KOSFO and Angel Investor Association Partner for Tech Startup Development and Global Expansion

KOSPO-Korea Angel Investment Association Form 'Innovation Alliance' for Startup Ecosystem Leap New vitality is anticipated for the Republic of Korea's startup ecosystem. The Korea Startup Forum (hereinafter KOSPO), which represents the voice of Korean startups, and the Korea Angel Investment Association, which leads the revitalization of early-stage investment, have joined hands to significantly strengthen cooperation in supporting technology-based startups and facilitating their global expansion. This agreement embodies a strong commitment to leading private-sector-driven innovative startup policies and building a robust bridge between startups and investors. On the 17th, the business agreement ceremony held at TIPS Town GSC in Yeoksam-dong was further enriched by the attendance of key officials from both sides, including KOSPO Chairman Han Sang-woo and Korea Angel Investment Association President Cho Min-sik. Through this collaboration, the two organizations plan to focus on two major core objectives. The first is cooperation in supporting technology-based startups, and the second is cooperation for the global expansion (inbound and outbound) of domestic and international startups. Specific implementation plans include operating close mentoring and networking programs between startups and angel investors, planning joint programs for accelerators and prospective entrepreneurs, and collaboratively responding to government startup policies. Furthermore, they plan to contribute to the expansion of the global ecosystem by not only supporting the overseas expansion and investment attraction of domestic startups but also by facilitating the influx of promising international startups into Korea. In particular, cooperation in operating the global startup festival 'COMEUP' is expected to further enrich the platform for exchange between domestic and international startups. Through this comprehensive cooperation, both organizations presented a vision to maximize the synergy of startup support and investment promotion, and furthermore, to secure sustainable growth drivers for the entire startup ecosystem. Cho Min-sik, President of the Korea Angel Investment Association, stated, "The combination of the Association's extensive investment network and KOSPO's strong private solidarity will facilitate smoother support for technology-based startups and their global expansion." He added, "I hope that both organizations will work together to paint a bigger picture, significantly contributing to the growth of startups and the virtuous cycle of the ecosystem." KOSPO Chairman Han Sang-woo also conveyed his ambition, saying, "This business agreement is akin to a declaration to deepen the connection within the startup ecosystem and jointly design the necessary foundation for startups to acquire global competitiveness." He added, "We will play a leading role in ensuring close cooperation among the government, investors, and startups, so that the Republic of Korea can become 'a great country for starting a business.'" This collaboration between KOSPO and the Korea Angel Investment Association is expected to accelerate the private-sector-led growth of the startup ecosystem and serve as a crucial turning point in developing the Republic of Korea into a hub for global innovative entrepreneurship.