Cover Tamara Lamunière, president of Tatler Asia, with Jonathan Yip, head of innovation banking Asia, HSBC (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
Tamara Lamunière, president of Tatler Asia, with Jonathan Yip, head of innovation banking Asia, HSBC (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
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The banking needs of venture-backed companies are shifting, and their founders need financial partners that understand what it takes to build a business from scratch, says Jonathan Yip, head of innovation banking Asia at HSBC
For decades, global banks have focused on serving established businesses with scale, certainty and balance sheets to match. But many of the tech start-ups shaping the future look markedly different. They are venture-backed, fast-scaling and, in some cases, cash-burning as they work to commercialise their products.
To respond to that shift, HSBC launched its innovation banking arm in 2023, aiming to provide a suite of banking and financial services tailored to start-ups and their investors. With a presence in ten of the world’s leading innovation hubs, HSBC Innovation Banking brings global capability to local ecosystems in a way that is practical and responsive, enabling companies to expand across borders with confidence and consistency.
Jonathan Yip, HSBC’s head of innovation banking Asia, believes the timing could not be more relevant. “The advances that we’re seeing across technology are moving at a pace that’s faster than we’ve ever seen before,” he says, pointing to developments in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and health tech. As a result, he believes the need for financial partners that understand start-ups’ pace and ambition has become increasingly clear.
Asia stands out as a region of diversity and momentum. In North Asia, Yip observes strong innovation in physical AI, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia continues to be driven by a growing middle class and rapid digitalisation, fuelling new approaches to financial services, supply-chain integration and the use of natural resources.
Supporting start-ups as they expand across borders takes more than just capital; it demands a banking partner that removes obstacles and complexity at every turn. “Our goal is simple: founders and investors should spend their time building the future, not navigating banking hurdles,” says Yip. “By taking the friction out of banking, we empower our clients to focus on what matters most—igniting bold ideas and driving innovation forward.”
Above Yip says its unit is dedicated to supporting the startup ecosystem, with hundreds of billions of US dollars flowing in each year (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
Yip says its unit is dedicated to supporting the startup ecosystem, with hundreds of billions of US dollars flowing in each year (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
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HSBC Innovation Banking brings together sector-focused teams who understand the realities of venture-backed growth, serving everyone from venture capital firms to founders across industries. “Our clients benefit from the reach and stability of a global bank, paired with people who speak their language and know their world,” Yip explains. “With a presence in 57 markets, we connect founders to specialised expertise and international networks, enabling them to expand confidently and consistently.”
Yip adds, “Our platform is designed to stay with founders at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re commercialising your first product or scaling globally, we unleash HSBC’s full capabilities—from commercial and business banking to private banking and wealth management. Early-stage founders get guidance on navigating the venture capital landscape while later-stage entrepreneurs can access support for scaling, succession planning and beyond.”
Above Yip says HSBC Innovation Banking provides start-ups and their investors with tailored banking solutions and access to a global community passionate about changing the world (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
Above Tatler Asia's president, Lamunière, who founded Gen.T, asks Yip how his unit engages with founders and investors beyond daily banking activities (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
Yip says HSBC Innovation Banking provides start-ups and their investors with tailored banking solutions and access to a global community passionate about changing the world (Photo: Tatler Hong Kong)
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HSBC Innovation Banking goes beyond traditional banking by actively convening the innovation ecosystem. The bank organises social events that bring together investors and portfolio companies, creating space for organic connections to spark around shared interests and bold ideas. “We want our bankers to be part of this ecosystem, not just as financial partners but as people who truly understand the emotional journey of building a business,” says Yip. “Our team shares the passion and ambition that founders and investors bring to changing the world.”
Yip describes HSBC Innovation Banking as a community that fuels innovation, not just a service provider. “We want founders to see us as more than a bank. We’re a commitment from a global platform and a collective you can belong to. We can support you as you build for the future. And you can lean on this community for connections across the ecosystem, whether it’s insights from other investors or the support of peers who understand your challenges. This is banking designed for the realities of venture-backed growth, where collaboration, resilience and shared ambition drive progress.”
This article is presented in partnership with HSBC Innovation Banking. Now, meet the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow 2025 shaping Asia’s future.
Reminder: “To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay!”
HSBC Innovation Banking refers to HSBC’s worldwide innovation banking business and is not indicative of any legal entity or relationship.
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