Early Life and Education
Solina Chau was born in Hong Kong in 1961 to a British Hong Kong businessman. She attended the prestigious Diocesan Girls' School in Hong Kong. After graduating from Diocesan Girls' School, she pursued higher education at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, where she studied economics.
Rise to Success
Chau's career took off after returning to Hong Kong in the 1990s. She became a business partner of Li Ka-shing, a role that significantly shaped her career. In 2002, Chau co-founded Horizons Ventures, a venture capital firm that has made early and impactful investments in numerous tech companies. Horizons Ventures' investments have included Skype, Spotify, Siri, Waze, Zoom, Celsius Holdings, and many more. Her ability to identify disruptive startups and her strong connections have been key to her success. In 2007, Chau pitched Li on backing Facebook.
Key Business Strategies
Chau's strategy focuses on identifying and supporting innovative and "disruptive" companies. She invests in companies with the potential to solve global problems and create a positive impact. Chau is known for her quick decision-making, often investing within hours of meeting founders. This approach, along with her extensive network, has allowed Horizons Ventures to secure significant returns. Chau is also known for her hands-on approach and commitment to the startups she supports.
Philanthropy
Chau is actively involved in philanthropy. She founded the H.S. Chau Foundation in 1996, which focuses on educational development, particularly for women. The foundation has launched various projects to support education, including initiatives for primary schools and universities. In 2024, her foundation distributed US$424 in cash handouts to over 10,000 low-income individuals in Hong Kong to alleviate financial hardships. In November 2024, Solina donated $19.5 million to her alma mater, the University of New South Wales, to build a residential college for women in STEM programs.
