HKMU Angel Fund Application Guidelines

(English version only 只備英文版本)

1. About the HKMU Angel Fund

The HKMU Angel Fund is designed to support dedicated young HKMU startups with the potential for growth and scalability. The fund offers financial investment of up to HK$1 million for each selected startup to enhance their business operations and development.

2. Target Companies

Preference will be given to companies that demonstrate business traction, including products / services development, revenue generation, customer expansion, promotion strategies and market growth, alongside proven commitment from the founding team. Companies offering products / services based on HKMU’s intellectual property and / or aligned with HKMU’s strategic goals will also have an advantage.

3. Mandatory Admission Criteria

The applicant must be a limited liability company incorporated under the HKSAR Companies Ordinance for normally not more than ten years as of the date of application.
The management team of the applicant must include a Person-in-Charge (PIC) who, at the time of application, is associated with HKMU in one of the following capacities:
- A full-time or part-time HKMU student who has already obtained at least 15 credits in their study programmes as of the date of application;
- A full-time, part-time, or temporary HKMU academic or R&D staff member; or
- An HKMU alumna/alumnus who has graduated for normally not more than ten years. Those who graduated more than ten years ago but possess solid business or entrepreneurial experience may also be considered.
The PIC shall represent the applicant in matters relating to the HKMU Angel Fund application. The PIC must be a founder of the applicant, actively involved in its management, operations and development, and hold a significant ownership interest, such as at least 20% of the company's total issued share capital.
The PIC and other core team member(s) of the applicant should not be associated (whether by way of share ownership, cooperation arrangement, management roles, advisory roles, or otherwise) with other applicants, unless otherwise approved by HKMU. Full disclosure must be made regarding any interest of full-time, part-time , or temporary HKMU staff in the applicant.

Staff members are required to obtain prior approval from the relevant authority before submitting an application for the HKMU Angel Fund. Applications submitted without prior approval may be considered invalid in accordance with the University's Outside Activities Policy. For details, please refer to the Guidelines on Outside Activities. The “Staff Disclosure Form for Establishment of Company” is also available on the Staff Intranet.

4. Funding Arrangements

Upon approval, an investment of up to HK$1 million may be made in an appropriate form, including but not limited to a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).

The investment amount allocated to each selected startup may vary based on the recommendations of the Admission Panel. HKMU reserves the right to make the final decision regarding the funding amount and the level of support provided.

The startup company shall apply the investment for:

operating expenses such as staffing, training, rental, management fees, legal services, accounting services, and other daily office expenses;
expenditures directly related to the development, implementation, marketing, and commercialisation of the proposed products and / or services; and
essential office equipment.

The investment funds must not be used to repay any of the startup company's debts. The startup company is required to submit periodic financial reports to HKMU for review.

HKMU reserves the right to appoint representatives as independent advisors / observers to the board of directors of the startup company.

5. Application Procedures

Applicants should submit a completed online application form together with the following supporting documents:

A 5-min pitching video (Click HERE for the video pitching guidelines);
A pitch deck in English including, but not limited to, an executive summary, brief of the business, industry analysis, market analysis, marketing strategy, brief of the products and / or services, organisational structure, operational plan, contribution to the society, financial forecast, and key milestones (Click HERE for the pitch deck template);
CVs of PIC and team member(s) (Click HERE for the CV template);
Certificate of Incorporation (CI);
Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate (BR);
Articles of Association (AoA);
Company's latest Incorporation Form (Company Limited by Shares) (NNC1);
A copy of student card (for current student) or graduation certificate (for alumni) of PIC for proof of association with HKMU;
A copy of latest academic transcript (for current student who will serve as the PIC);
Company’s latest audited financial statements (if any);
Latest annual return submitted to the Companies Registry (NAR1) (if any); and
A list of funding support from the government and / or other third-party investors, collaborating organisation(s) and the project title(s), award(s) and recognition(s), or any other substantial achievement(s) (if any). Supporting documents may be required if the startup company is selected.

6. Evaluation and Selection Procedures

Eligibility Screening

All applications will undergo an eligibility screening and shortlisting process based on the material received.

Admission Panel Meeting

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with an Admission Panel, where they will present their projects and respond to questions. The panel, comprising representatives from HKMU and experienced professionals from various industries, will evaluate the teams based on their presentations and any supporting materials. These evaluations will inform the final investment decisions.

Interview Process

The Admission Panel will evaluate the proposals using the following criteria:

Innovation and creativity;
Business model and commercial viability;
Team composition and strengths;
Stage of development (e.g. research and development, prototyping, commercialisation stage); and
Potential impact on industry and society.

Due Diligence

All selected applicants must provide full disclosure and actively collaborate to facilitate thorough due diligence. Unsatisfactory results will render withdrawal of any investment decision.

7. Post-investment Review and Management

While each invested startup is required to provide HKMU with an annual written update, HKMU or its appointed representatives shall convene regular meetings to stay informed about their latest developments, business and financial status of these startups, as well as to explore potential joint business or promotional opportunities.

8. Right of HKMU

HKMU reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the implementation of, or changes to the HKMU Angel Fund and all associated activities.

9. Tentative Schedule

Application deadline	27 February 2026 (Friday) at 12:00 noon
Internal screening	2-13 March 2026
Workshop for shortlisted teams (compulsory)	23-27 March 2026 (TBC)
Admission Panel Meeting	20-24 April 2026
Result Announcement	May 2026

10. Enquiry

Should you have any enquiries regarding the HKMU Startup Fund, please contact us by phone at 2768-6744 or by email at startupfund@hkmu.edu.hk.