For 8 weeks every Friday, I had time to think about business and understand it as I did when I first founded the company. The educational program was very useful! – Almater Park Byeong-gyu
It was a really helpful time. Being able to network with other people in the program was a big highlight. Also the exciting and interesting education program, mentors and those running it were great. – MartMoa Unsong Kim
VentureSquare’s accleration program “SparkSquare” which ran every Friday for 2 months is making a return.
During the first SparkSquare program,
VentureSquare was selected to lead a new acceleration program in collaboration with The Small and Medium Business Administration. Here is an outline of the new and upcoming acceleration program. (See this article for more information.)
Program Outline
While beginning a startup there are many different questions that one asks themselves and others. SparkSquare wants to help show you how to answer these questions about starting your business and making it grow.
The purpose of SparkSquare remains the same. Selecting startups with potential that have identified problems and can offer solutions – and helping steer them in the right direction.
Requirements and Registration
* Requirements
– Entrepreneurs or Teams with a business less than 3 years old
– Must not have been accepted into another acceleration program
* Registration
– Registrations can be made here. (Korean)
– Please view the slideshow and take note of the guidelines. (Korean)
– Ten teams will be chosen for the program.
– The first selection of teams will be based on received documents. Those that make it to the interview round will be contacted individually.
– Any teams that applied for Superstar M that are interested can contact VentureSquare directly at editor@venturesquare.net
Benefits for Selected Teams
– Seed Funding
Individual investor association and national ICT industry specialist group PAG@Partners will previde pre-seed funding which will also be matched by the government. Pre-seed funding amounts and conditions will be negotiated for each startup.
(Minimum of 20 million won, maximum of 40 million won)
– 10 Week Startup Education Program and Team Mentoring
An education program will run for 10 weeks, covering everything that startups need to know including management, strategy, PR, investment and more. The program is not simply a one-way format but is also a chance to interact and network naturally with other startups throughout the period. Additionally, mentors will be paired up with teams and provide help outside of the program for a full four months.
– Media Support
VentureSquare will publish interviews with teams on VentureSquare and also provide English coverage.
– Office Support
All selected teams are provided with a VentureSquare SparkSquare membership and will be able to reserve and work from any of the Rehoboth centers. (Gyodae, Yeoksam, Chunmuro, Prime Yeouido, Prime City Hall). During the program it is possible for Rehoboth to provide teams with office space to those who are in need of a location for free of charge or at a discount rate. Support for permanent office space will take place through interviews after the program is finished.
– Server Hosting
Sponsor Gabia will award selected startups with bandwidth and traffic free of charge.
– Extra Opportunities Once the program is over, funding opportunities will be provided to the winning team. SparkSquare’s final Demo Day takes place in front of investors.