InvestHK reaches out to startup world

As the debate over Hong Kong's attractiveness to overseas entrepreneurs gathers pace, InvestHK is launching an initiative to promote the city as a startup destination.Earlier this year Forbes named Hong Kong as one of four tech capitals to watch after Silicon Valley and New York, but its image as a hub for startups is often frowned upon, due to the government's willingness to extend support.But from today InvestHK will officially launch Start Me Up, a new initiative designed to create a buzz among entrepreneurs in local and overseas startup communities and promote Hong Kong as a startup destination.And it's taking the project very serious. The government body recently wrapped up a mammoth agency tender, which some say included up to 24 agencies to help promote and lead marketing for the new initiative. Independent agency Fluid, fresh with a new CEO and data-driven outlook, was awarded the business and has been responsible for launching the website and offering strategy on engaging the startup community.Fluid CEO Guy Parsonage described Hong Kong as a great ecosystem for startups."It's the perfect time for the Hong Kong government to take its place in the startup community," he said.The agency, via its parent company Nest, has developed close ties to the local entrepreneurs and Parsonage added it was an advantage.Simon Galpin, director-general of InvestHK, will launch the initiative at an event today and phases of the project are expected to rollout over the next several months.