An Invest Hong Kong survey of 40 co-work space, incubator and accelerator locations in Hong Kong has revealed 1,558 startups were registered in their premises, a 46% increase over last year.
The survey conducted in August showed there were 3,721 staff employed by the startups - a rise of 56%, and 4,535 workstations available in these locations, a jump of 60% compared to a year ago.
In terms of origin, 43% of the founders were from overseas, including the Mainland and Taiwan; 50% were Hong Kong locals; and the remaining 7% were Hong Kong returnees.
Top sectors included information, computer and technology which accounted for 19%; hardware (IoT, prototypes and wearables) accounting for 14%; and e-commerce/supply chain management and professional or consultancy services accounting for 10%.
Director-General of Investment Promotion Simon Galpin said the survey results demonstrate Hong Kong's continued appeal to global founders as one of the fastest growing startup hubs in the world, noting that a big part of InvestHK's job is to assist startups and promote the startup ecosystem in Hong Kong.
He added that InvestHK plans to conduct these polls more regularly so that it can effectively adjust its promotion strategy based on the latest findings and developments.
The department's 2016 StartmeupHK Festival will be held from January 23 to 30 to promote Hong Kong as a "super-connector" and one of the world's fastest growing ecosystems for innovative startups, investors and enterprises.
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