IBK Changgong Completes Japan Entry Acceleration for 8 Startups

IBK Changgong, IBK Industrial Bank's startup incubation platform, successfully concluded the '2025 IBK Changgong Japan Accelerating Program,' proving the potential for Korean startups to enter the Japanese market. The program, held for three days from May 7th to 9th at Tokyo Big Sight International Exhibition Center in Japan, saw the participation of 8 innovative startups (9AM, 9WATT, Davida, BrainVentures, FXIP, EMCITY, TILDA, Featuring) meticulously selected from IBK Changgong's five nationwide centers (Mapo, Guro, Busan, Daejeon, Gwangju). This program was conducted in cooperation with 'SANSAN (Eight),' Japan's leading business networking platform, and actively promoted booths at 'Start up JAPAN EXPO,' Japan's largest startup exhibition with approximately 400 participating companies. In particular, the 1:1 matching meetups (FUNDeal) and IR pitching (Dream Pitch) sessions with local investors (CVC·VC) and partners provided substantial business opportunities for participating companies, leaving a strong impression. Participating startups not only held meaningful initial meetings with local buyers through the exhibition but also achieved the success of leading to follow-up discussions with prominent venture capitalists and related companies. Local reactions were also very positive. High interest was shown in each company's innovative technology and growth potential, with some companies even achieving the remarkable feat of entering the discussion phase for practical Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with local Japanese partners. An IBK Changgong official assessed this program as more than just short-term exhibition participation, calling it a "strategic bridgehead for global market entry." They emphasized, "Moving forward, based on a deep understanding of Japanese business and culture, we plan to continuously pursue customized accelerating programs to ensure the successful entry of Korean startups into Japan, including market development and investment connections." This Japan accelerating program was organized and managed by IBK Changgong Guro Center (Operator: CNTTECH).