In-depth Discussions on the Campus of the University of Hong Kong: Reflections and Future Prospects after Twenty Years of Entrepreneurship

On June 19, 2025, a captivating conversation unfolded on the campus of the University of Hong Kong. The main character of the dialogue was a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, who shared his motivation for returning to campus for further study, the strategic layouts of different companies, and his unique insights into the Hong Kong crypto financial market.

Returning to Campus: Systematic Twenty Years of Entrepreneurial Experience

In 2024, this entrepreneur officially became a PhD student at the University of Hong Kong, coinciding with the twentieth year of his entrepreneurial career. Reflecting on his early days in 2004 and the experience of dropping out in 2005 due to entrepreneurship, he admitted that he had been "working on the ground" for the past twenty years, deeply immersed in his entrepreneurial and investment endeavors, with little opportunity for systematic thinking. The year 2024 marks an important turning point in his life, as he hopes to transform the practical experience accumulated over twenty years in entrepreneurship and investment into a systematic and reusable knowledge system by pursuing a doctoral degree.

"My goal is to distill the practical experience of entrepreneurship and investment into a methodology, transforming it into structured tools that I and my colleagues can use." He stated that this is not only personal advancement but also a reflection and sublimation of past experiences. He hopes to outline a replicable knowledge framework through an academic perspective to provide guidance for future entrepreneurial and investment decisions.

From Cryptocurrency to Artificial Intelligence: A Diversified Strategic Layout

As a veteran in the cryptocurrency field, this entrepreneur's influence in the industry is undeniable. However, his newly established investment company showcases a more diversified strategic vision. In the conversation, he elaborated on the differences in positioning, structure, and business direction between the new company and the original cryptocurrency investment fund.

His original cryptocurrency investment fund adopted a traditional 5+2 investment cycle model. The pressure from external investors for returns has limited the fund's ability to support long-term projects. "Some projects may take 8 years, 10 years, or even longer to succeed, and our original investment cycle is difficult to fully match," he explained. This fund is more like a "selector" or "referee."

In contrast, his newly established investment company resembles a joint family office, with the main funding sources being himself and another core shareholder. This structure gives the new company greater flexibility, allowing it to avoid the pressure of short-term returns and support entrepreneurs with a longer-term perspective. "Our funding is relatively long-term, whether it’s three years, five years, or ten years doesn’t matter." He emphasized that the goal of the new company is to be an "accompanying runner" for entrepreneurs.

The original fund's investment portfolio was 100% focused on the cryptocurrency sector, while the new company's strategy is more diversified. He revealed that the new company's investment focus has shifted towards artificial intelligence, with cryptocurrency projects only accounting for a small portion of its portfolio. The new company primarily focuses on the application layer of artificial intelligence, particularly projects that can generate cash flow, enhance efficiency, or optimize processes.

"We do not invest in computing power or large language models, as it is difficult to support investments in these areas with our scale of funds and resources in North America." He admitted that the new company is more focused on the practical applications of artificial intelligence, such as AI security, AI talent recruitment, AI tax and financial tools, etc. These projects aim for "simple efficiency improvement," closely aligning with market demand, with the goal of capturing the best investment returns during the AI boom.

Hong Kong: A Strategic Hub for Crypto Finance

As a leader in the cryptocurrency industry, this entrepreneur is confident about the development prospects of the Hong Kong market. He believes that Hong Kong, as a "bridgehead" connecting the mainland and the world, has unique advantages in geographical location and policy environment. In recent years, Hong Kong has introduced a series of friendly policies, including a stablecoin regulatory framework and talent introduction programs, attracting global blockchain companies and talent.

"Hong Kong surpasses the United States in the advancement and enforceability of cryptocurrency-related regulations," he commented. He pointed out that Hong Kong's stablecoin policy provides a clear compliance pathway for industry innovation and, combined with its international advantages, is expected to foster new business models.

The team he is part of established a presence in Hong Kong as early as 2022 through a publicly listed company there, and has since set up an office and is actively applying for relevant licenses. Among them, the financial custody business is their core business direction in Hong Kong. He believes that in conjunction with Hong Kong's stablecoin policy, the custody business is expected to develop a better business model based on this, injecting new vitality into the crypto financial market.

Conclusion

From twenty years of "hard work and perseverance" in entrepreneurship to returning to campus for systematic further education, this entrepreneur demonstrates the relentless pursuit of self-improvement by a leader in the industry. From founding a cryptocurrency investment fund to establishing a new investment company, he has expanded his vision from the cryptocurrency field to the application layer of artificial intelligence, supporting entrepreneurs with a longer-term perspective. At the same time, as an active participant in the construction of the cryptocurrency market in Hong Kong, his insights into local policies and business layout provide important references for the entire industry. "Keep learning and embrace change to maintain a leading position in a rapidly evolving industry." This may be the most sincere advice offered by this seasoned industry professional.