Derek Kwik

Managing Partner, BraveSoldier Ventures

Hong Kong

Born and educated in Hong Kong, Derek is an early "returnee" to Asia with over 25 years of market entry experience.

He is one of the most respected technology community leaders and is involved with nearly every accelerator/incubator/co-working space in Hong Kong. Since 1999, Derek has reviewed over 15,000 business plans and pitches beginning with first generation internet companies when product offerings were limited to free email, web browsers and chat rooms. Since 2004, Derek is the Managing Partner of BraveSoldier Venture Capital, a technology venture capital fund (www.bsvcap.com).

With a background in investment banking, direct investment and management consulting, he has worked in all aspects of fundraising including angel investing, family office, Series A and IPOs (HK Mainboard, GEM, NASDAQ).

Derek was the CEO of a Chinese contactless mobile payments company and credited for "leading from the front" from seed round to commercial responsibilities to investor exit. With over 500 "day trips" to Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou, Derek has supervised manufacturing operations for electronics companies in telecommunications, robotics, sports watches and pc peripherals.

In his limited free time, Derek is an author of two books, university guest lecturer, TEDx speaker, Co-Chairman and Trustee of the Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals (SPCA), Advisory Council member of Junior Achievement and a popular mentor/advisor to several start-ups. Derek is also an extreme multi-day ultra-marathon runner, PADI Dive Master and jiu-jitsu practitioner.

Honored to be named in the book, "Those Who Inspire" as one of the most inspirational people in Hong Kong at the French Consul General's home last night. Others included the former Chief Secretary of HKSAR, Anson Chan and LEGCO member, Martin Lee. Start-ups, animal welfare and youth - "I sleep less to inspire more".