KingoSpring and Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok Recruit First Cohort for Early-Stage Startup Batch Program

Supporting the Discovery of Technological Capability and Growth Potential
for Seoul-Based Startups within Seven Years of Establishment

KingoSpring, a specialized institution for investment and nurturing of early-stage startups, announced that it is partnering with the Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok of the Seoul Business Agency to discover and foster early startups. The two organizations are recruiting participant companies for the "2026 Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok Early-Stage Startup Batch Program (Kingo Seoul Springboard Program, 1st cohort)" until June 15, 2026.

This program is open to companies that have been established for less than seven years and have their headquarters, branches, or research facilities located in Seoul. The main objective is to discover early-stage startups with technological capabilities and growth potential and provide tailored support essential for business growth, including investment linkage, mentoring, acceleration, and networking.

The number of companies to be selected is limited to a total of 10, and the application period runs from May 27, 2026, to 11:59 p.m. on June 15, 2026. The document screening will take place on June 17, followed by a presentation evaluation on June 23, and the final selected companies will be announced on June 24.

Companies selected in the final round will receive a variety of support measures tailored to their respective growth stages and business characteristics. Each selected company will receive a direct investment of at least 30 million won, along with opportunities for follow-on investment linkage with venture capital, enhanced business networking, recommendations for TIPS and LIPS programs, and recommendations for residency at the Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok. In addition, customized competency consulting and support for participation in the final demo day will also be provided to outstanding companies.

KingoSpring plans to go beyond mere program operation and focus on enhancing the investment potential of participating companies and establishing a foundation for follow-on investment and growth linkage. The program will provide mentoring from an investment perspective and network connections to help early-stage startups further develop their business models and refine their market entry strategies.

This program is structured to generate synergy by combining the powerful network infrastructure of the Seoul Startup Hub Gongdeok—a hub of the Seoul startup ecosystem—with KingoSpring's professional investment capabilities. In particular, opportunities to connect with government-sponsored technology startup support platforms such as TIPS and LIPS are expected to serve as a strong bridge for technology-based startups to enter a stable scaling up stage.

Companies wishing to participate can apply through the online application link or the QR code included in the program poster. Required documents include the application form, company presentation materials, and the 2025 balance sheet. Venture business certification must be submitted only by companies that possess it.

With the venture investment market having recently contracted, collaboration between public institutions and specialized accelerators can provide practical funding channels for early-stage startups. The fact that the program goes beyond simple funding to encompass follow-on investment linkage and mentoring is analyzed as a positive factor that enhances the sustainability of promising startups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.