WHO CAN APPLY?

If you are an early-staged entrepreneurs (from Seed to Series B) with Hong Kong ties and you fulfil the following requirements, you are eligible to apply:

• Startup is less than 5 years old
• Startup has raised less than US$10m in funding
• Startup has core or substantial operations in Hong Kong or has plans to set up in Hong Kong
• Seeking for investment stage: Seed, Pre-A, Series A, Series B

HOW DOES THE STARTUP PITCH WORK?

ONLINE APPLICATION

Submit the application online with your pitch presentation

• Please summarize your business and tell us how it may solve a problem in a market or specific industry.
• Your presentation should:
  • Introduce your product/service
  • Demonstrate the startup’s Hong Kong nexus
  • List out the value proposition of your product/service and market potential
  • Provide revenue model and financial plan
  • Provide team profile

*A powerpoint deck up to 15 slides
*Maximum upload file size: 20 MB (Format: pdf)

ON THE PITCH DAY

Pick your language

• Present your ideas on stage in English, Cantonese or Mandarin
• Present your Pitch deck in English or Traditional Chinese or Simplified Chinese

Pitch Timer

• Our pitch timer will begin once you start your pitch on stage

8 SEMI-PITCH EVENTS

• 12 startups are shortlisted to pitch at each Semi Pitch
• 10 minutes of pitch time is given to each startup:
  • 6 minutes for the actual pitch
  • 4 minutes for judges Q&A session
• The Top 3 startups will be selected from each Semi Pitch to enter the Grand Finale

1ST ROUND PITCH AT GRAND FINALE

• The Top startups selected to pitch at the 1st Round Pitch
• 12 minutes of pitch time is given to for each startup:
  • 8 minutes for the actual pitch
  • 4 minutes for judges Q&A session
• The Top 6 startups will be selected for the Final Pitch

Final Pitch at Grand Finale:

• 12 minutes of pitch time is given to each finalist:
  • 8 minutes for the actual pitch
  • 4 minutes for judges Q&A session
• Top 3 finalists are entitled to an investment commitment up to US$3 million by the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund

WHAT ARE OUR JUDGING CRITERIA?

Innovation and Creativity (25%)

• How innovative is the product / service / application / adoption
• How differentiated is the product or service from existing competitors; What is the competitive advantage of the product or service
• What is the value proposition of the product or service

Hong Kong Nexus and Community Impact (25%)

• Business plan / key operational functions are carried out in Hong Kong
• Percentage of development being carried out in Hong Kong
• Contribution to the society through its products / services

Market Potential, Business Model and Financial Performance (25%)

• How competitive is the market; what are the barriers to entry; Any first mover advantages
• What is the market potential; Can the product or service be scaled
• How will the product or service generate revenue
• How financially sound is the business

Team Background and Relevant Strength (25%)

• Team has the capabilities and expertise to execute the business plan
• Team’s ambition, attitude, drive, passion, vision and culture

WHO IS ON THE PANEL OF JUDGES?

• Screening: An assessment panel of investors and startup experts who represent startup communities in specific technology sectors will screen all applications and shortlist 12 startups for each Semi Pitch.
• Pitch: A judging panel consisting of investors and startup experts representing local and global startup communities will judge selected startups at the Semi Pitch and the Final Pitch.

WHAT DO THE TOP 3 STARTUPS RECEIVE FROM FINAL PITCH?

• Each of the Top 3 Startups will receive up to US$1 million in investment commitment from Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund.