Hi Load Toad,
Thanks for the insights. I'll try to give some more info...
1. Yes, of course, in a quick search I found a few and I'm sure there are more. Doesn't it mean that it is a good idea? The question is, can I deliver something different and more value than everybody else I've seen? I think I can, at least in my field of expertise.
2. Really little experience with Chinese staff, I'm trying to fix that right now and I'm sure I'll need good local staff to help me out. But the point is, most European companies don't have it either, at least I'll be much closer and learning fast. I'm sure there are big and sophisticated Chinese companies that don't need somebody like me in the middle, but I do know there are thousands of extremely capable Chinese companies that just don't have a way to reach that market convincingly just yet. I can help there. Question: is a local partner needed in HK? I heard it is a must in China.
5. Sorry, a misunderstanding here, I want to set up a company in HK and live in HK. The work permit should be for HK. How do I get it? Any experience doing it this way? Is it hard?
6. Well, some business management knowledge might come handy while trying to make money. I know a lot about electronics, managing R&D people, product managment, marketing, the works... and I'm pretty sure I can handle a company (cocky, I know), but I believe in learning from somebody else's experience...
My business would not be to fund the product development. Somebody else should be willing to do that. I would help finding the right Chinese company and managing the project. "Let's make it happen" will be my motto. Sounds good? Why would somebody do that? Well, I could help them cut product development costs an whooping 80% and they will be seeing a face they know (and I hope trust).
I do have enough money to fund my own product development, but i don't have a commercial network to sell it, so why bother? I might do it if I see a chance and find a network to distribute it, but that would be another story. However, by 'not rich' I mean I don't have the 600.000+ USD in capital investment required for a capital investment scheme visa. In another thread I read about a different possibility that required a business plan, will this apply here?
Thanks again.