Lynk in Hengqin to connect businesses with experts

Zhuhai Da Heng Qin (DHQ) has just made its first investment by joining others in the $4 million Series A round financing of Lynk, an online service that connects enterprise users to experts in a variety of fields.

Techinasia.com reports that the round was led by Hong Leong Group, one of Asia's largest and most successful conglomerates. Participating were Cyberport; CRE Venture Capital, which focuses on African markets; and Singapore-based Wavemaker Partners, which led Lynk's $1 million seed round in 2015 when the company was known as The Straits Network.

Financing ceremony [Photo courtesy Cyberport]

Lynk operates a software-as-a-service model whereby business customers pay for access to its pool of mentors. Lynk claims to have over 35,000 experts across 70 countries and a "growing number of industries." They include C-level executives, scientists, engineers, independent consultants, and specialist advisors.

Lynk currently serves international top-level advisory agencies such as McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group, as well as financial institutions Goldman Sachs, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, TPG, Fu Tak Investments, and Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong. Lynk has branches in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bombay in India, and will set up its China Headquarters at Hengqin International Hi-Tech Innovation Park in Zhuhai.

According to a Da Heng Qin executive, the investment has laid the foundation for further cooperation with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Co Ltd. While helping local enterprises enter the international venture capital market, it also helps attract outstanding hi-tech enterprises to Hengqin International Hi-Tech Innovation Park and promotes the technological industrial development of Hengqin New Area.

The Da Heng Qin Fund with a gross 200 million HKD ($25.7 million) was ratified by the Hengqin New Area Administrative Committee. Established in Hong Kong, it was a venture capital fund jointly invested by Da Heng Qin of Zhuhai and Cyberport Macro Fund (CMF) subordinate to the Hong Kong SAR government.