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South Korea
Become a Startup Scout
in
at
Seoul

Join the diverse world of VC startup scouting in Seoul. Unlock unique opportunities to engage in groundbreaking technology advancements and benefit from financial rewards. Ignite innovation within our city.

About

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a bustling hub for startups and venture capital. Especially known for its technological advancements, Seoul is home to many globally successful startups. One of the biggest success stories to come out of Seoul is the global tech company Naver, best known for its search engine. Naver, which was started in a small apartment in Seoul, has transformed into one of the largest tech companies in Asia.

The startup ecosystem in Seoul is bolstered by the Korean government's strong support. The government initiative, the Korean Startup Grand Challenge, aims to turn South Korea into a prominent startup hub by providing funding, office space, and support to startups. They provide $130,000 to the top 60 teams, with extra incentives for the top 20 teams, making it one of the most generous startup incentives in Asia.

Another support platform for startups in Seoul is the Seoul Startup Hub. This organisation provides valuable resources for startups such as office space, mentoring, and various programs aimed at accelerating startup growth.

A number of successful entrepreneurs from Seoul have also risen to prominent positions in the global startup and venture capital ecosystem. One of the most notable is Bom Kim, the founder of Coupang, a Seoul-based e-commerce company. First started as a Groupon-like daily deal site, Coupang transitioned into a full e-commerce company and is considered the Amazon of Korea.

One of Seoul's most influential investors is Altos Ventures, a venture capital firm that was one of the early investors in Coupang. The firm focuses on investments in early-stage tech companies, with a strong emphasis on mobile and software startups.

Moreover, Seoul's startup scene also has a vibrant cultural aspect. The city's strong focus on innovation, coupled with a culture that values hard work and persistence, has led to an environment where startups can thrive.

Notably, Seoul has one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, and South Koreans are known for being early adopters of technology. This creates fertile ground for tech startups to experiment and grow.

As a Scout, You Can...

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Kickstart Your Venture Capital Career

Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.

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Help Your Ecosystem Thrive

Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.

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Earn a Share in Startups Without Investing in Them

Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.

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Monetise Your Content & Community

As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.

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Create a Fairer Society

By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.

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Help Friends Get Funded

Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.

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Grow Your Personal Brand

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Join as a Scout at Your University

Available Programs

Startup Investor?

Connect with the vibrant startup scene of Seoul! Get dealflow opportunities from individuals, startups, and innovations coming out of the city. Be the first to know what's happening and act on it.

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Scout Programs in Other Global Startup Hubs

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Podcaster

Do you interview founders &ย startups? Take your conversation insights to the next level by scouting your favourite podcast guests.

Scout founders you interview โ†’

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Co-Working Space Organiser

Do you help run a co-working space as an organiser or a greeter? Do you come across interesting entrepreneurs and startups?

Scout startups you sit next toโ†’

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Event Organiser

Do you organise an event, conference, or trade show? Help your founder attendees get discovered.

Scout startups at your event โ†’

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Student

Are you active in the entrepreneurship club at your college? Doing an MBA? Or are you a PHDย student at a technical university? Help your fellow students get funded.

Scout startups at your university โ†’

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