Tokyo Forum on Strengthening Korea-Japan Startup Cooperation

## Korean and Japanese Startups Open a Forum for Cooperation Towards a 'New Market' in Tokyo! Innovative Korean and Japanese startups, knocking on the door of the global market, held a meaningful meeting in Tokyo. Law Firm DLG and Korea Startup Forum (KOSPO) jointly hosted the 'Korea-Japan Startup Forum' on the 25th at Shibuya Startup Support, a global startup support organization, laying a bridgehead for creating synergy between the startup ecosystems of both countries and facilitating their entry into overseas markets. Under the theme of 'New Networks, New Markets,' approximately 40 participants, including startup support organizations, venture capitalists, financial institutions, and startup officials from Korea and Japan, gathered at the forum and engaged in vibrant networking. Participants shared the current status of the startup ecosystems in both countries, jointly explored strategies for successful entry into the global market, and discussed practical cooperation measures. Sponsorship from Shibuya Startup Support and Asan Nanum Foundation added depth to the event. The key message revealed through the forum was the potential for future growth by leveraging the complementary strengths of both ecosystems. Han Sang-woo, Chairman of the Korea Startup Forum, emphasized that as Korea and Japan possess different strengths, they can strengthen cooperation in key new industry sectors such as AI, robotics, healthcare, and blockchain, thereby achieving co-growth. Um Yoon-mi, Chairwoman of the Asan Nanum Foundation, also expressed her commitment to actively support the expansion of the startup ecosystem and the establishment of global networks, enabling young entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and a challenging spirit to perform on a larger stage beyond borders. Kim Hong-young, head of DLG Law Firm's Global Business Support Center, raised expectations, hoping that this forum would serve as a practical platform for Korean startups to enter the Japanese market. Experts presented a positive outlook, stating that if Korea and Japan combine their respective strengths and cooperate, they will be able to further enhance their competitiveness in the global market. In particular, close partnerships in future core industry sectors are expected to become a new driving force for the development of the startup industries in both countries. It is noteworthy that this meeting, which began in Tokyo, marks an important first step in opening a bright future for Korean and Japanese startups.