Entrepreneurship Engine Fund
INTRODUCTION
The HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund (EEF) is a strategic initiative by The University of Hong Kong to boost entrepreneurial spirit and drive research commercialisation. Primarily functioning as a premier “mother” fund, the EEF strategically allocates capital to top-tier early-stage investment institutions both domestically and internationally, cultivating a network of “patient capital” around HKU’s innovative ventures.
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Investment Partnership Models
The EEF collaborates with reputable investment institutions primarily through the following two types of portfolio funds:
*Co-branded Joint Fund (JF):
A newly created fund tailored for HKU, with a funding pool of at least HK$200M, primarily investing in HKU-affiliated startups, along with other support to the HKU ecosystem.
*Lead-investment Partner Fund (LPF):
An existing fund in which HKU participates as a special limited partner (LP), committing to a leading financing amount of at least eight times HKU’s contribution, along with other support to the HKU ecosystem
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1st Cohort of EEF Partners
The initial group of investment partners, carefully selected through a rigorous recruitment and evaluation process, was announced in September 2024.
Startups interested in applying for EEF investments are encouraged to directly contact the EEF partners.
JF Partners:
DEFTA Partners
DEFTA Partners is a Silicon Valley venture capital firm which focuses on early-stage investments in the medical and healthcare sectors.
Charles Li <jli@deftapartners.com>
CASSTAR
CASSTAR, based in Xi’an and Beijing, specialises in early-stage “hard technology” investments and is renowned for its integrated startup ecosystem.
Victor Li <likaiqi@casstar.com.cn>
Gobi Partners
Gobi Partners, with headquarters in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, focuses on Asian emerging markets and has extensive investment experience in the Greater Bay Area.
Fred Li <fred@gobi.vc>
LPF Partners
InnoAngel
InnoAngel Fund, derived from Tsing Hua, was founded by angel investors and well-known entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and mainland China and concentrates on venture building and investment in early-stage technology innovation projects.
Mavis WU <maviswu@hkinno.com>
Beyond Ventures
Beyond Ventures, led by experienced Hong Kong serial entrepreneurs, focuses on early-stage projects and has successful exit cases in both Hong Kong and mainland China.
Oliver Chen <oliverchen@beyondventures.hk>
China Everbright Limited
China Everbright Limited (Everbright, stock code: 165.HK) has 26 years of experience in cross-border financial services and contributes to advancing science and technology in Hong Kong through investments and incubation.
Wang Xiaohan, Shawn <Shawn.Wang@everbright.com>
ZhenFund
ZhenFund, one of China’s earliest angel investment institutions, has a long history of supporting young entrepreneurs and investing in startups.
Yishan Cheng <yishan@zhenfund.com>
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Future EEF Partnership Opportunities
The 1st call for partnership proposals: https://tec.hku.hk/hku-entrepreneurship-engine-fund/ concluded on 8 Mar 2024.
Eligible investors are welcome to contact Senior Manager, Patrick Chen Qi Ming, at patrick.chen@hku.hk for future partnership opportunities.