The Korean government has launched a second batch acceleration programme to lure African and foreign startups to the Asian country. Tagged In2Korea, it aims to assist foreign startups to relocate to Korea.
The programme, which is managed by Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA), is open to all tech startups with a minimum viable product that is keen on developing their business in Korea. Only 30 spots are available.
In In2Korea’s first batch 31 teams from 18 countries including South Africa, Russia, India and Singapore were selected. The cohort will kick off next week on 21 August.
Guillaume Parvaix, the programme’s media liaison, said three African startups had been selected to join the first cohort. They are Hello Denim Africa, and digital wallet company, Jump Queue, both from South Africa as well as a Ghanaian startup, True West Media Consult.
“In2Korea helps startup entrepreneurs, professional job seekers and investors succeed in Asia’s hottest startup hub, Korea,” said DJ Kim, Vice President of NIPA, the National IT Industry Promotion Agency in charge of this program. “We’ve already recruited some of the best mentors and area experts in Korea, and they’re eager to get started working with the startups.”
Full perks for startups include:
- Access to Experts: Legal, accounting, marketing and other professional services to help you take your business from a concept to corporation
- Free Office Space: Work from Korea’s $160 million Startup Campus in Pangyo, within walking distance of Korea’s tech giants and 15 minutes from the glitz of Gangnam
- Access to Talent: Exclusive access to monthly job fairs where you can meet qualified engineers, marketers and support staff
- Fast Track Visa Process: Get your Korean Startup Visa within a matter of months, so you can legally do business in Asia’s new startup hub
- Cultural Acclimation: Learn Korean and get insider tips from expats and entrepreneurs who have spent years succeeding in Korea
How To Apply
All foreign startups and entrepreneurs interested in developing their business in Korea are eligible to apply for the program. Rolling applications are now open. To apply and find more information, visit In2Korea’s website at www.in2korea.org.
