LEAP East is set to make its Hong Kong debut in July 2026, bringing major global investors, technology firms and high-growth startups together as Asia and the Middle East deepen their cross-border innovation ties.
The event, organised by Tahaluf, will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 8 to 10, 2026. Ahead of its first Asian edition, LEAP East has already confirmed the participation of more than 200 leading investors representing a combined $2 trillion in assets under management.
For fintech and emerging technology startups, the event could become a significant capital gateway. The investor group is understood to hold nearly $1 trillion in undeployed capital, often referred to as dry powder, aimed at growth sectors including fintech, artificial intelligence, deep technology, healthtech, biotechnology, green energy and agritech.
LEAP East Hong Kong Builds a Bridge Between Asia and the Middle East
The launch of LEAP East Hong Kong reflects the growing financial and technology connection between the Gulf region and Asia-Pacific markets. Investors from Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United States are expected to take part, creating a major platform for venture capital, private equity and corporate investment discussions.
The investor lineup includes major names such as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Macquarie Capital, Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Sinovation Ventures, Gobi Partners and White Star Capital.
Their participation highlights the increasing appetite for technology investment across sectors that are reshaping financial services, digital infrastructure and enterprise innovation.
Fintech and AI Startups to Gain Access to Global Capital
More than 150 startups and scaleups are expected to participate in LEAP East, giving founders a chance to connect directly with institutional investors and corporate venture teams.
Companies including Bering Lab, NanoPalm, DevWing.ai and DRESIO are among the startups listed for the event. The programme is expected to include investor meetings, startup showcases, pitch opportunities and private matchmaking sessions designed to accelerate dealmaking.
Fintech is likely to be one of the core areas of attention, as investors continue to seek opportunities in digital payments, embedded finance, wealthtech, regtech, open finance and AI-powered financial services.
HKSTP Named Exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner
The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation has been named the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner for LEAP East. HKSTP is Hong Kong’s largest innovation and technology ecosystem and is expected to play a central role in connecting startups with investors, enterprises and regional market opportunities.
HKSTP’s involvement also strengthens Hong Kong’s positioning as a gateway for international technology companies seeking access to Mainland China, Asia and global capital networks.
LEAP East Expands the LEAP Platform Beyond Riyadh
LEAP East builds on the success of the original LEAP event in Riyadh, which has become one of the world’s largest technology gatherings since launching in 2022. The Hong Kong edition aims to extend that platform into Asia by creating a new investment corridor between the Middle East and East Asia.
Tahaluf, the organiser behind LEAP, is a joint venture involving Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and the Events Investment Fund. Sela is also expected to join the venture.
Why LEAP East Matters for Fintech
The scale of investor interest around LEAP East Hong Kong shows how fast capital flows are shifting toward cross-border technology ecosystems.
For fintech companies, the event could provide access to new funding sources, enterprise partners and expansion opportunities across Asia and the Middle East. With investors focusing on AI, financial services and other emerging technologies, LEAP East may become an important platform for startups looking to scale internationally.
As global investors search for the next generation of high-growth technology companies, Hong Kong’s role as a financial and innovation hub could help make LEAP East a key meeting point for fintech capital and startup growth.