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Horizons Ventures is a Hong Kong-based investment organization co-founded by Solina Chau in 2005. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in deep science and technology companies that tackle significant global issues such as gender inequality, uneven wealth distribution, poor health, and climate adaptation. Horizons Ventures aims to support entrepreneurs whose innovations can lead to a better future for humanity.
As of now, Horizons Ventures manages a fund size of $470 million and has invested in over 200 companies. The firm operates with a long-term investment horizon, allowing portfolio companies to grow without the pressure of quick exits. Horizons Ventures is closely associated with billionaire Li Ka-shing, managing his personal technology investments. The firm has established a secondary office in Singapore to enhance its reach in Southeast Asia.
Horizons Ventures specializes in early-stage investments within the deep science and technology sectors. Their investment strategy emphasizes backing disruptive technologies that can lead to transformative changes in society. The firm targets sectors including biotech, artificial intelligence, healthcare, climate technology, fintech, and consumer products. Horizons Ventures typically invests in minority stakes and prefers to remain supportive, non-intrusive investors, avoiding board seats.
The organization seeks to identify and support businesses that have the potential to create significant social impact and address pressing global challenges. Their investment thesis centers on backing entrepreneurs with paradigm-shifting potential, focusing on innovations that can lead to advancements for humanity.
Horizons Ventures has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as:
Additionally, Horizons Ventures has been involved with iconic companies such as Skype, DeepMind, Siri, Facebook, Spotify, Impossible Foods, and Zoom, showcasing its commitment to investing in disruptive technologies that have the potential for significant societal impact.
Solina Chau: Co-founder and managing partner, credited as the strategic brain behind the portfolio. She has a background in technology investments and has led early investments in companies like Skype and Facebook.
Debbie Chang: Partner who co-leads operations at Horizons Ventures. She plays a crucial role in managing the firm's investment activities.
Li Ka-shing: Involved at the board level for major decisions, he is one of Asia's wealthiest individuals and the primary backer of Horizons Ventures.
Other team members include Chobie Chan, Chris Liu, Frances Kang, Gary Ng, Ivan Lee, Jacky Li, Jason Wong, Jennifer Lam, Jonathan Tam, Kerry Liu, Midori Sakagami, Noah Chong, Patrick Zhang, Ryan Fung, Sherry Xu, Teddy Chatjaval, Tiffanie Huang, Tony Pun, Wendy Yu, and Winnie Chan, contributing diverse expertise across various sectors.
To pitch to Horizons Ventures, founders should visit their website at horizonsventures.com. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market analysis, and potential social impact. The firm prefers to receive pitches via email at general@horizons.com.hk.
Response times may vary, but founders should expect a thorough review process. Warm introductions through mutual connections can enhance the chances of receiving a timely response.
In 2023, Horizons Ventures opened a new office in Singapore to expand its investment activities in Southeast Asia. The firm has been actively investing in startups focused on women's health and economic inclusion in Japan.
Horizons Ventures has also increased its focus on synthetic biology, making multiple investments in food-tech companies utilizing fermentation and cellular agriculture. The firm was recognized as the "Investment Office of the Year" at the Investment Office Awards, highlighting its significant contributions to the venture capital space.
What are Horizons Ventures' investment criteria?
Horizons Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in deep science and technology sectors. They seek companies that address global challenges and have the potential for significant social impact. The firm typically invests in minority stakes and prefers to support entrepreneurs without taking board seats.
How can I apply or pitch to Horizons Ventures?
Founders can pitch their ideas through the Horizons Ventures website at horizonsventures.com. It is advisable to include a clear business model, market analysis, and the potential social impact of the innovation in the pitch deck.
What makes Horizons Ventures different from other VC firms?
Horizons Ventures is distinct due to its long-term patient capital approach, allowing portfolio companies to grow without the pressure of quick exits. The firm leverages its extensive network, particularly through Li Ka-shing, to support entrepreneurs in achieving their vision.
What is the geographic scope of Horizons Ventures?
The firm invests globally, with a recent emphasis on Southeast Asia and Japan. Horizons Ventures has opened a secondary office in Singapore to enhance its investment activities in the region.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, Horizons Ventures typically invests in minority stakes in early-stage companies. The firm is known for its willingness to invest pre-product in founders with big visions.
What kind of post-investment involvement does Horizons Ventures have?
Horizons Ventures prefers to remain supportive and non-intrusive investors, avoiding board seats. They provide long-term capital and leverage their network to assist portfolio companies in achieving their goals.
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