Tencent opens content startup incubator in Hong Kong

Tencent, one of China's tech giants and providers of internet value-added services, has recently opened Tencent WeStart (Hong Kong), providing both online and offline resources for digital content creators and start-ups.Located at KOHO, Kwun Tong, WeStart HK is the first Tencent WeStart outside China and the first WeStart to put a core focus on incubating content startups. Through its open media platform, content entrepreneurs could enjoy services such as revenue sharing, industry resources, IP protection, monitoring, incubation, and content creation guidance.[caption id="attachment_232661" align="alignnone" width="700"] Open event space[/caption]Tencent aims to provide members with resources including an online service platform that offers over 3,700 professional services. The annual promotional event of online service platform will feature the newly launched AI section, showcasing  WeStart HK as a connector between the Chinese start-up community and the global ecosystem. Offline spaces, education and community are the areas Tencent is aiming at as well.“Members at WeStart HK will benefit from a broad spectrum of services, expertise and support covering every aspect of their business. Through our open platform, members will be able to reach the technologies, support, and immense network of Tencent-owned QQ, with an monthly active users (MAU) of 803 million, and Weixin & WeChat, with a combined MAU of 1,058 million, as well as, among others, Tencent Video and Tencent Cloud”, explains Elaine Wang, general manager of Tencent WeStart and vice general manager of Tencent Open Platform.[caption id="attachment_232669" align="alignnone" width="700"] Café area[/caption]WeStart HK spans 16,000 square ft. and features a pastel hued mural and themed rooms. A series of production facilities are installed, including a green screen studio, an editing room which offers multiple monitors for post-production work, and a mixing and recording studio. It also boasts a 1,600 square ft. open event space with built-in projector, screen and sound system, a colorful lounge area, dedicated and hot desks, lockers and a self-service café and bar as well as conference rooms and private offices.[caption id="attachment_232660" align="alignnone" width="700"] Mixing and recording studio[/caption]Other than that, members will also benefit from investment funds from Tencent, VS MEDIA, K11 and other partners. Currently Tencent WeStart’s ecosystem supports over 200,000 active community members with over 15,000 startup projects across its 36 spaces in China.