Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund

The Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF) is a not-for-profit initiative established by the Alibaba Group in 2015. Its core mission is to empower young entrepreneurs, primarily in Hong Kong and Taiwan, by providing them with crucial capital and resources to realize their innovative visions. AEF operates as a strategic investor, leveraging the vast Alibaba ecosystem to support its portfolio companies beyond just financial backing, aiming to foster a thriving entrepreneurial environment in these regions.

AEF focuses on investing in promising technology startups across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, logistics, artificial intelligence, and smart technologies. The fund typically targets companies from seed to Series A and growth stages, demonstrating a flexible approach to early-stage and scaling ventures. Beyond direct investment, AEF actively supports the startup ecosystem through various programs, such as the JUMPSTARTER global pitch competition and the Alibaba Cloud x AEF Joint Incubation Program, fostering a vibrant environment for innovation.

The fund's investment strategy is characterized by its commitment to long-term growth and strategic alignment with the Alibaba Group's broader objectives. While specific check sizes can vary based on the startup's stage and needs, AEF typically provides initial investments ranging from US$500,000 to US$5 million. This substantial capital injection is often complemented by access to Alibaba's extensive network, including its cloud computing infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and market reach, which can be invaluable for scaling businesses in Asia and beyond. The fund initially allocated HK$1 billion for Hong Kong and NT$10 billion for Taiwan, underscoring its significant commitment to these regional entrepreneurial landscapes.