Our Research

At HKMC, we believe the future belongs to those who not only build—but deeply understand what they’re building toward. Our Research page is a curated hub of insight that informs everything we do across startups, capital, and government transformation. Here you'll find our original research, co-branded publications with leading global firms, curated reports aligned with our mission, and thought leadership drawn from our LinkedIn presence and live events.

Whether you're a policymaker exploring AI governance, a founder preparing to expand into new markets, or a fund manager looking to understand LP behavior in emerging ecosystems—our research is designed to equip decision-makers with clarity, precision, and strategic foresight.

AI & Emerging Technology Policy

We explore how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging technologies can be integrated into national strategies. Our research focuses on:

Ethical AI deployment and regulatory frameworks
Cross-border data governance and privacy
Public sector adoption of LLMs and intelligent automation
Use cases for generative AI in education, defense, and civic infrastructure
We collaborate with governments and think tanks to build toolkits for responsible and high-impact tech governance.

Startup Ecosystem Development

How do ecosystems like Riyadh, Nairobi, or Ho Chi Minh City nurture unicorns? We investigate:

Policy frameworks and incentives that drive founder success
Roles of accelerators, coworking spaces, and government labs
Effective public-private partnerships
Comparative analyses between global hubs
This research supports governments and stakeholders aiming to design high-output innovation environments outside of traditional centers like Silicon Valley.

Future of Work & Organizational Design

Work is being rewritten—by technology, demography, and behavior. We explore:

The impact of AI and automation on job creation and reskilling
Talent mobility and remote-first team structures
Hybrid workplace design and productivity tools
How culture evolves in founder-led and venture-backed startups
This research helps organizations—startups and governments alike—adapt their workforce strategies for the decade ahead.

Venture Capital & Fund Management

Designed for GPs, LPs, and allocators shaping the next generation of capital deployment, this research includes:

Structural innovations in fund formation (solo GPs, rolling funds, syndicates)
LP sentiment and allocation trends across geographies
Technology stacks and ops tools used by emerging fund managers
Market maps of capital flow in emerging ecosystems
We also explore best practices in storytelling, LP relations, and fund differentiation—especially relevant for first- and second-time fund managers.

Design-Driven Innovation

Design is more than aesthetics—it's strategy. We explore:

The role of behavioral design in digital public services
UI/UX principles that drive adoption in emerging markets
The business value of design in early-stage startups
Co-creation models that bring users into the design process
We publish design playbooks and case studies that bridge user experience with business growth.

Go-To-Market (GTM) and Product Strategy in Emerging Markets

Taking a product global is one thing. Building one that fits local realities is another. This research focuses on:

GTM strategies tailored for emerging market user behavior
Localization across UX, pricing, and distribution
Customer onboarding and retention models outside of Western norms
Case studies of successful GTM pivots by high-growth startups
We work with founders and product teams to align GTM strategy with cultural, infrastructural, and behavioral nuances.