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Hello readers,
Maybe it’s because we’re entering the part of the year when people typically go on holiday, but I’ve been feeling a really strong urge to travel lately. Reminiscing about past trips led me to think about my visit to Hong Kong in 2018. It was my first time in Hong Kong and to travel solo (sort of – I had local friends to show me around).
That was also the first time I used the Klook app, buying a ticket for the Aqua Luna Victoria Harbor Cruise. Colorful sails fluttered overhead while I enjoyed a tour of the Harbor, set to a backdrop of loud pop music. It’s hands down the most touristy thing I’ve ever done, but hey – no regrets.
By the way, Klook comes in at number two in our list of the best-funded startups and tech companies in Hong Kong. Take a guess at who’s number one – there are actually two of them.
Today we look at:
- The top 20 tech startups and companies in Hong Kong, in terms of funding
- Indian startups refuse to play by the Google Play Store’s billing rules
- Other newsy highlights such as Masayoshi Son’s ambitions to take SoftBank private and the unexpected success of Google Chrome in China
Hong Kong’s leading tech startups
Every founder has grand ideas for their startup, and large amounts of investment go a long way towards helping them realize those dreams. We listed down the top 20 Hong Kong firms that are most likely to – by this metric – make those ideas come to fruition.
- Variety: No industry dominates the list, with significant funding going to payments, travel, AI, and biopharmaceuticals, among others.
- A tie for first place: Logistics provider Lalamove and fintech startup Airwallex have each received US$300 million in funding. Klook landed in second place with US$225 million.
Read more: Meet the 20 top-funded startups and tech companies in Hong Kong
Related reads:
- Klook doesn’t have it easy this year: A roadmap for online travel’s long, painful path to recovery
- Airwallex banked a ton of money: Fintech unicorn Airwallex nets an additional US$40 million in an extended series D round
- Hong Kong’s top-funded edtech startups is one to watch: With fresh funding, Snapask expands tech-driven learning across Asia
Indian startups say no to Google
Quick bytes
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