
Strong investor confidence, global connectivity, and government support make Hong Kong a leading hub for fintech, AI, blockchain, and sustainable innovation across Asia.
Which industries are driving startup growth in Hong Kong?
Fintech, AI, blockchain, healthtech, and sustainability are Hong Kong’s top-performing startup sectors in 2025, attracting international investors and driving digital transformation.
How does aboveA support Hong Kong startups?
aboveA helps Hong Kong startups expand globally through strategy, marketing automation, investor readiness, and data-driven growth frameworks designed for long-term international success.
What makes Hong Kong founders unique in 2025?
Hong Kong founders strike a balance between creativity, global vision, and financial discipline, creating scalable and innovative businesses that connect Asia’s talent with international opportunities.
- Updated: October 5th, 2025
