Title: Innovation in Fintech start-ups in Hong Kong: a teaching case study

Authors: Travis Huggins; Nicholas Harkiolakis

Addresses: École des Ponts, 77 rue de Miromesnil, 75008 Paris, France ' École des Ponts, 77 rue de Miromesnil, 75008 Paris, France

Abstract: A business case is presented, detailing the establishment and background of Aqumon, a successful financial technology (Fintech) start-up in September 2015, Hong Kong, following the boom of the US robo-advisory market. The two co-founders, Kelvin Lei and Don Huang, left their jobs in corporate banking and university research post, respectively. As new players in the market competing against large multinational banks and fund managers and with limited funds and resources, the case demonstrates how the two founders overcame the challenges and barriers faced by their start-up. It also showcases how entrepreneurial attitudes lead to successful ventures in a highly competitive environment. The case also provides insights into the motivations and characteristics of entrepreneurs as well as the strategies and practices they follow in their ventures.

Keywords: robo-advisory; start-up; Fintech; innovation; Hong Kong; opportunity recognition; venture capital; financing; business models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.129944

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2022 Vol.13 No.3, pp.226 - 240

Received: 15 Nov 2022
Accepted: 05 Dec 2022
Published online: 03 Apr 2023 *

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