Build with IE - a startup venture builder
A curated
community
for founders
6-month ideation startup program
Test ideas and find product-market fit
For founders eyeing HK expansion
Startup program for early-stage founders
Where founders
come first
Expand to HK & APAC, with 0 up front cost
Figure out whether your startup idea is good or not. In collaboration with HKSTP, our program fast-tracks your ideas into the market. Enjoy business setup, secured funding, and derisked growth in Hong Kong and APAC regions without any initial investment.
Work with top notch Unicorn veterans to reach product-market-fit. Viable ones make progress towards HKSTP incubation program.
Up to $2.3M USD
non-dilutive funding
Gain access to a rich pool of funding opportunities, including government grants and a diverse network of investors eager to support innovative ventures. With our comprehensive support, you can secure up to $2.3M USD in non-dilutive funding.
Whether it's scaling your operations, expanding into new regions, or refining your product, our program ensures you have the best chance at success while maintaining full control of your vision and direction.
Momentum for your journey ahead
Our 6 months program includes monthly workshops, and events, designed to help founders find and maintain momentum in their startup journey.
We understand how difficult it is to pursue your personal vision and find product-market fit. We craft a tailored product, growth and talent program. Designed to help you navigate product, sales, and fundraising.
Work with 30 select experts in
product, growth, engineering, design
From these companies
Meet our community
Founders
from Hong Kong
in every field
For years, Marco has bridged talented dancers and artists with work and career opportunities.
Throughout our 1st cohort, we helped DAAPP refine their storytelling and value proposition.
Jessie inspired us with her longstanding passion for female skincare, and her commitment to building with community.
Sorra was part of our 1st cohort, raising HKD1M+ in grants during that process.
Jordan and the Krunch team are helping teams become data-driven in how they run developer relations.
We have been close partners on product and growth since they joined 500 Global.
6 months of
mentorship,
hands-on support,
momentum
Discovery
The first 2 months we focus on figuring out what problems you are trying to solve, and who are you solving them for. You'll receive tailored mentorship from industry experts and assistance in setting up your legal entity in Hong Kong. Additionally, you'll benefit from one hour of legal clinic to derisk your business expansion.
By the end of this stage, you'll have the market insights, skills, connections, and legal foundations necessary to advance your startup with confidence and clarity.
Ideation
The next 2 months we focus on testing your hypotheses and assumptions through targeted experimentation and hiring a full-time staff member.
By the end of this stage, you'll have early market feedback and may have started building your minimal viable product for the target market.
Validation
In the final 2 months we focus on figuring out whether there is a real business here. This involves asking your customers whether they are willing to pay for what you're offering.
The momentum and feedback gathered here will take you into the next stages of company growth, team building, and fundraising. You will receive continued support and services in discount from our partners after this 6-month journey.
FAQ
What is InspectHK LaunchPad?
InspectHK LaunchPad is a tailored startup ideation program designed for seed to late stage oversea founders that eye expansion in HK. The program spans 6 months and is specifically geared towards validating business ideas and achieving product-market-fit. We offer comprehensive assistance in company setup, bank account setup, legal work, hiring, HR operations, product development and growth strategies. Our primary areas of emphasis revolve around softwares, encompassing various domains such as online marketplaces, fintech, SaaS, AI, and Blockchain, among others.
How long is the program?
InspectHK LaunchPad is designed as a program spanning 6 months, but we do provide the option for early graduation if your startup achieves product-market-fit or if it is ready for fundraising/incubation.
What is the time commitment?
We seek founders who display strong commitment and passion for their startup idea. As part of the program requirements, founders are expected to actively participate in bi-weekly business deep-dives with their ideation partner and engage in monthly consultation calls with the two mentors assigned to them. These interactions serve as essential touch-points to nurture your startup journey.
Can people from outside of HK join?
Absolutely! The program targets participants from outside of Hong Kong to join virtually. However, it's important to keep in mind the following criteria. We aim to provide support to exceptional founders in Hong Kong, which includes:
Startups founded by both HK / non-HK citizens;
Startups headquartered outside of HK; or
Startups having a great potential impact on HK.
What's included in InspectHK LaunchPad?
InspectHK LaunchPad offers a comprehensive package of support for our cohort founders. They will receive hands-on support on company setup, bank account setup, legal work, hiring and HR operations. They will also get practical guidance and assistance from their ideation partner and mentors, who will provide operational support and advice on product development and growth strategies. Additionally, founders will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive weekend workshops led by industry experts and C-level executives. We also organise monthly mixers where founders can connect with domain experts and investors within the startup ecosystem.
I have a company already. Can I still join?
Yes! You are welcome to join as long as your company has been incorporated within the past two years. We encourage early-stage companies to participate and benefit from our program.
Will anyone else know that I joined?
We may share highlights of the program on our social media platforms, such as LinkedIn. However, we completely understand that some founders prefer to maintain a low profile or operate in stealth mode. If you would like to remain confidential, please inform us in advance, and we will make appropriate adjustments to respect your preferences.
How does the admissions process work?
To apply for the program, you can submit an online application through our website. Once we receive your application, our program manager will reach out to you to schedule an information session. Following that, there will be an internal evaluation process. If shortlisted, you will be invited for a panel interview.
Will InspectHK LaunchPad be held virtually?
Yes, InspectHK LaunchPad will be held virtually. However, we highly encourage founders to join physically if they are geographically able to do so. Being present in person allows for better networking opportunities and the chance to connect and mingle with other participants.
What does InspectHK LaunchPad cost?
InspectHK LaunchPad offers a cost-free core program, giving you access to our main resources at no charge. For additional support, participants can choose to subscribe to our optional add-on services — such as Growth, HR, Legal, and Funding Advisory — at discounted rates.