HKIC chief says early investment in small firms is core strategy
Clara Chan, chief executive of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, said investing early in small companies is HKIC's core strategy. She said the corporation has invested in over 200 projects, with 11 portfolio companies listed in Hong Kong and over 30 more planning to submit listing applications t
The chief executive of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC), Clara Chan Ka-chai, said that the role of HKIC has gone beyond that of an investor, as the corporation has led investments during companies' growth to attract more supporters. She stated that "investing early in small companies" is HKIC's core strategy.
Chan announced that HKIC will establish an innovation and technology platform for youth support, spanning multiple regions and collaborating with top universities from Hong Kong, mainland China, Europe and the Americas. The mission of HKIC is to attract capital, gather talent and nurture the business ecosystem, she said.
Co-investors include sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices and internationally renowned universities from different regions, generating synergies that can benefit the industry ecosystem. Chan emphasised that the corporation also takes on the role of a pioneer to strongly support the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Greater Bay Area in the future, as well as invest in commercial aerospace and other areas.
In addition, HKIC expands its network through investment and explains Hong Kong's opportunities to overseas markets, helping to recognise its advantages in capital, innovation and technology opportunities, and talent. The corporation has cumulatively invested in over 200 projects, with 11 portfolio companies already listed in Hong Kong, and over 30 more planning to submit listing applications in the remainder of this year.
According to Chan, for every HK$1 invested by the government, an average of over HK$8 in long-term capital has been leveraged. As of the end of last year, the corporation achieved a net internal rate of return of 14 per cent.