Justin Lao, founder of K.U.G., a professional Cantonese-training institution. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Seizing opportunities

University of Hong Kong alumnus Dazza Hui was among the E Hub's first entrepreneurs.

Mainland investors encouraged him to launch his travel startup in Shenzhen's Qianhai economic zone in late 2014.

Hui admires self-made entrepreneurs, such as Alibaba's Jack Ma and Tencent's Ma Huateng.

So, he decided to take the offer as a learning opportunity.

"We saw so many successful cases, business models and experiences originating from the mainland," Travel to Success' founder says.

"Hong Kong has abundant expertise in industries like service and finance but much less related to the internet."

In Shenzhen, Hui received free working space and entrepreneurship consulting, which eased the company's financial burden.

He was also inspired by mainland entrepreneurs' passion and audacity.