Linking Korea-Japan Innovation Ecosystems for Future Synergy

The 'Business Trip in Tokyo,' led by the Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO), successfully concluded from the 7th to the 9th. This trip is a core part of COMEUP 2025's global network expansion strategy and is the second overseas expansion support program, following the Shanghai trip. Beginning at LiSH, JR's premium co-working space, this journey provided tailored opportunities such as exploring the local startup ecosystem, IR pitching, and networking for nine promising Korean startups aiming to enter the Japanese market. Key leaders of the Korean startup ecosystem, including KOSPO Chairman Han Sang-woo, accompanied the trip, lending significant support. On the first day, participating startups attended the 'Tokyo Unicorn Summit 2025' held at Azabudai Hills, where they grasped the latest trends in the pan-Asian startup ecosystem and sought opportunities for collaboration. The second day was dedicated to an in-depth exploration of Tokyo's startup infrastructure. Participants visited KOTRA Tokyo IT Center, Channel Corporation's Japan branch, and local accelerator 01Booster, deepening their understanding of the Japanese market. Notably, the 'Korea-Japan Innovators' Night,' co-hosted with Shinhan Financial Group and Kiraboshi Bank, was the highlight of the trip. At this event held at LiSH, five startups (White Cube, BookIPs, BHSN, Hydroken, Tomato Studio) delivered compelling IR pitches to Japanese VCs, while the remaining four companies (Opensurvey, Adriel, Safedoc, Ytour & Golf) operated innovation technology booths, drawing enthusiastic attention from local investors. The Japanese investors, who constituted the majority of the approximately 80 attendees, expressed deep impressions of Korean startups' innovative technologies and business models, showing particular interest in them. KOSPO Chairman Han Sang-woo presented a vision of "jointly building a global innovation ecosystem by combining the complementary strengths of the Korean and Japanese startup ecosystems," emphasizing that this trip served as a venue for tangible business connections and collaborations. The final day concluded fruitfully with visits to 'SusHi Tech,' Tokyo's largest startup exhibition, along with customized business matching and in-depth networking with representatives of successful companies that have entered Japan and local accelerators. This 'Business Trip in Tokyo' holds significant meaning as it went beyond simple market exploration, achieving dense and practical exchanges with the Japanese innovation ecosystem. In particular, the 'Innovators' Night,' co-hosted with the financial sector, was highly praised for providing a strategic platform where Korean startups could discuss specific collaboration plans with local Japanese public institutions, mid-sized companies, CVCs, and VCs. Buoyed by the success of this Tokyo trip, KOSPO plans to continuously expand its 'Business Trip' series, focusing on major global innovation hubs in the future.