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StarUp Fund, also known as Nova Studio, is a venture capital organization based in Taipei City, Taiwan. Founded to support Gen Z entrepreneurs, it provides early-stage investment and resources aimed at fostering innovation and talent growth among student founders. The organization operates as a student-oriented venture platform, focusing on backing exceptional talent in Taiwan while connecting young founders with opportunities for growth in various sectors.
Currently, StarUp Fund has a portfolio that includes four companies and boasts a network of over 20 local and global partners. The organization emphasizes hands-on training and community support, helping founders refine their business strategies and expand their reach. StarUp Fund is dedicated to discovering ambitious Gen Z entrepreneurial talent in Taiwan and backing them before more conventional investors engage.
StarUp Fund invests in early-stage startups led by Gen Z entrepreneurs, providing capital ranging from USD 15K to 100K. The organization focuses on sectors such as AI, SaaS, fintech, healthcare, biotech, consumer, edtech, food-agtech, climate, and energy. Their geographic focus includes Taiwan, Japan, and the United States, aiming to connect young founders with opportunities for growth and development.
The investment strategy combines first-check capital with hands-on venture mindset building, peer community, student-investor training, and cross-border startup resources. StarUp Fund seeks to support founders who are looking for mentorship and access to a global network that includes resources from Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and other regions.
StarUp Fund's portfolio includes notable companies such as:
Additionally, the organization has connections with alumni from AmazingTalker, showcasing its involvement in the startup ecosystem and its commitment to supporting emerging talent.
Lee Meng-Yi - Team member associated with Nova Studio, involved in supporting Gen Z entrepreneurs.
Ching Yi Su - Another team member at Nova Studio, contributing to the organization's mission of fostering innovation among student founders.
Rickson Hu - A member of the Youth Advisory Committee at the Ministry of Education (Taiwan), providing insights into the educational landscape and supporting the startup community.
Andrea Laudiero - Team member at Nova Studio, engaged in connecting young founders with resources and mentorship.
To pitch StarUp Fund, founders should use the application link provided on their website. It is important to include a clear business plan and details about the team and market opportunity in the pitch deck.
Founders can expect a response within a few weeks after submission. While warm introductions are appreciated, they are not strictly necessary for applying.
In 2026, StarUp Fund participated in various startup events, including Slush 2025, showcasing their commitment to supporting Gen Z entrepreneurs. They have been actively engaging with the startup community in Taiwan and Silicon Valley, facilitating connections for their portfolio companies.
StarUp Fund continues to expand its network and resources, aiming to enhance its support for early-stage startups and foster innovation among student founders.
What are the investment criteria for StarUp Fund?
StarUp Fund focuses on early-stage startups led by Gen Z entrepreneurs. They look for innovative ideas in sectors like AI, fintech, and healthcare, and prefer companies that demonstrate potential for growth and scalability.
How can founders apply for funding?
Founders can apply for funding through the application link provided on their website. They are encouraged to present a clear business model and demonstrate their vision for growth.
What makes StarUp Fund different from other VCs?
StarUp Fund is unique in its focus on Gen Z entrepreneurs and its commitment to providing mentorship and community support. They prioritize early-stage investments and aim to connect founders with a global network of resources.
What is the geographic scope of StarUp Fund's investments?
The firm primarily invests in startups based in Taiwan, but also has a focus on opportunities in Japan and the United States, leveraging cross-border resources to support founders.
What is the typical check size for investments?
StarUp Fund typically invests between USD 15K and 100K in early-stage startups, providing the necessary capital to help founders launch and grow their businesses.
What kind of post-investment support does StarUp Fund provide?
StarUp Fund offers mentorship, access to a global network, and resources that facilitate growth and development. They emphasize hands-on training and community support to help founders refine their business strategies.
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