Ian Borchard, MRICS

Founder & CEO at Harbovr Boats | Built for Use, Refined by Design

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR

About

I work at the intersection of design, operations, and real-world usability. My background in real estate and the built environment shapes how I think about how assets are actually used—and where friction appears. As the Founder & CEO of Harbovr Boats, I am applying these core principles to the marine industry. At Harbovr Boats, we design stable, practical, and adaptable small craft built around real use, from private tenders to commercial platforms. Alongside this, I selectively pursue real estate opportunities where design and operational thinking create value.

Experience

  • Founder & CEO at Harbovr Boats
    Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    Leading the development of Harbovr Boats, a design-led marine company focused on modern small craft. Responsible for product strategy, design direction, and execution across the full lifecycle—from concept and prototyping through to production and commercialisation. Leading all aspects of the business, including product development, design, partnerships, and go-to-market implementation.

  • Portfolio Manager - Taikoo Place at Swire Properties
    Apr 2022 - Nov 2025 · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Primarily responsible for leasing and property management in the Taikoo Place portfolio. Day-to-day duties include the full letting process, commercial and legal negotiations, asset strategy preparation and presentation, arrangement of reinstatement works, supervision of fitting out works, advisory on management items such as management fees and aircon provision and others, and staff and team management. I also lead other asset improvement, tenant experience and internal process improvement projects aimed at continually improving our product offering.

  • Venture Capital Operations Associate at Integrated Management Systems (IMS)
    Jun 2021 - Apr 2022 · 11 mos

  • JLL (4 yrs 2 mos)
    • Urban Ecosystems Manager
      Jan 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Creating tangible value for investors and tenants through holistic, experiential ecosystems. Responsible for business development in South China including Hong Kong, performing project lead duties for relevant locations, coordination of all relevant project aspects, financial modelling and more.

    • Digital Project Manager
      Sep 2018 - Dec 2018 · 4 mos

      Digital project manager in Jones Lang LaSalle's Corporate Appraisal and Advisory Department, focusing on data driven technology solutions for business development and valuation automation.

    • Analyst
      Jul 2018 - Sep 2018 · 3 mos

      Analyst at Jones Lang LaSalle's Corporate Appraisal and Advisory Department, focusing on business valuation for Mainland Chinese clients.

  • Analyst at Interlink Capital Strategies
    Jun 2016 - Sep 2016 · 4 mos

    Performed various consulting tasks for emerging market clients regarding government backed loans, due diligence, equipment and capital sourcing, political risk research, documentation and client interaction. Assisted with the creation of a risk mitigation facility for geothermal development in Latin America for the German Development Bank, KfW, and the European Development Bank. Worked bilingually/cross-culturally with Chinese clients to navigate US ExIm Bank China Framework hurdles. Worked with public and private institutions to develop an SPV instrument to facilitate greater access and success for governmental small business export loans. Advised managers on language nuances and differing cultural practices between Chinese and US businesses.