More to the economy than finding next Google or Facebook, Hong Kong’s small business owners say
As officials pour resources into the technology sector in hope of breeding the next big thing, low-tech entrepreneurs say they feel left behind, and appeal for greater government support
Over the past several years Hong Kong has been trying to reinvent itself as a hi-tech hub, looking to turn start-ups into the next Facebook or Google. But with the focus on technology, other entrepreneurs say they are being neglected, even though they feel they are just as important to the city’s economy.
After his recycling business collapsed four years ago, Wouter van Marle established a hydroponics start-up, which allows Hongkongers to use their balcony or rooftop to grow vegetables such as choi sum and bok choi, as well as herbs.
Van Marle self-funded his business – also known as bootstrapping – but found it difficult to tap sources for financing and marketing advice, which were more widely available for tech start-ups.
“From the point of view of investors, I don’t really understand it. Because the chance of making money with [my business] is much better than the chance of making the next big thing on the internet,” van Marle, owner of City Hydroponics, said.
“Of course, they will never make billions on this, but the chance of making it profitable is much greater.”
