In less than a week, Startup Weekend Seoul, the blockchain edition will begin on Friday, November 30 at Nonce, a co-living/coworking community located in Yeoksam-dong. The 54-hour-long blockchain hackathon will start at 6:00 pm on Friday till 10:00 pm on Sunday, December 2nd.

Are you a developer, aspiring entrepreneur, product designer, growth hacker or a systems engineer, you are invited to participate in the 2018 Techstars Startup Weekend Seoul – Blockchain edition which looks to be engaging, pulsating and innovative.

However, tickets have been categorized into developers, designer, non-technical participants. Regular tickets go for $70 while students in the same categories enjoy a discounted price of $35. Visit Seoul Blockchain Startup Weekend to register your spot today.

What To Expect at the Startup Weekend Seoul Blockchain Hackathon

The weekend will bring together technical and non-technical people for 54 hours to build a company applying blockchain technology. In addition, this edition has become necessary, as the blockchain wave has swept across the Korean tech scene.  

Regarding the main program, there will be idea pitching on Friday night. Hence,  participants are encouraged to share their innovative ideas, form teams and network with others. 

This will be followed by brainstorming, business plan development, and prototype creation.  Therefore, participants will create, validate and deliver working solutions during the event and will be able to collaborate with like-minded individuals. The weekend will be centered around action, innovation, and education.

Techstars Startup Weekend will finally culminate on Sunday night with demos and presentations.

Moreover, this blockchain edition is the third in the ‘Startup Weekend Seoul’ event series of the year. The previous two editions centered on big data and women and recorded over 150 participants working on over 20 ideas.

The blockchain edition aims to empower entrepreneurs with the opportunity to learn about blockchain and design solutions based on this technology.

There will also be featured speakers from contributing partners, METADIUM and Nem. These experts will share their insights and experiences in current blockchain development. Notable among the speakers is, Jeffrey Song, CTO at Metadium Technology Inc.

Mentors at the Blockchain Hackathon

Four experienced blockchain entrepreneurs will provide coaching and mentorship to the various teams and also on a one-on-one basis. The attendees will receive valuable feedback on their ideas, prototypes, assess their skills and business plans.

This is an incredible opportunity for any wanna-be blockchain entrepreneur to receive the best advice and create something meaningful.

About Techstars Startup Weekend

Techstars Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event designed to provide superior experiential education for technical and non-technical entrepreneurs. Participants meet, brainstorm ideas, build prototypes and learn how to build a company in a weekend. Techstars Startup Weekend has since 2017,  been held in over 150 countries with more than 200,000 alumni. Past participants have taken their product or business idea to the next level and joined a huge worldwide network of entrepreneurs.

Techstars Startup Weekend is powered by ‘Google for Entrepreneurs.’

Visit Techstars Communities Seoul to learn more about Startup Weekend Seoul: Blockchain.

For specific inquiries, contact Marta Allina on 010-3204-0288 and [email protected] 

Watch highlights from the last Startup Weekend Seoul Big Data

The post Startup Weekend Seoul: Blockchain Slated for November 30 appeared first on Startup Radar.

The startup ecosystem in Korea has been surging since 2015 because the Korean government launched a drive to support startups and also promote entrepreneurship among the youth.

Entrepreneurship drive has been one sure strategy at the core agenda of past and successive presidents to alleviate the rate of unemployment among the youth.

Therefore, the Korean Government has instituted and empowered many organizations to run programs that are essential to the continued innovative drive it is pursuing. The government has outlined plans to support new and creative ideas, especially from foreigners and other sectors of the economy.

In the meantime, achieving these ambitious technological goals will also help propel the government’s steep dive into the fourth industrial revolution.

Therefore, here are 15 notable Korean government organizations and agencies that support startups. The kind of support varies according to each organization’s setup and goals.

However, most of them support early-stage ventures and startups. Whether you are looking for funds, office space, VC partners, mentoring, acceleration or global expansion, these companies and organizations listed here can help you in one way or the other.

It’s time to access them for the benefit and growth of your startup.

Korean Government Agencies that Support Startups and Small Business

Ministry of Science and ICT

This is the official government agency that is constituted to oversee and implement the government’s grand science and ICT policies. It is established to evaluate science and technology policy, support innovative research and development, human resource and skills development in ICT and accelerate growth engine. Presently, it is now championing the 4th industrial revolution.

Pangyo Techno Valley

Pangyo Techno Valley is the Korean version of Silicon Valley in the USA. Located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province of Korea, the vast industrial and startup campus is home to some of Korea’s top tech companies such as NCSoft Corp., Kakao, SK Planet, Nexon and other global companies. Currently, it also hosts global startups that are accepted into the annual K-Startup Grand Challenge program. First opened in 2011, the campus has accommodated over 1,200 companies. Aside from the startup campus, you can find a global R&D center as well as the center for creative economy and innovation.

Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA)

Creative content is at the forefront of Korea’s digital innovation. The Korea Creative Content Agency ensures the promotion of Korean content industry. They provide education for content creators and serve as an incubator for content start-ups. Some of the fields they support include games, Comics, AR/VR, Animation, Character Licensing, Broadcasting, and music.

Center for Creative Economy and Innovation (CCEI)

The CCEI is one of the leading government agencies that help local startups and business to expand globally. Opened in 2014, it operates 18 local offices in 17 regions across Korea. The CCEI is focused on creative viable startup hubs and providing special assistance to small and medium enterprises from the regions.

K-Startup

K-Startup is a government-run online hub that announces various startup programs aimed for the youth. The hub is filled with enormous resources that will help propel your startup from an idea into commercialization. Warning: the site is in Korean.

National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA)

NIPA is Korea government’s IT promotion organization. Established in 1998, NIPA is affiliated to the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning. They are tasked to promote Korea’s ICT industry and attract global business partnerships. Therefore, they also implement relevant policies through a robust R&D strategy.

Small & Medium Business Corporation (SBC)

The SBC exists to support startups and small business from business plans design, incubation, early stage, growth, market entry, and sustainable growth. They also offer loans with little interests to enterprises that plan to scale.

Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA)

The SMBA is one of the agencies under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups that foster innovation of Small Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro Enterprises (MEs). Most importantly, their business mission is underpinned in three areas; business growth promotion, fostering business startups and support for micro-enterprises.

Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED)

KISED is also one of the affiliated organizations under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, tasked with creating a convenient environment for startups to thrive and create jobs for the creative economy. Moreover, they provide entrepreneurship education, develop startup infrastructure, mentoring support and many others.

Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC)

If you are looking for venture funding for your startup, the Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC) should be top on your list. They provide a capital source for the venture capital market. Some of the funds they provide are related to job creation, angel funds, foreign VC investment funds, and industrial technology commercialization. This agency is also affiliated to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

K-Growth

The Korea Growth Investment Corporation is an independent funds-of-fund management agency that provides risk capital to Korean startups and SMEs at various stages of their business cycle. It had dedicated professionals to ensure that, the funds are channeled effectively for their intended purposes.

K-ICT Startup Mentoring Center

This mentoring center under the Korea Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation is a place where startups mentees are paired with experienced startup and business owners to help early-stage businesses.

Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA)

If you need consultation about establishing a global business or trade-investment venture in Korea, KOTRA is the right place for you. Hence, do not entangle yourself with any stress. They offer comprehensive direction for companies that intend to invest in Korea or expand their markets internationally. they also operate BuyKorea (a B2B E-marketplace for Korean products).

Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA)

Do you have any inventive idea? Are you seeking patent attorneys to file a patent for your idea? Then, KIPA is your one-stop service center for such tasks. KIPA help startups through idea acquisition, intellectual property registration, patent application and all other stages required for your invention to commercialization. Moreover, they host the Seoul International Invention Fair annually.

Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO)

KOBO is a non-profit institution also affiliated with the Ministry of SMEs and startups, charged with the responsibility of facilitating technology finance for innovative companies and SMEs in Korea. They provide credit guarantee, technology appraisal, equity investment and technology transfer for many startups and firms.

Do you know of any other agencies that are not mentioned in this article? Please send me an email and we are sure to update it. Meanwhile, try these agencies.

The post 15 Korean Government Agencies That Support Startups and Small Businesses appeared first on Startup Radar.

If there is an event in Seoul that you need to attend next Tuesday, November 20, then it’s Jobfindr’s Connector. The program will come off at WeWork, Yeoksam II from 6 – 8:50 pm.

‘Connector’ is a non-profit FREE event that brings information, opportunities, and networking for local & international students/graduates and local & international companies here in Seoul.

Moreover, the city is attracting talented individuals from across the world.  Many come to study and stay to put their knowledge to use. Furthermore, the city is producing cutting-edge startups that bring important ideas to life. Therefore, innovation is being supported by both government organizations and private venture firms.  These global citizens want opportunities and those ideas deserve a global audience. Therefore,

Connector aims to build a community between talented students and graduates and companies with global aspirations through informative lectures, highlighted opportunities, and a great networking environment.

The event always features guests who share their entrepreneurial journeys and business insights, in order to inspire prospective startup entrepreneurs living in Seoul.

Connector – November Agenda

The ‘Korean Wave’ and North Korean belligerence have secured Korea’s position as a point of interest for an ever-increasing global audience, but that doesn’t even begin to touch upon the surface of what it is to understand Korea.

This month’s edition will put a spotlight on Korea Exposé, an online English News magazine on contemporary Korea. It is not your everyday mainstream media company.

Korea Expose is unconventional, blunt and defies the usual narrative to bring readers the stories that are not covered. They are deep, documentarian, and innovational.

How does Korea Expose survive in a conservative and contemporary Korea, but commit to diversifying the narratives about the Korean Peninsula?.

Se-Woong Koo, co-founder of Korea Expose will tell it all at Connector November event.

About The Speaker

Se-Woong earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and taught at Asian University for Women, Ewha Women’s University and Yale University. He has written for the New York Times, Foreign Policy and Al Jazeera and more.

Official Program

18:00 – 19:00 | Registration, Pizza, Beer

19:00- 20:00 |  Fireside Chat

20:00 – 20:50 | Networking

Registration

Interested participants can sign up for the event here: Connector November.

Are you an aspiring journalist, media enthusiast, content creator, writer, entrepreneur, a student, a freelancer or a digital nomad looking to gain insight into running a media startup, be at the event.

The post Se-Woong Koo of Korea Expose To Feature at Connector November Event appeared first on Startup Radar.

The Seoul Global Startup Center (SGSC) has announced that the 2nd edition of ‘Pitch Party’ is coming on, on Thursday, November 29 this year, at the Center in Yongsan.

Do you have any creative idea? Do you have any plans of starting your entrepreneurial journey in Korea? Then you have a chance to turn your ideas into success by pitching your project at the upcoming Pitch Party.

Meanwhile, applications from qualified startups are being accepted from now till Sunday, November 11, 2018.

Titled ‘Make Your Pitch Count’, the pitch competition aims to provide young and aspiring entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop their creative business ideas and support with prizes.

The first Seoul Global Startup Center Pitch Party was held in November 2017 to offer new opportunities for students and aspiring business owners to present their ideas to judges and receive prizes to develop them. Therefore, the event received overwhelming support from the startup community, of which the winners and some competitors have gone ahead to perfect and launch their ideas.

Pitch Party Competition Details

Shortlisted startups will have the chance to pitch before potential investors, partners, public officials, potential customers and residents of the center. This year’s public startup pitching competition will offer KRW 19.5 million in cash prizes to the selected winners.

Eligibility for Participation

The pitch party is open to everyone; aspiring entrepreneurs, established entrepreneurs, current students, current residents of the Seoul Global Startup Center.

Condition: Team members must include at least one foreigner and must be legal residents in Korea. The team representative must also a visa that is valid for more than 91 days. One application per team.

Teams Division

• Student Teams: Foreign/Korean students who are enrolled in domestic universities or are taking leave of absence temporarily
• General Teams: Anyone whose business registration is less than 3 years old
• SGSC Resident: 3rd Batch Registered Startups of Seoul Global Startup Center (on the date of announcement). Applications for the ‘SGSC Resident Division’ allowed with one business item only

Further Information

The Center also announced special benefits for winners at this year’s competition.

1. Student and General Division: Winning teams will be exempted from the 1st round evaluation for the 4th Batch Resident Membership Program of Seoul Global Startup Center.
2. Seoul GSC Residents: Winning Teams will be given preference during the Extension Evaluation for the 4th Batch.

Detailed information about the prizes, program and application documents can be found here: Seoul GSC Pitch Party 2018.

How To Apply for the 2018 Seoul Global Startup Center Pitch Party

Interested applicants can only do so through ONLINE submission here.

About the Seoul Global Startup Center

The Seoul GSC is a startup incubation center established to support foreign entrepreneurs to start their business journeys in Korea. It was founded by the Seoul Metropolitan City Government but operated by Rehoboth, a private business and incubator services provider.

The center provides support for early-stage startups in their 1-year incubator program, including Free office space, Seed Fund, Mentorship and skills training. In addition, apart from that, they offer a separate public coworking space for prospective foreigners who are interested in starting up in Seoul. The center also hosts monthly networking events for startup entrepreneurs and the public to interact and share ideas.

The post 2018 Pitch Party at Seoul Global Startup Center-Apply Before November 11 appeared first on Startup Radar.

It will be held at the 51st Floor Conference Room at KITA, from 9:00 am till 1:30 pm.

What is Startups Meet Grownups?

The startup ecosystem in Korea keeps getting attractive because of the continuous support it receives from both government and private institutions. Moreover, as it churns out profitable startups for global expansion, the urge to collaborate with other startup ecosystems around the world has become eminent.

Bridging startup ecosystems is essential for economic development of countries and therefore, pushes new technologies beyond boundaries.

Startups meet grownups aims to achieve exactly this purpose. With Germany’s highly industrialized economy and technological innovations, this event will bring together startups made in Korea to match with German grownups.

Startups meet grownups is targeted at startups in the fields of Insuretech, Automobile and IT industries – which happens to be Germany’s powerhouse.

Participating Companies

Reputable German grownup and foreign enterprises will be represented, and listen to 9 budding startups pitch their projects.

The participating German and foreign enterprises include;
Porsche, Allianz, SAP, BMW Startup Garage, Bosch, Beiersdorf Korea Ltd., TÜV SÜD Korea Ltd, 4S Mapper, Mister’s Garage, Startup Together, BHR Korea, FuturePlay, Palfinger Korea, CREKorea (Commercial Real Estate Korea), isarpatent, HeraeusOriental HiTecCo.,Ltd.

Furthermore, the 9 pitching startups that will have the opportunity to present in front of these giants are; Redvelvet Ventures, GSIL Co., Ltd, 12CM, AXIS, Holo Holik, Vault Micro Inc, WRD Co., Ltd, Gnet System, and VisualCamp.

The event is FREE to attend, so, interested attendants can register here.

Program Line-Up

The program will open with remarks by officials from KITA and KGCCI. Other line-up includes the introduction of innovations from some of the Grownup enterprises.

Additionally, attendants will get to know more about the pitching startups during the pitching and Q&A sessions.

It is expected that over 80 people will attend this event. Hence, if this event interests you and wants to meet Germany’s thriving industry leaders, register your participation at the startups meet grownups.

About KGCCI

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) is the second largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea with around 500 members and has been promoting the economic relations between Germany and Korea already since 1981. KGCCI provides support for both German and Korean businesses to thrive. The chamber organizes various events and offers professional services for market entry and expansion.

The post Startups Meet Grownups Seoul on October 25 appeared first on Startup Radar.

The euphoria around the event has shot up in the past week, with the host and partners readied for a great show. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the pitch event will see a large gathering of startups and tech enthusiasts in Korea.  Therefore, if you haven’t yet, RSVP your seat now at the BetaPitch Seoul 2018 before it’s too late.

Be reminded that the event starts at 16:40 till 21:00.

Chat with BetaPitch Hosts, Partners, and Sponsors

BetahausX

In a brief talk with the head of startup relations at betahausX, Katka Nagyová said,

“We are excited to come back to Seoul and select the best startups to join our community, come for a trip to Berlin and connect with the European startup ecosystem. We have seen noticeable growth in Korea’s startup ecosystem over the past 3 years during our time working with Korean startups arriving at our Berlin LandingPad, and believe some interesting technologies will be presented on Thursday.”

She continued,

“Connecting startups in Korea to Berlin helps us to bring the unique intelligence of South Korea to the region and to find innovative partners on the global level. Joining the right community is the key factor for the success of startups in their early stage, and we are looking forward to supporting Korean startups with Betahaus global community and network of investors, corporate partners, and mentors.”

NIVEA

Nivea, the global body-care brand headquartered in Germany is proud to be a top sponsor of the beta patch Seoul event. In addition, speaking to the General Manager of Beiersdorf Korea Ltd (NIVEA), Mr. Endrik Hasemann expressed his outfit’s inclination to the Korean startup ecosystem. He further reiterated, “At NIVEA we are fully embracing the Korean startup ecosystem because it is a global frontrunner in terms of beauty and digital technologies. Our team is actively scouting for exciting partners to drive the beauty revolution together.”

FORESTING

The blockchain-based social media network joined the coterie of top sponsors for the BetaPitch Seoul 2018, as they sprint into launching their MVP in the coming months. Asked why they decided to partner this event, the CEO and Co-Founder of Foresting, Daniel Eom said, “…as a global company, we are dedicated to helping startups in Korea go global and we believe the Betapitch Seoul is an opportune event for us to put the best foot of qualified startups into the Germany startup ecosystem. We plan to follow up even after this event and establish a solid connection between these two startup worlds. We are looking forward to a great event on Thursday” 

The 9 Startups in Korea Pitching at the BetaPitch Seoul 2018

Last week, I wrote about the reasons why you should not miss this event.  These startups are justifying the points I raised. Therefore, in no order of hierarchy, meet the 9 finalists that will be pitching at BetaPitch Seoul.

TotalCross

TotalCross is a development tool that helps companies and Java developers to create and maintain applications with a source code.  They are a single development team, delivering the same app for iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac.  Therefore, their vision is to create the next generation of cross-platforms.  In addition to helping Java developers to easily create beautiful mobile applications for all platforms on the market.

ADRIEL

Adriel is an AI-based digital marketing company based in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul. They employ machine learning, data science, natural language processing, and computer vision to ensure that customers obtain the highest ROI. Therefore, with their state-of-the-art technology, advertisers are guaranteed effective digital marketing campaigns and execution.

Jobfindr

Jobfindr a job and talent search platform providing employment opportunities for foreign nationals in their adopted homes. The platform serves a community represented by over 130 nationalities, helping them launch global careers. In addition, one of their offline events; Connector, is a non-profit monthly networking event.  It brings together international students and local or global companies. Jobfindr is based in Seoul.

Perfitt

Perfitt is the perfect and ultimate footwear size measurement for footwear buyers as well as manufacturers. Furthermore, this is achieved through their patented shoe size measuring device which delivers the customer’s foot size within 3 seconds.

Rocky Robots

Voice and Video are becoming eminent in the next generation of internet and Robots are at the forefront of personal voice assistance. Therefore Rocky Robots helps you to achieve maximum productivity. In addition, it is designed as your personal coach to enhance your daily self-improvement routines.

ROBORUS – Robot R Us

Roborus is an AI-based smart ordering robot providing efficient service for cafes and restaurants. It uses voice and face recognition, dialogue database, emotional intelligence, and machine learning to identify customers and provide customized services for them. In addition, it also utilizes IoT automation functions.

OTIA

Otia manufactures modern modular furniture for the minimal home, blending modernity and social trend. Therefore, their products are designed with the highest quality materials, classic styling, and modifiable functionalities. In addition, their products include shelves, sideboard, side tables, storage unit among others.

WishPoke

Wishpoke is a social network app that allows you to share and inspire your beloved ones through gifts. Therefore, by creating a social network where people can share pictures of what matters, people can now save wishes that don’t always come with a price tag and inspire others. Make a wish-registry and it might just be fulfilled by a friend, family or even strangers from across the world.

Rhoonart

Rhoonart is a commission-free platform that allows artists to compose music. Furthermore, with a database of hundreds of songwriters, you can request the services of commercial music and will be delivered in easy steps. Therefore it is considered the new generation music marketplace.

Who among these startups in Korea do you wish to see in Berlin? See you on Thursday, October 11 at Google Campus.

The post Meet The Final 9 Startups in Korea Competing at BetaPitch Seoul 2018 appeared first on Startup Radar.

Startups Going Global

The overwhelming interest from the day the event was announced to the applications received shows one thing — Korean startups are yearning to go global and it is the way forward. With the competitive nature of the Korean startup ecosystem, this is an opportunity for them to enter new and thriving startup markets in Europe.

A solo drive could be burdensome. Therefore, an entry into a vibrant startup ecosystem like Berlin will be the ideal goals of every ambitious startup project.

Reasons Why You Should Attend BetaPitch 2018

With the preparations and logistics so far executed, here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t miss this event, which is making a return to Seoul after a 3-year break.

1. Panel Talk on German/Korean Startup collaboration

There will be expert from Betahaus, the top coworking organization, and host of the BetaPitch, to throw more insights about the ins and outs of Germany startup ecosystem. Participants will benefit from first-hand guide and opportunities to enter such markets. Korean startup industry speakers will also share the latest trends happening in the Korean startup market on topics such as investments, accelerators, going global among others.

2. Keynote Addresses the Blockchain successes in Korea

The year 2017/2018 has been the ‘blockchain year’ as we’ve seen the emergence and conjugation of many blockchain projects and events across Korea. But, have you explored its impact? Come and listen to experts as they share case studies of blockchain success from ideation through ICO to MVP development.

3. Networking Opportunities

The BetaPitch Seoul event will assemble a roll-call of startuppers and industry enthusiasts to engage and learn from each other. It is indeed true that your network is your net worth. Don’t miss the chance to meet new people that can be of great support in your future pursuits.

4. Incredible Startups

There have been many instances where ideas have emanated from just listening to other ideas, especially at startup events. The BetaPitch promises to thrill attendants with the 10 selected startups as they mount the step on the stage to deliver their persuasive ideas. I bet it is going to be competitive and it will be a delight to watch.

5. Free Food and Drinks

As it happens at most events, participants will be treated to sumptuous foods and drinks during the event and continue at the after-party. It is a package to delight and educate the audience. Come and enjoy beer and meet people.

Program Line-up

16:30 – Registration
17:00  – Opening Speech (500V2)
17:15 – Betahaus & Betapitch Introduction
17:30 – Keynote/Presentation – Topic: Korea as the Blockchain Hotspot
18:00 – Panel Talk “Building Bridges between startup Ecosystems”
18:15 – Networking & Dinner
19:00 – Pitch Session 1 (5 Startups)
19:45 – Break
20:00 – Pitch Session 2 (5 Startups)
20:45 – Judges Deliberate
21:00 – Winner Announcement

Do you want to attend? RSVP here: BetaPitch Seoul 2018 Attendant. The event is FREE to attend.

BetaPitch Seoul 2018 is sponsored by Foresting, NIVEA Korea, 500V2 and Startup Radar.

We hope to see you there.

For further information, contact [email protected]

The post 5 Reasons Why You Should Be at BetaPitch Seoul on October 11 appeared first on Startup Radar.

So, if you’re a digital nomad in Seoul looking for a new office of the day, check out our 10 top picks!

Top 10 Cafes for Digital Nomads in Seoul

Hollys Coffee

Hollys Coffee is a popular Korean coffee chain with locations all around Seoul. There are more than 100 Hollys Coffee shops in Korea, and even international branches in The Philippines, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam and China, too.

Digital nomads in Seoul love Hollys Coffee because many of their shops are open for 24 hours.

Perfect for freelancers burning the candle at both ends.

할리스커피(@hollyscoffeekr)님의 공유 게시물님, 2018 5월 17 7:12오후 PDT

Tom N Toms

Much like Hollys Coffee, Tom n Toms is a popular Korean coffee chain with a huge international presence. Many of its branches are open for 24 hours, including those in Gangnam, Sinsa, Yongsan, and Itaewon.

BeansBins Coffee

If you’re passionate about great tasting coffee, just as much as you are about fast WiFi, you’ll love BeansBins Coffee. The store is famed for only using 100% Arabica coffee beans in all of their drinks.

They have locations in Sincheon, Myeongdong, Yongsan, and Sinsa.

Starbucks

We’re sure this world famous coffee chain needs no introduction!

Sometimes, you just need somewhere familiar to set up your laptop and Starbucks never fails. The WiFi is always fast, the seats are always comfy, and you’re not going to feel guilty about camping out for a while. That’s why so many digital nomads in Seoul name this as their work-friendly cafe of choice.

Plus, those who shy away from lactose will love the number of non-dairy milk options they have to choose from!

Coffee Smith

Although Coffee Smith is a franchise cafe, it’s the Hongdae branch that’s the most well known. This landmark cafe in Seoul’s most lively neighborhood is loved for its sunny patio area which is perfect for people watching.

It also has branches in Garosu-gil, Gyeongnidan-gil, Itaewon and Jong-ro.

Cafe Alver

Tucked away on a backstreet near Gangnam Station, you’ll find Cafe Alver: a haven for digital nomads in Seoul. This bright and breezy cafe has multiple floors and huge tables that are perfect for getting your work done on. Whether you’re coworking with multiple people, or on your own, this is a great spot!

kocham cię też(@chloe.today)님의 공유 게시물님, 2018 7월 14 6:10오전 PDT

Marley’s Coffee

Marley Coffee is a coffee and wine shop based on the concept of “One Love.” All the coffee that they sell is sustainably sourced and ethically farmed from the Marley Coffee Foundation, meaning you can get your caffeine kick without the guilt…. or, go for a wine if your work’s getting too stressful! You can find Marley’s Cofee in Samseong and Itaewon.

말리커피(@marleycoffeekorea)님의 공유 게시물님, 2017 6월 26 6:11오후 PDT

Paul Bassett Coffee

If you’re looking for a coffee shop with great ergonomics and great coffee, then Paul Bassett Coffee has you covered. This digital nomad friendly cafe in Seoul was founded by Australian, Paul Bassett: a former winner of the world barista championship. Plus, since all of the staff is professionally trained baristas, you can be sure of a good cup every time.

Coffee Namu

Coffee Namu is a Korean dessert cafe with a variety of different sweet drinks and desserts to choose from. If you needa sugar kick to help get you through your never-ending to-do list, this could be the perfect digital nomad cafe for you. There are several different branches across the city, but the Seoul National University branch is a firm favorite!

커피나무 공식 계정입니다(@coffeenamu_official)님의 공유 게시물님, 2018 7월 10 6:50오후 PDT

Cafe Blog

Set in the busy student area of Sinchon, this cafe is packed full of students studying for their exams, so you won’t feel out of place with your laptop! They also sell a variety of different sandwiches and snack food if you get a case of the work munchies, too.

So, there you have it. We hope this list of the best cafes for digital nomads in Seoul will help you find your new favorite office for the day.

If you have your own secret digital nomad cafe that you’re ready to spill the beans on, leave us a comment and let us know all about it!

The post Top 10 Coffee Shops for Digital Nomads in Seoul appeared first on Startup Radar.

Korean startup ecosystem has been lopsided for a very long time. Until 2012-2013, the startup scene in Korean had remained homogeneous despite the many calls by foreign entrepreneurs to rake in foreign startups. Korea is becoming a hotbed for startups.  But not just startups but also global businesses, particularly due to the support from the central government and its supporting agencies. Therefore, some of these supports are now being designed and channeled into foreign startups in Korea.

Creative Economy Drive

The government since 2015 have been trumpeting the buzzword ‘Creative Economy’.  A move by the Korean government to expand job creation, innovation and stimulate economic growth. With the advent of the 4th Industrial revolution, Korea is investing heavily in the technological infrastructure and logistics.  Furthermore, they are creating a conducive environment for startups to thrive. Every now and then, there’s been an ascension in startup events, startup accelerators, angel investors, coworking spaces, venture capitalism and incubator programs.

Most of all, there’s been an unparalleled financial injection into the startup development.  As a result, the Korean government is inviting foreign startups to come and start their entrepreneurship journeys in Korea.

Furthermore, Seoul has become a prominent destination for not only attracting foreign independent travelers but also, foreign startup entrepreneurs. Due to this, it is important to outline the programs that support foreign startups in Korea.  In addition, give directions to prospective entrepreneurs.

Programs For Foreign Startups in Korea

OASIS STARTUP VISA PROGRAM

This is unarguably your first foot to launching a startup business in Korea. OASIS (Overall Assistance for Start-up Immigration System) is a visa point-system specifically targeted at foreigners who wants to establish a technology-based startup in Korea. Participants are required to take classes in Intellectual property, Patent, Business Laws, Korean Culture, and Society. Completion of the necessary required and elective course will earn you points.  These points will qualify you to obtain the D-8-4 Startup Visa.

Every legal foreigner (tourists, students, teachers) is eligible for this type of visa.  Promulgated in 2015, this program has continued to attract many foreigners with brilliant ideas to stay in Korea. Applicants must:

• have a bachelor’s degree or above
• obtain 80 points or more in the IP education and corporate registration

It takes a quite some time to complete but it is worth it. You can find more updated information about the class schedule programs at the OASIS VISA Website.

K-STARTUP GRAND CHALLENGE

The K-Startup Grand Challenge is Korea’s first global accelerator program that invites foreign startups to Korea for a 4 month-long acceleration program that includes funding and office space. Established in 2016, the program received over 1500 applications from 118 countries in the 2017 batch alone. Selected startups are offered a congenial space at the Pangyo Techno Valley Startup campus to operate. They are paired with some of the reputable tech companies and accelerators for mentoring and business training.

80 teams are initially invited to Korea after which the top 40 will go through intensive acceleration and incubation to battle it out the K-Startup Grand Challenge Demo Day in December. The winner of the Demo day is entitled to a whopping $100,000 cash prize. It is noteworthy that, since 2016, 41 startups have successfully incorporated in Korea with over $26 million in investments recorded.

The applications for 2018 batch is already closed but you can find more information on the K-Startup Grand Challenge to help you prepare for the next intake. It is a fully sponsored government program run by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, National IT Industry Promotion Agency and other subsidiary supporting organizations.

GLOBAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAM FOR STARTUPS (GAPS)

The Small and Medium Business Administration (SMBA), a Korean Government Agency has been running this program since 2012. It aims to find and support foreign (prep) start-up entrepreneurs having excellent business items and providing them with commercialization fund, office, mentoring, start-up education, and various supporting program. Up to 13 teams are selected every year. The support also includes a Startup Visa. Visit https://www.k-startup.go.kr/main.do for more information. (Site is in Korean)

TECH INCUBATOR PROGRAM FOR STARTUPS (TIPS)

TIPS is one of the major government-backed Startup programs for both Korean-owned and Foreign startups in Korea. It ensures the growth and success of all the startups that pass through the program. They support these startups to enter the global marketplace. TIPS town, the hub located in Yeoksam, Seoul nurtures promising tech startups with office space, investor matching, mentoring, R&D and many more other support. Take your startup to TIP by checking them out here: http://www.jointips.or.kr/global/. Applications are open year-round.

SEOUL GLOBAL STARTUP CENTER (SEOUL GSC)

Seoul GSC is a startup incubation center established to support foreign entrepreneurs to start their business journeys in Korea. It was founded by the Seoul Metropolitan City Government but operated by Rehoboth, a private business and incubator services provider. The center provides support for early-stage startups in their 1-year incubator program, including Free office space, Seed Fund of about 10 Million KRW, Mentorship and skills training. Furthermore, if you are interested, visit www.seoulgsc.com for more updates.

BORN2GLOBAL STARTUP PROGRAM

Born2Global as the name suggests has its main focus on helping potential startups go global. The “K-Global Startup Hub” helps over 100 startups every year to enter new global markets. Born2Global is a Korean government agency under the Ministry of Science ICT and Future Planning (MSIP). They provide support in terms of education, PR, marketing, patent, incubation office space, demo days and more. If your startup operation is in the target areas of “Healthcare, Mobility, Energy, Agritech, Safety/Security,” then visit Born2Global for more updates.

SEOUL GLOBAL CENTER (Incubation and Big Think Demo Day)

Seoul Global Center is a full-government run support center that assists foreign residents in Seoul. The center also incubation service for early stage and most promising foreign startups by providing free office space in the business centers at Jongno and Gangnam. In addition, selected startup teams usually spend 6-months in the program and are given coaching, 1:1 mentoring, and special lectures.

Furthermore, they host the “Big Think Demo Day” for foreign startups in Korea with technology-based business ideas.

The post Top 7 Government Programs That Support Foreign Startups in Korea appeared first on Startup Radar.

Betahaus operates these collaborative spaces for startups and entrepreneurs to share ideas and knowledge through community events and partnerships.

BETAPITCH GLOBAL 2018

Currently, Betapitch competitions are being held in 12 locations (Seoul, Istanbul, Mostar, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, Jonkoping, Tirana, Belgrade, Lisbon, Sofia, Skopje and Hamburg) around the world to select the best startups for the global pitching event.

BetaPitch global competition will be held in Berlin on November 15, 2018, where finalists from the local competitions around the world will battle it out for the grand prizes. These finalists will have the opportunity to meet investors and network with top organizations in Germany and other partner networks.

The German startup scene is rife with funding opportunities, mentors, resources and innovation, and this could be any startup’s entry in to the vibrant ecosystem.

With Berlin considered as an attractive startup hub, you are sure to be pumped up for a successful startup journey that is welcoming for foreigners alike.

CALLING ALL STARTUPS IN KOREA TO BETA PITCH SEOUL

Are you a seed-stage startup, early-stage startup or completely funded startup? Then, BetaPitch Seoul is looking for you. Co-hosted with 500V2, betapitch Seoul with a team of expert judges will be reviewing applications and select the best startups that will mount the stage on October 11 at Google Campus, to present their projects.

Therefore, selected teams will have 5 minutes to pitch their ideas or products, and then a couple of minutes to answer questions from the panel. It is the stage for startups to put forth their bragging rights and prove their worth.

On the side, there will be mini-workshops and startup activities to thrill attendants.

The top winner of BetaPitch Seoul will be entitled to the following pack of juicy prizes;

• Flight Ticket for 2 persons to Berlin
• Free workspace at Betahaus Berlin (up to 1 month)
• Tickets for Investors Day in Berlin (A networking event for the major players in European startup scene where the founders meet investors and corporates face-to-face during speed-dating, matchmaking sessions, workshops or get inspired at panel discussion tackling the latest trends.)
• Opportunity to pitch at BETAPITCH Global against the rest of our global finalists and stand the chance of winning 5000 EUR, A trip to Silicon Valley or 6 months at betahaus

Does these packages look appealing enough? Hurry up and apply now before the slots get filled up. Apply here at BetaPitch Seoul – October 11 – Google Campus.

If you are an organization and are interested in sponsorship or partnership in this event, send an email to [email protected]

The post BetaPitch Startup Battle Returns To Seoul on October 11 appeared first on Startup Radar.