IBK Changgong Guro 14th Batch Demo Day: 20 Companies Pitching for Investment

IBK Industrial Bank of Korea's innovative startup acceleration platform, IBK ChangGong (創工), successfully held the 'IBK ChangGong Guro 14th GURO DEMO DAY' on the 16th at KT&G Sangsang Planet in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, announcing the successful takeoff of innovative companies that will lead the future. This event was the culmination of an intensive support program that IBK ChangGong had been running for approximately four months since July. With the stabilization and growth of startups as its top priority, it generously provided not only investment and loan linkages, but also expert education, customized mentoring and consulting, comfortable office space, market channel development, marketing support, and active networking opportunities, thereby laying a solid foundation for companies to take a step further. Under the powerful slogan, 'Soar to the blue sky (蒼空) through ChangGong (創工)!' the 14th Guro participants, equipped with the wings provided by IBK ChangGong, prepared for a vigorous leap into a broader market. Twenty innovative companies poised to lead future industries such as bio-health, materials and components, energy, manufacturing and mobility, and environment and smart agriculture/fisheries, showcased their remarkable achievements and ambitious future visions based on advanced technology and unique ideas, drawing keen interest from attendees. Approximately 100 investment professionals and industry representatives, including corporate officials, startup-related organizations, and venture capitalists (VCs), gathered at the venue, anticipating the birth of future unicorn companies. Particularly during the IR pitching session, investment experts serving as judges thoroughly analyzed each company's strengths and offered incisive advice on practical development directions, fostering meaningful exchanges to accelerate corporate growth. These active discussions are expected to lead to approximately 50 follow-up meetings between investors and companies, which is anticipated to be a crucial stepping stone for securing actual investment and business expansion. IBK ChangGong Guro went beyond merely providing investment attraction opportunities, adding meticulous consideration by deploying a professional photography team to support high-quality profile photo shoots, aiming to enhance the external public relations capabilities of startup representatives. This is expected to increase the brand value of the companies and positively impact their external image building. An official from IBK ChangGong Guro emphasized the significance of this Demo Day, stating, "IBK ChangGong continues to provide customized support optimized for each company's growth stage and goals, and we sincerely hope this event serves as a crucial turning point for participating companies to grow further and leap into a broader market." Until the day when innovative companies' dreams become reality, IBK ChangGong will fulfill its role as a reliable partner in Korea's startup ecosystem.