Calling for HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund

Option 1: Co-branded Joint Fund Partner (Not available for this cohort):

A Co-branded Joint Fund Partner will serve as the General Partner (GP) or Investment Manager (IM) for its proposed Co-branded Joint Fund (JF) within the EEF framework. The proposed fund’s size must be a minimum of HK$200 million to ensure cost-effectiveness. HKU is open to participation in the proposed JF as the cornerstone LP, subject to other conditions and legal agreements.

Option 2: Lead Investment Partner:

A Lead Investment Partner will serve as the GP or IM of an existing private investment fund which will be selected as the Lead-investment Partner Fund (LPF) of the EEF. HKU is open to participation in the proposed LPF as a special LP, subject to other conditions and legal agreements.

Option 3: Ecosystem Co-Builder:

Applicants who are not selected for Option 1 or Option 2 can still contribute meaningfully as Ecosystem Co‑Builders. This non‑financial role supports HKU’s entrepreneurship community and may include invitations to platforms like the HKU Super Angel Network.

EEF Partners must fulfil the following:

Venture Capital Proficiency: Demonstrated success in VC fund management, showcasing satisfactory financial returns, with a preference for expertise in early-stage investments.

Experienced Investment Team: The core investment team possesses deep experience in financing and nurturing deep tech start-ups, highlighting a robust capability in growth facilitation.

University Collaboration Success: Proven effectiveness in supporting university-affiliated academic entrepreneurs with a portfolio of successful cases.

Fundraising and Investor Management: Proficient in raising capital for investment funds and adept in managing investor relationships, especially with university endowments and government entities.

Ethical Integrity and Reputation: Solid ethical principles and a dedication to social responsibility, underscored by a broadly acknowledged positive reputation.

The technical proposals (first envelope) are opened and evaluated by the evaluation board against predefined criteria, without any reference to the price. This phase focuses on the technical capabilities, experience, quality of the solution, and adherence to the project’s specifications. Bidders that do not meet the minimum technical requirements or scores are disqualified from further consideration.

Once the technical evaluation is complete and the technically qualified or highest-scoring bidders are identified, the financial proposals (second envelope) of these bidders are opened. The evaluation at this stage looks at the financial aspects of the proposals, comparing the financial bids of the technically qualified bidders.

The decision for partnership is made after a holistic review of both technical and financial proposals. HKU will establish a task force to engage in deeper due diligence with the chosen partner and negotiate detailed agreements.