Cyberport forum taps global capital for homegrown AI, Web3 and digital assets start-ups

Nine companies have gone public, and two became unicorns – Qiangnao Technology (US$1.3B) and Inspur Cloud (US$2.5B). The Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF) has invested in 29 projects and attracted a 1:9.3 co-investment ratio, amplifying the reach and impact of its capital. This strong performance is indicative of the ecosystem’s ability to attract strategic investment even in a recalibrating market.

According to Hendrick Sin, chairman of the Cyberport Investors Network (CIN), the newly launched “AI Investment Circle” is designed to match these companies with global capital, building on the success of 2024’s Web3.0-focused investor circle.
 

“CIN has facilitated nearly HK$4.26 billion in investments,” said Sin. “The CVCF connects international investors, industry leaders and start-ups, fostering deep collaboration across government, academia and the private sector.”

When it comes to evaluating early-stage start-ups, he said the number one factor is always the founders and the team – their vision, technological edge and how well they complement one another. 

Bridging innovation with informed investment

On top of matchmaking, Cyberport is investing in long-term investor engagement. 

According to Eric Chan, Cyberport’s chief public mission officer, more and more family offices and institutional investors are showing interest in emerging tech. Some, however, need support to understand the risk-reward calculus.

“We’re running education sessions to help these investors feel confident about tech,” said Chan. “They are about sharing real-world success stories and showing how AI and blockchain, for example, can improve legacy businesses. When investors see measurable efficiency or business model improvements, that’s when trust is built.”

He added: “Family offices have traditionally been risk-averse. But today, no one wants to miss out on what innovative technologies are doing to global markets. We’re helping them move from following to leading.”

A cross-border, cross-disciplinary marketplace

CVCF 2025 will feature more than 90 speakers and hundreds of investors, with sessions covering the digital asset market and Real-World Assets tokenisation, decentralised finance (DeFi), Web3 gaming and regional opportunities in ASEAN, the Middle East and the Greater Bay Area.

Among the participants are Rasmal Ventures, HashKey, Longling Capital, Sinovation Ventures and Cathay Innovation.

The popular Investor Matching sessions and Web3.0 Innovation Expo will return, offering practical entry points for capital to meet product. Last year’s sessions facilitated over 350 matches.

“Through CVCF and our wider investor network, we’re building lasting partnerships, grounded in trust and shared purpose, that will drive the next wave of tech growth from Hong Kong to the world,” said Chan of Cyberport.
 

Bowtie’s breakthrough backed by Cyberport’s strategic network

Cyberport Incubation Programme Alumnus Bowtie, which recently raised US$70 million (HK$546 million) in Series C funding. It is the largest funding round for a D2C digital health insurer in Asia. Bowtie now delivers over HK$133 billion in total protection amount.

CIN has played a vital role in Bowtie’s investor connections. “The platform helped us meet strategic partners, not just funders but people who understand our business and want to grow with us,” said Fred Ngan, co-founder of Bowtie Life Insurance, adding that partnering with the right investors was just as important as raising capital.

In Bowtie’s case, the Series C round led by Sun Life Hong Kong provided more than capital. “They share our mission to make healthcare more accessible and our ambition to build a long-term business,” said Ngan. 

“Having investors who align with our values and understand the journey makes a huge difference when we face challenges head-on or look to scale up.”