KoreaTechDesk successfully hosted a vibrant Virtual Demo Day on April 24, opening new global pathways for Korean startups by connecting them with the European innovation ecosystem. With exclusive mentorship from Matej Rus, Director of the PODIM Conference, Co-founder of Venture Factory, and the driving force behind Start:up Slovenia, the Demo Day evolved from a simple pitching event into a strategic launchpad toward Europe.
Spotlight on Dynamic Startups and Expert Mentorship
Three promising Korean startups—Mednaath, SkalePlus, and ÉKLEER—pitched their innovative solutions, spanning multilingual voice AI, cross-border startup platforms, and portable tech for modern remote workers.
The mentorship was led by Matej Rus, Director of the PODIM Conference, the most influential startup conference in the Alps-Adriatic and Western Balkans region. Bringing over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship development, innovation strategy, and ecosystem building across Europe, Matej has supported hundreds of startups and helped transform Slovenia’s startup landscape into a vibrant, internationally connected hub.As a university professor and one of the pioneers behind Slovenia’s first tech incubators, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Joining the mentorship panel was Urška Vracun, a business development consultant specializing in Korean startups and Secretary General of the Slovenia-Korea Business Association. Urška brings a wealth of experience in helping startups expand globally.
Together, Matej and Urška provided rare and practical insights on how Asian startups can break into European markets, pitch effectively to international investors, and avoid common pitfalls during global scaling.
Startup Pitches and Key Mentorship Takeaways
Each participating startup had the opportunity to pitch and receive immediate, detailed feedback:
- Mednaath, led by CEO Nitish Kumar, showcased a multilingual voice AI solution aimed at breaking communication barriers for global businesses.
- SkalePlus, with CEO Tyler Sahib, introduced a platform simplifying cross-border expansion for startups and facilitating global network connections.
- ÉKLEER, led by CEO Matthew Chung, presented their innovative approach to portable monitors, catering to modern remote workers seeking flexibility and premium design.
Both mentors emphasized the critical importance of customer validation, targeted market entry strategies, and early network building in Europe.
Urška highlighted that Korean startups—with their strong technical foundations—could further enhance their marketability in Europe by focusing on storytelling and crafting narratives that resonate with European audiences.
James Jung, CEO of beSUCCESS Media Group and a major supporter of Korean startups’ global expansion efforts, also participated, underlining the growing ecosystem of support available for Korean founders looking to scale internationally.
A Strategic Link to Europe’s Hidden Gem: PODIM Conference
The KoreaTechDesk Virtual Demo Day on April 24 carried special significance due to its strong connection with the PODIM Conference, the leading startup and tech event for the Alps-Adriatic and Western Balkans regions.
Founded by Venture Factory and co-organized this year with Silicon Gardens—a founder-led venture capital firm—PODIM is recognized for its “quality over quantity” approach, carefully selecting some of the most promising startups from thousands of applicants.
Speaking during the event, Matej Rus shared, “PODIM is more than a conference—it’s a strategic gateway for startups aiming to enter Europe. With Korea’s innovation strength and Europe’s rising investment appetite for Asian technologies, the timing couldn’t be better for deeper collaboration.”
The mentorship and feedback session during the Demo Day embodied the PODIM spirit: high-quality, actionable insights, and relationship-building opportunities that go far beyond transactional pitching.
Looking ahead, PODIM Conference 2025, taking place from May 12–14, 2025, in Maribor, Slovenia, promises to position the region’s top startups on the global VC map. This year’s edition, bolstered by a partnership with Silicon Gardens, will focus on scaling science-driven ventures, connecting researchers with founders, and fostering high-trust, high-impact networks.
As Matej Rus aptly put it: “Now is the time to connect entrepreneurial talent across continents. Korea and Europe have much to offer each other—KoreaTechDesk Demo Day is a fantastic step toward that future.”
The startups that participated in the Virtual Demo Day now have a clear roadmap ahead: refine their pitches, cultivate European partnerships, and gear up to apply for PODIM 2026—or perhaps even seize opportunities at PODIM 2025 itself.
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