Over the last few years, Hong Kong has become a major innovation center. The number of start-ups have been increasing rapidly in the recent years; and the role of women in the Hong Kong start-up community is expanding too. Research indicates that gender diversity accelerates the pace of innovation and success.

This Wavestone report looks at key factors that pushed women out of the corporate workforce by studying why women move into start-ups and their role in those startups. These lessons could help corporates to learn from the ways that start-ups attract, retain and motivate their female employees.

The results can be summarized in three key findings: participative leadership style and culture, more flexibility and better work-life balance and career progression.