In December 2025, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited introduced the HKEX Tech 100 Index, a milestone reflecting Hong Kong’s evolving commitment to technology and innovation. The index zeroes in on 100 of the largest and most promising Hong Kong-listed companies across six key sectors: Artificial Intelligence, Biotech, Electric Vehicles, Information Technology, Internet, and Robotics, all fully accessible through Stock Connect. As someone deeply fascinated by shifts in investment landscapes, I believe this launch isn’t just an opportunity to observe changes in Hong Kong’s financial market but also a chance to study how tech’s influence is reshaping global economies.
Here is why this interests me. Hong Kong, traditionally known for its property and finance-driven economy, is leveling up. As a European entrepreneur who has spent years navigating the startup world, I always look for indicators of where capital and innovation collide. With this index’s creation, Hong Kong is no longer merely dipping its toes into tech, it’s diving in headfirst. But what does this mean for businesses, and how should founders leverage this shift?
100 Tech Powerhouses: A Closer Look at the Index Composition
The selection spans six industries steeped in growth potential:
- Artificial Intelligence fuels advancements in automation, data analytics, and personalized systems. Technologies like ChatGPT have already shown AI’s broad applicability.
- Biotech and Pharmaceuticals deliver healthcare breakthroughs while pushing boundaries in longevity and disease eradication.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Smart Driving are at the forefront of mobility, driven by sustainability goals worldwide.
- Information Technology remains the backbone of industries across sectors, from SaaS platforms to hardware development.
- Internet businesses emphasize scalability and consumer-centric models, introducing trends like Web3 concepts.
- Robotics revolutionizes manufacturing and human-machine interaction.
This mix creates diversified investing opportunities and appeals to a global audience, especially mainland Chinese investors who can access these shares via Stock Connect.
The ETF Collaborative Effort: E Fund’s Role
HKEX has partnered with E Fund Management, a major mainland Chinese asset manager, to design an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) based on the index. For investors, ETFs tracking sector-based indices make it easier to funnel capital while spreading risk, a win for portfolio diversification. As someone self-styled as “Mean CEO,” I see smart partnerships like this as reminders that two entities pooling expertise can far outperform solo projects.
An ETF also brings market accessibility. While direct corporate investments may be viable for venture capitalists, ETFs offer smaller-scale investors market exposure without the need for intimate knowledge of industry nuances.
Insights for Entrepreneurs: Turn Headwinds into Opportunities
So how can founders, not planners, not dreamers, but action-takers, use the HKEX Tech 100 Index as a strategic lever?
1. Research What Investors Seek
With 100 companies selected for innovation-driven growth, understanding their business models provides a free crash course on scaling strategies that work. Study key factors such as their targeted market demographics, funding rounds, and adaptation techniques for shifting economies. Use platforms like the HKEX Tech 100 dedicated webpage to follow ongoing trends.
2. Position Tech as Your Core Business Driver
Let’s say you’re developing an AI-based solution, you’re aligned with one of the index’s sectors. Enhance investor interest by positioning your service or product within globally recognized tech themes. Tech has transitioned from being a feature to a foundational aspect of business success.
3. Utilize ETFs for Personal Investment
One overlooked strategy is using ETFs that track indices for your personal investments. If your net worth grows, so does your ability to reinvest into your startup or fund further experiments. Smart founders use stock investment as their long game.
Most Common Mistakes People Make
Not Staying Aware of Market Shifts
By ignoring where capital flows (like toward biotech or AI), founders miss growth sectors, leaving them blindsided by evolving investor priorities.
Copycat Syndrome
It’s tempting to mimic successful companies listed in an index. Instead, innovate within their adjacent spaces to build sustainable competitive advantages.
Neglecting Diversification
As an entrepreneur, focus shouldn’t only be on tech. Continually scan other sectors intersecting with or supporting technology, like education, digital rights management (a personal interest of mine), or green energy.
How Entrepreneurs Can Build Relationships Around This Index
- Connect With Companies on the Index: Collaborate or learn directly from these organizations. Introductions via LinkedIn or through actual events around Hong Kong could open doors.
- Pitch Directly to ETF Managers: If you have a startup in one of the six sectors, lead with your strengths and show how your innovation merits investment alignment.
- Engage Investors Globally: Ride the coattail wave generated by growing interest in Hong Kong’s market trends. Tap into global money seeking HKEX-driven growth.
The HKEX Tech 100 Index isn’t just an addition to investment infrastructures; it’s also a promise. It signifies Hong Kong’s serious intent in transitioning from a market that relied on past pillars to one embracing future tech shaping global culture.
Entrepreneurs reading this might not be preparing an IPO tomorrow, and that’s fine. But while you rethink exactly where your business feeds consumer appetites, look at this index and understand its broader implications. I do. After all, the best startups know how to adapt. Who knows? Maybe one day, one of your companies will join my ambitions to change how we merge business growth with technology. Keep building. Stay connected, and follow the money, always.
FAQ
1. What is the HKEX Tech 100 Index?
The HKEX Tech 100 Index tracks 100 largest Hong Kong-listed companies across innovative themes such as AI, biotech, EVs, IT, internet, and robotics. Explore the HKEX Tech 100 Index
2. Why was the HKEX Tech 100 Index launched?
It underscores Hong Kong’s pivot from property finance toward technology-driven growth, offering diversified exposure to innovative tech sectors. Learn more about Hong Kong’s strategy
3. How can international investors access the HKEX Tech 100 Index?
All constituents of the index are eligible for Stock Connect Southbound trading, allowing access for both global and Chinese Mainland investors. Learn about Stock Connect trading
4. What industries are included in the HKEX Tech 100 Index?
It spans six themes: Artificial Intelligence, Biotech & Pharmaceuticals, Electric Vehicles, Information Technology, Internet, and Robotics. Explore industry coverage
5. What role does E Fund Management play in the Tech 100 Index?
E Fund Management will launch an ETF based on the index, providing efficient investment tools and supporting emerging industries. Discover the ETF collaboration
6. What does the fast-entry mechanism in the index do?
It allows newly listed companies to join the index soon after eligibility rather than waiting for the regular review cycle.
7. How does the index impact Hong Kong’s capital markets?
It strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a hub for innovation, fostering links with mainland China through ETFs and Stock Connect. Learn about Hong Kong’s financial evolution
8. For whom is the HKEX Tech 100 Index designed?
It appeals to investors seeking diversified exposure to the technology sector, particularly those in mainland China looking for growth opportunities. Explore investor insights
9. Are there any specific linkages to mainland China?
The index’s connection through ETFs and Stock Connect strongly integrates capital markets between Hong Kong and mainland China. Read about market integration
10. How are entrepreneurs advised to leverage this index?
By studying constituents, positioning tech as a driver, and investing through ETFs for capital growth. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to align their startups with innovative, index-represented sectors.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp’s expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic “without any funding and without any code,” this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call “gamepreneurship”. By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique “play to learn and earn” model.