The U.S.-based startup accelerator Founder Institute (FI), led by Chairman Adeo Ressi, is launching its official program in Korea for the first time to help Korean startups succeed globally. This program will be operated in collaboration with StartupX (CEO: Shin Yoo-jung), a global impact accelerator, providing customized education and networking opportunities tailored to help Korean startups thrive in international markets.
Founded in 2009 in Silicon Valley, FI has become a renowned global accelerator. It’s known for bringing together the co-founders of Udemy, one of the world’s leading online education platforms. FI now operates in over 200 cities across 100 countries and has helped accelerate more than 7,500 tech startups. Beyond startup acceleration, FI has also trained over 10,000 venture capitalists and fund managers, solidifying its reputation as a premier global entrepreneurship education institution.
Program Overview: Tailored Support for U.S. Market Expansion
In South Korea, FI will operate the ‘SXFI 2025 SpringCampX’ in cooperation with global impact accelerator StartupX. The program will be held simultaneously in Seoul and Silicon Valley for 14 weeks from April 15 to July 8, 2025, and will fully support Korean startups’ entry into the US market.
This program will involve mentors from VCs in the US, founders with successful exit experience, entrepreneurs who have raised large-scale funding, and leading experts in each industry.
In particular, it will provide opportunities to meet with major venture capitals in Silicon Valley through a network of over 35,000 global mentors and investors, and support the development of English-language IR and pitch decks. It will also support participation in Silicon Valley pitching competitions and linkages with Stanford and Berkeley University entrepreneurship centers.
The target of participation is innovative technology-based startups and prospective founders, and up to 20 teams will be selected based on their technological prowess, growth potential, and global market suitability that can attract more than 5 billion won in investment in the US.
Key Program Benefits:
- Expert Mentorship: Access to top U.S. venture capitalists, successful entrepreneurs with exit experience, founders who have raised significant funding, and key opinion leaders (KOLs) across various industries.
- Robust Global Network: FI’s vast network aims to help startups secure both investment and revenue in the global market.
- U.S. University Partnership: A specialized U.S. university-linked program will be offered, aiming to help startups raise at least 5 billion KRW ($3.75 million) in funding.
Serephina Ha, FI Director, emphasized, “For Korean startups to stay competitive globally, securing investments and scaling revenue in the U.S. is crucial. This program is focused on delivering real results for Korean startups aiming to break into the American market.”
Program Details: Up to 20 Startups Selected
- Application Process: Startups will go through a document review and a selection audition.
- Program Duration: April – August (14 weeks)
- Selection Quota: Up to 20 startups will be chosen.
- Format: The program will be conducted simultaneously in Korea and the U.S., driven entirely by private sector efforts without government support.
Shin Yoo-jung, CEO of StartupX, noted, “In an era driven by AI advancements, global expansion is a survival necessity for startups. FI’s proven program, refined over 15 years in 100 countries, will play a crucial role in boosting the global competitiveness of Korean startups.”
Information Session & Application
- Date & Time: February 27 at 6:30 PM KST
- Location: Korea Conference Center near Gangnam Station (Hybrid: On-site & Online)
Application Links:
- Event-us Application Page
- Lu.ma Application Page
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