World’s largest online startup contest
supercharges innovative thinking
Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund today kicked off
JUMPSTARTER 2021 Global Pitch Competition (JUMPSTARTER 2021), its
annual signature startup event, with an online focus to ensure safe
participation for all contestants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JUMPSTARTER 2021 is on track to become the world’s largest online
startup contest by number of contestants, with 200 one-on-one
online pitches expected.
JUMPSTARTER 2021 is now open for applications. There are three
separate deadlines between August 31 and October 19, 2020, covering
three rounds of applications (see Appendix). Up to 200 startups
will be selected for a preliminary round of one-on-one online
pitches between September and November. The best 20 startups
selected from the preliminary round will advance to a semifinal
pitch from which 10 startups will be shortlisted. The Grand Finale
will be held in March 2021, when the finalists will compete for up
to USD1 million in investment.
JUMPSTARTER 2021 will offer startups the platform to network and
share knowledge with global peers and the opportunity to plug into
the Alibaba Digital Economy to obtain valuable insights, experience
and resources.
In addition, the top five startups from the contest will be
eligible to take part in the eFounders Fellowship program.
Co-organized by Alibaba Business School and the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development, the program supports global
digital economic development and nurtures entrepreneurs.
“Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund is committed to bringing
together global startups, entrepreneurs and investors through
JUMPSTARTER 2021, attracting talented individuals with innovative
ideas to develop them further in Hong Kong, and strengthening the
city as a world-leading hub of entrepreneurship,” said Cindy
Chow, Executive Director of Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs
Fund.
Building on the success of last year’s event, JUMPSTARTER 2021
will again boast a global reach in terms of participants, but will
remain focused on cultivating startups in the retail, fintech,
smart city and deep tech sectors, all of which are important
priorities for Hong Kong’s long-term economic growth.
Giving Back to Society
The creative ideas, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of
startups not only fuel business and commercial activities, but also
bring positive change to local communities. This year, JUMPSTARTER
2021 encourages startups to think of different ways to contribute
to the society. For the first time, JUMPSTARTER 2021 is introducing
awards on “Innovation”, “Social Impact” and “Women and
Entrepreneurship”, with the objective of raising awareness about
the needs in these areas.
“We encourage startups to give back to the society and become
socially responsible companies. We hope the participants can gain
valuable experience from the event and identify new opportunities
in the region, and even leverage their development in Hong Kong as
a stepping stone into the global arena,” said Chow.
Last year’s JUMPSTARTER 2020 attracted more than 2,000
applications from startups in 65 countries and regions around the
world. Because of the pandemic, the Grand Finale was hosted online
to showcase the finalists’ entrepreneurial spirit and their
commitment to embrace change. The Grand Finale drew an enthusiastic
response from around 20,000 supporters across 100 countries and
regions.
Investments in 41 Startups Since Establishment
"Hong Kong and other markets across the globe have faced highs
and lows over the past year. We have seen many startups continue to
progress with innovative and flexible thinking. Some of them have
also been active in the fight against the virus. It’s important to
note that COVID-19 hasn’t curbed the support given to startups by
Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund,” Chow added.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on cultivating the
startup landscape, fostering entrepreneurial thinking amongst young
people, and partnering with like-minded organizations to provide
support. This will help Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem to
flourish.”
Since its establishment until March 31, 2020, Alibaba Hong Kong
Entrepreneurs Fund has invested USD60 million into 41 startups
(including HKAI LAB). During the 12-month period ended on March 31,
2020, the Fund made 15 new investments and four follow-on
investments (excluding HKAI LAB). Its investment portfolio covers a
range of areas, including green technology, educational technology,
fintech, medical and healthcare, logistics and e-commerce.
JUMPSTARTER 2021 is now open for applications. Interested
parties can visit www.jumpstarter.hk for more information.
Appendix – JUMPSTARTER application
requirements and timeline
Application requirements
If your startup fulfils the following criteria at the time of
your application, you are eligible to apply:
- In operation for fewer than five years
- Raised less than USD20 million in funding
- Startup funding is between the Seed and Series C stages
- Possess a ground-breaking and innovative product or
service
- Desire to make Hong Kong part of your future plans
JUMPSTARTER 2021 Global Pitch
Competition
Batch
DEADLINE FOR
APPLICATION
STARTUP SHORTLIST
ANNOUNCEMENT
FIRST ROUND
(PRELIMINARY)
SEMI PITCH FINAL
GRAND FINALE (HONG
KONG)
1
August 31, 2020
September 9, 2020
September 16, 2020
November 25, 2020
March to April 2021
2
August 31, 2020
September 9, 2020
September 23, 2020
3
September 25, 2020
October 7, 2020
October 15, 2020
4
September 25, 2020
October 7, 2020
October 22, 2020
5
October 19, 2020
October 28, 2020
November 12, 2020
About Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund
Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund (“AEF”) is a non-profit
initiative launched by Alibaba Group in 2015. To vitalize the
development of innovation and technology, AEF’s mission is to help
Hong Kong entrepreneurs and young people realize their dreams and
visions for a Hong Kong that is vibrant and engaged regionally and
globally. As part of its investment program, AEF provides Hong
Kong-based entrepreneurs with investment capital and strategic
guidance to help them grow their businesses and penetrate the
mainland Chinese and global markets, by utilizing Alibaba's vast
ecosystem. For more information, please go to the website:
http://ent-fund.org
About JUMPSTARTER
JUMPSTARTER is a not-for-profit initiative created by Alibaba
Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund that provides a platform for all
entrepreneurs and young people to jump start their dreams in Hong
Kong. It is a first-of-its-kind startup event focused exclusively
on showcasing quality startups and providing high-impact networking
opportunities. Its goal is to build, empower and boost Hong Kong’s
startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship by bringing entrepreneurs,
corporations, investors and the public together, helping to
transform Hong Kong into a leading hub for global innovation and
technology.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200728005440/en/
Alibaba Group Eva Lee Tel: +852 5237 8897 Email:
eva.lee@alibaba-inc.com Katie Lee Tel: +852 9728 0979 Email:
k.lee@alibaba-inc.com
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