Programme

• 31 October (Tuesday)

  
  
• 09:00 – 09:15

  Welcome Remarks

  • Mr Simon Chan, BBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Cyberport

  Opening Remarks

  • Prof The Hon Dong Sun, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China

  
  
• 09:15 – 09:25

  Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Anniversary Celebration

  • Mr Hendrick Sin, MH, Chairman, Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Steering Group; Chairman of Macro Fund Investment Committee; Co-Founder & Vice Chairman, CMGE Technology Group Limited

  
  

• Macro Trends & Global Stage

  
  
• 09:30 - 09:40

  State of Market: Trends & Outlook

  • Ms Irene Chu, Head of New Economy and Life Sciences, Hong Kong, KPMG

  
  
• 09:40 – 09:55

  Keynote 1: Plugging into venture in a big way

  Synopsis

  From his power base in Silicon Valley at leading global investor and Innovation hub Plug and Play, venture capitalist and technology founder Alireza Masrour gains an unparalleled perspective on startup funding cycles and tech innovation trends. This ground-breaker is known for his ability to hyperscale startups across AI, web3, fintech and other disruptive fields. Since 2008, he’s led more than 200 investments out of thousands of early-stage deals in hot sectors for investment arm Plug and Play Ventures, and he's scored several exits from among 13 unicorns in his portfolio. His hands-on experience and depth of expertise will give audience valuable insights into 2024 and beyond in this pivotal time for investing efficiently in fast-growth, small businesses.

  • Mr Alireza Masrour, General Partner, Plug & Play

  
  
• 09:55 – 10:10

  Keynote 2: Winning in a Fast Future - Innovating in the AI Era

  Synopsis

  • Disruption - Global shifts, shocks, and challenges shaping the AI era
  • Evolution - How AI and related technologies could evolve in the next 3-5 years
  • Potential - Where are some of the biggest opportunities to drive innovation, efficiency, growth, and impact with AI
  • Leadership - Critical capabilities required to enable business and new ventures to succeed in a world of constant change.

  • Mr Rohit Talwar, Global Futurist, Fast Future

  
  
• 10:10 – 10:45

  Panel Discussion 1: Empowering NextGen Startup Funding in Volatile Global Landscape

  Powered By

  Synopsis

  Cross-border geo-political currents in global venture investing are running strong, and look likely to intensify with increased scrutiny of privacy practices, more regulation of trade and investment in sensitive sectors, strategic competition between the US and China, climate risk and more. An international panel of VCs from Europe, Silicon Valley and Singapore dive into the many deal-making challenges - yet opportunities - in funding a next generation of tech innovations in these turbulent times.

  Moderator

  • Ms Rebecca Fannin, Founder, Silicon Dragon

  Panelists

  • Mr Douglas Hansen-Luke, Executive Chairman, Future Planet Capital
  • Mr Tytus Michalski, Managing Partner, Fresco Capital
  • Mrs Medea Nocentini, Senior Partner, Global Ventures
  • Ms Jenny Xiao, Partner, Leonis Capital

  
  
• 10:45 – 11:20

  Panel Discussion 2: Dynamics of Tech Venture Landscape in the GBA and Beyond

  Synopsis

  The session will explore the investment opportunities and challenges upon China’s post-pandemic reopening and recovery. Experts will delve into GBA’s latest development and its impact on cross-border business exchange and capital flow, and how the hinterland trailblazes Hong Kong’s role as the fundraising and expansion platform and gateway.

  Moderator

  • Prof Andrew Chan, President, GBA Business School

  Panelists

  • Ms Elissa Liu, Operation Partner, Lanchi Ventures
  • Mr Hendrick Sin, MH, Chairman, Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Steering Group; Chairman of Macro Fund Investment Committee; Co-Founder & Vice Chairman, CMGE Technology Group Limited
  • Mr Tony Tung, Managing Director, Gobi Partners GBA
  • Mr Henry Yuan, General Manager, ABCI Investment Management Limited

  
  
• 11:20 – 11:55

  Panel Discussion 3: Tapping Exponential Investment Growth in Middle East and Asia

  Powered By

  Synopsis

  With a growing trend in international capital flows, Middle East investors and Asia-based VCs are actively looking at opportunities and synergies across these two regions. Particularly of interest are ventures in frontier tech, smart industries, and tech for good.

  The panel explores the partnerships, key drivers, and ways to capitalize on booming investment growth while carrying meaningful VC transformation in both MENA and Asia regions.

  Moderator

  • Ms Indira Vergis, Editor, AsianInvestor

  Panelists

  • Mr Arnold Chan, General Manager, Asia, Airwallex
  • Ms Irene Chu, Head of New Economy and Life Sciences, Hong Kong KPMG
  • Dr Melissa Foo, Head of iLabs Ventures, Sunway
  • Ms Sonia Weymuller, Co-Founder and General Partner, VentureSouq

  
  
• 11:55 – 12:35

  Panel Discussion 4: Unleashing the Technological Dragon: Government as Catalyst for Innovation and Technology Renaissance

  Synopsis

  How government’s new initiatives, strategies and support would bolster cities as hubs for both international I&T hub and venture, and how entrepreneurs should leverage at their best to capture growth.

  Moderator

  • Mr Peter Shum, Deputy Chairman, Federation of Hong Kong Industries

  Panelists

  • The Hon Duncan Chiu, HKSAR Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation)
  • Mr Wai Lum Kwok, CFA, Senior Executive Director - Authorisation & Fintech, Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority
  • Dr Kang Li, Chief Security Officer, CertiK
  • Mr Shih Wing Ching, Founder & Chairman, Centaline Group
  • Mr Philip Yung, GBS, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Financial Secretary’s Office

  
  
• 12:35 – 14:00

  Networking Lunch

  
  

• Venture Track – Investor Strategies & New Venture Voyages

  
  
• Venture Theme Focus: Web3 & AI

  
  
• 14:00 – 14:20

  Keynote 3

  • Mr Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder, Polygon

  
  
• 14:20 -14:40

  Keynote 4

  • Mr Gökhan Er, Managing Director, IOSG Ventures

  
  
• 14:40 - 15:10

  Panel Discussion 5: Navigating the Web3 Investment Landscape – Emerging Trends to Watch in 2023-24

  Synopsis

  While Web3 aims to address data monopoly, privacy risks and more to promote a more equitable internet, it also leads to the emergence of new business model. Since 2016, investors have added US$94 billion into Web3 companies, of which a majority of the investments were made since 2021. This panel will provide insights from Web3 investment experts on the emerging trends of various areas of Web3 including infrastructure, application tools, decentralized finance etc. Challenges including scalability, regulatory as well as market potentials of Web3 investments in various industries, for instance finance, supply chain, healthcare, gaming etc. will also be explored.

  Moderator

  • Mr Anthony Cheng, Partner, Newman Capital

  Panelists

  • Mr Arnoldo Concepcion, Co-Chief Operating Officer, Animoca Brands
  • Mr Alan Li, Blockchain Investment Lead & Director, Da Wan Asset Management
  • Mr Gavin Wang, Managing Partner, SNZ Capital
  • Mr Jupiter Zheng Jialiang, CFA, Partner, HashKey Capital

  
  
• 15:10 - 15:40

  Panel Discussion 6: Real-world Asset Tokenisation and Its Impact to the Traditional Industries

  Synopsis

  Tokenisation has attracted attentions from international policy makers to traditional business owners, with its ability to revolutionise ownership recognition and transfer of real-world assets (RWA). This panel discussion aims to explore the impact of RWA tokenization on various sectors and industries. By unlocking liquidity, enabling fractional ownership, and streamlining transactions, asset tokenization has the potential to revolutionise industries such as real estate, art, commodities and more. The panel will delve into the opportunities, challenges and implications of this transformative technology for both traditional stakeholders and participants in the Web3 industry.

  Moderator

  • Mr Thomas Zhu, Head, Digital Assets Think Tank at FinTech Centre of PolyU Faculty of Business and Hamsa APAC

  Panelists

  • Mr Niki Ariyasinghe, Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific and Middle East, Chainlink Labs
  • Mr Louis Lee, Co-Founder & Chief Distribution Officer, Propcap Technologies Ltd
  • Mr Bartosz Lipiński, Chief Executive Officer, Cube Group, Inc.
  • Mr Henry Zhang, Founder & CEO, DigiFT

  
  
• 15:40 - 16:00

  Coffee Break

  
  
• 16:00 - 16:30

  Panel Discussion 7: Pivotal Role of Family Offices in Driving Impactful Investments through the Lens of Sustainability

  Powered By

  Synopsis

  This session explores the role and characteristics of family offices in the investment landscape, focusing on their significance in sustainable practices and ESG considerations. Leaders will share the strategies, best practices, and collaborative approaches enabling family offices to create positive impact while pursuing longer-term returns.

  Moderator

  • Mr Peter Lee, Family Advisory Partner, KPMG Private Enterprise

  Panelists

  • Ms Stephanie Choi, Sustainable & Impact Investing Strategist, UBS Global Wealth Management Chief Investment Office
  • Mr Danny Lee, Co-Chairman, Family Office Committee, HKVCA
  • Ms Poman Lo, Founding Managing Partner, AlphaTrio Capital

  
  
• 16:30 - 17:00

  Panel Discussion 8: Going Public: Unleashing Growth Potential

  Synopsis

  Experts in this panel will discuss the readiness of start-ups/unicorns going for IPO and considerations in effectively preparing for an IPO to fulfil strong fundraising needs. With the new introduction of HKEX’s Chapter 18C, which entails the modifications to existing rules applicable to the listing of Specialist Technology Companies, what are its characteristics, tractions and impact in diversifying the capital market, sustainable development and enhanced competitiveness.

  Gain insights on the implications of the new listing regime in enabling high potential tech companies to achieve next stage of growth.

  Moderator

  • Mr Johnny Chan, Chief Investment Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport

  Panelists

  • Dr Renu Bhatia, Chairman and Co- Founder, Opharmic Technology
  • Mr Edmond Chan, Partner, Hong Kong Capital Market Leader - Capital Market Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers
  • Mr Thomas Ma, Co-Founder & CEO, Real Corporation Limited
  • Dr Albert Yip, Hon.DBA, FCPA (Aust.), MSc(IS), Chairman, Syndicate Capital

  
  

• Inno Track – Sectors Spotlight & New Growth Engine
    

  
  
• 14:00 - 14:35

  Elite Innovators Dialogue

  Synopsis

  The Elite Tech Entrepreneur Dialogue brings together some of the promising tech start-ups from Cyberport to share their exhilarating entrepreneurial journeys and how they envision the next stage of development and future pathways.

  Moderator

  • Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport

  Panelists

  • Mr SK Lee, Alternate Chief Executive, RD Wallet Technologies Limited
  • Mr Andre Leung, Co-Founder & CEO, Aereve
  • Dr Anthony Ng, Co-Founder & CEO, Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange

  
  
• 14:35 – 15:15

  Investor-Investee Dialogue

  Synopsis

  Over the years, many Cyberport community companies have been backed by strong network of seasoned tech investors, corporate ventures or enterprises, as well as co-investment funds that would accelerate their growth and be more competitive. Two recent successful fundraise cases are featured in this session to decode the magic formula of the fruitful alignment amidst the economic volatility.

  Moderator

  • Mr Edmond Lau, Chief Financial Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport

  Pair A Panelists

  • Mr Matteo Bernardis, Head, UBS Next Intelligence and Investing, UBS
  • Mr Gregory Van, CEO, Endowus

  Pair B Panelists

  • Mr Isaac Ng, Associate Head of Investment, MTR Lab
  • Mr Christian Secci, Co-Founder & Group CEO, Alfred 24

  
  
• 15:15 – 15:30

  Coffee Break

  
  
• 15:30 – 17:00

  Web 3 Demo Day: Alpha Alchemy

  Powered By

  ForesightX and Cyberport jointly present the Web3 Demo Day during the Cyberport Venture Capital Forum (CVCF) 2023. Running the theme of “Alpha Alchemy”, the Web3 Demo Day will bring together renowned investors and a handful of project owners from Hong Kong and around the region to participate. Three outstanding projects will win the chance to enjoy fast-track interview of Cyberport Incubation Programme, which offers up to HK$500,000 grant, HK$200,000 overseas market promotion subsidy, usage of office space for 4-6 pax, professional advice as well as strong networks.
  Demo Day aims to provide a unique platform for project owners to showcase their innovative ideas and to attract more investments and business support in all aspects. Looking forward to exploring this venture capital feast together.

  Outstanding Web3 start-ups - 11 projects (HK & Asia)
  1. Quaere
  2. T2T2
  3. Public AI
  4. Blade Games
  5. Catddle Labs
  6. L3E7
  7. Star Protocol
  8. StakeStone
  9. OpenEden
  10. Carv
  11. Destiny of God

  
  
• 17:00 – 18:15

  Networking Cocktail

  
  

• 1 November (Wednesday)

  
  

• Workshop

  
  
• 10:00 – 11:30

  Start-up Funding: Becoming Investor Ready

  Synopsis

  • Life cycle of an investor’s decision to invest in startup
  • Green and red flags that investors notice before committing.
  • How can pre-revenue start-up raise money?
  • Fundraising strategies: what is needed to get through investor screening and due diligence?
  • What’s the incremental progress you make before seeking funding will improve valuation and terms of any deal?
  • Expanding fundraising options and improving deal terms
  • Tips on term sheet, valuation, and VC selection (e.g., normal VC vs. Corporate VC (CVC))
  • Fundraising vs Bootstrapping – what’s best?

  • Ms Jenny Xiao, Partner, Leonis Capital

  
  
• 11:30 – 13:00

  From Start-up to Scale-up: Growing your Business

  Synopsis

  In the fast-paced world of startups, having the right capacity can be the key to success. Join our workshop where our expert will share essentials to identify and strengthen the core elements needed to scale up your business under the pressing global market environment. These include:

  • building the start-up team’s capacity
  • balance between innovation and scaling
  • capital efficiency
  • common pitfalls when scaling quickly
  • management/shareholding e.g., preparation for an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and managing employees’ expectations (or hesitations)
  • scaling vs sustainable growth: how to weigh or why not both?

  • Mr Douglas Hansen-Luke, Executive Chairman, Future Planet Capital

  
  

^*Programme is subject to change without prior notice
^*All programme are conducted at GMT + 8