Build with IE - a startup venture builder
A curated
community
for founders
6-month ideation startup program
Test ideas and find product-market fit
For founders at their very earliest
Cohort 2 starts in Nov 2023
Startup program for early-stage founders
Where founders
come first
HKD100K grant, launch your MVP
Figure out whether your startup idea is good or not. In collaboration with HKSTP, our program fast-tracks your ideas into the market.
Work with top notch Unicorn veterans to reach product-market-fit. Viable ones make progress towards HKSTP incubation program.
Tailored mentors, for 2% equity
We craft a tailored product, growth and talent program. Designed to help you navigate product, sales, and fundraising.
Up to 3 industry executives are matched with your startup for monthly mentor calls. To incentivise the best mentors, we take 2% equity in your startup.
Momentum for your journey ahead
Our 6 months program includes monthly workshops, and events, designed to help founders find and maintain momentum in their startup journey.
We understand how difficult it is to pursue your personal vision and find product-market fit.
Work with 30 select experts in
product, growth, engineering, design
From these companies
Meet our community
Founders
from Hong Kong
in every field
For years, Marco has bridged talented dancers and artists with work and career opportunities.
Throughout our 1st cohort, we helped DAAPP refine their storytelling and value proposition.
Jessie inspired us with her longstanding passion for female skincare, and her commitment to building with community.
Sorra was part of our 1st cohort, raising HKD1M+ in grants during that process.
Jordan and the Krunch team are helping teams become data-driven in how they run developer relations.
We have been close partners on product and growth since they joined 500 Global.
6 months of
mentorship,
training,
momentum
Discovery
The first 2 months we focus on figuring out what problems you are trying to solve, and who are you solving them for.
At the end of this stage, we know your target market, skillsets you need, and connections you might want. We tailor mentors to you.
Ideation
The next 2 months we focus on figuring out how you can effectively test your hypotheses and assumptions. This involves experimentation.
At the end of this stage, we have some early feedback from the market, and we might have started to build something.
Validation
In the final 2 months we focus on figuring out whether there is a real business here. This involves asking your customers whether they are willing to pay for what you're offering.
The momentum and feedback gathered here will take you into the next stages of company growth, team building, and fundraising.
FAQ
What is InspectHK?
InspectHK is a tailored startup ideation program designed for angel to seed stage founders. The program spans 6 months and is specifically geared towards validating business ideas and achieving product-market-fit. We offer comprehensive assistance in product development and growth strategies. Our primary areas of emphasis revolve around softwares, encompassing various domains such as online marketplaces, fintech, SaaS, AI, and Blockchain, among others.
How long is the program?
InspectHK is designed as a program spanning 6 months, but we do provide the option for early graduation if your startup achieves product-market-fit or if it is ready for fundraising/incubation.
What is the time commitment?
We seek founders who display strong commitment and passion for their startup idea. As part of the program requirements, founders are expected to actively participate in bi-weekly business deep-dives with their ideation partner and engage in monthly consultation calls with the two mentors assigned to them. These interactions serve as essential touch-points to nurture your startup journey.
Can people from outside of HK join?
Absolutely! The program welcomes participants from outside of Hong Kong to join virtually. However, it's important to keep in mind the following criteria. We aim to provide support to exceptional founders in Hong Kong, which includes:
Startups founded by HK citizens;
Startups headquartered at HK; or
Startups having a great potential impact on HK.
What's included in InspectHK?
InspectHK offers a comprehensive package of support for our cohort founders. They will receive practical guidance and assistance from their ideation partner and mentors, who will provide operational support and advice on product development and growth strategies. Additionally, founders will have the opportunity to participate in exclusive weekend workshops led by industry experts and C-level executives. We also organise monthly mixers where founders can connect with domain experts and investors within the startup ecosystem.
I have a company already. Can I still join?
Yes! You are welcome to join as long as your company has been incorporated within the past two years. We encourage early-stage companies to participate and benefit from our program.
Will anyone else know that I joined?
We may share highlights of the program on our social media platforms, such as LinkedIn. However, we completely understand that some founders prefer to maintain a low profile or operate in stealth mode. If you would like to remain confidential, please inform us in advance, and we will make appropriate adjustments to respect your preferences.
How does the admissions process work?
To apply for the program, you can submit an online application through our website. Once we receive your application, our program manager will reach out to you to schedule an information session. Following that, there will be an internal evaluation process. If shortlisted, you will be invited for a panel interview.
Will InspectHK be held virtually?
Yes, InspectHK will be held virtually. However, we highly encourage founders to join physically if they are geographically able to do so. Being present in person allows for better networking opportunities and the chance to connect and mingle with other participants.
What does InspectHK cost?
InspectHK operates on a unique model where we do not charge any cash or upfront costs. Instead, we take 2% equity in your company as our fee for participation in the program. This allows you to access our services and support without any financial burden at the outset.