NY Landing Lesson 11: HHN Capital Founder’s Guide to Building a Business Network

i2i is advancing its "IP2 Scale Out Program" accelerator, designed to help Taiwanese startups enter the U.S. market. Applications for the 2025 annual program will open later this month, inviting startups eager to expand into New York to join and seize new business opportunities.

This year’s program features a one-month immersive training course in New York. This article highlights the June 10th entrepreneurship session, “How to Enter the New York Market and Build a Business Network,” led by HHN Capital founder Henry H. Ngan. His lecture provided actionable guidance for startups, focusing on strategies to attract investors and partners.

NY Landing Lesson 11: HHN Capital Founder’s Guide to Building a Business Network

Speaker: Henry H. Ngan

Henry H. Ngan, a lecturer at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and founder of HHN Capital, brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business strategy.

Since founding HHN Capital in 2013, Ngan has established it as a prominent U.S.-based accelerator and investment firm with offices in Pennsylvania and Ithaca, New York.

HHN Capital fosters early-stage startups in fintech, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other tech fields by providing funding, mentorship, and essential resources, including financial, accounting, and strategic advisory services, to support startups’ business models and international market entry strategies.

Key Themes of the Course

Building Multinational Connections through Cultural Engagement

Ngan opened the session with an introduction and light-hearted discussion on “favorite foods,” encouraging participants to engage and create connections. This approach underscored the importance of “cultural influence on business relationships.”

By exemplifying how cultural background can be a bridge for networking, Ngan highlighted the powerful role culture plays in shaping business connections and fostering new opportunities.

Cultural Context and Business Networking

Understanding cultural context is vital for Taiwanese startups aiming to break into the New York market, as blending into American culture can be the initial key to successful business discussions.

Ngan recommended participants establish common ground by engaging in popular American topics, such as NBA or baseball, to foster a natural exchange and rapport.

The Principle of Reciprocity

Reciprocity is a cornerstone of business interactions. The best way to initiate relationships is by “giving first.” In business discussions, being the party that offers value opens doors for future collaboration and promotes long-term relationships on both sides.