The Korea Early Investment Accelerator Association (KAIA) , a non-profit organization, announced that it will hold the '2026 Startup Investor Summit' in Busan for two days from January 29th to 30th.
This summit was organized to explore a new direction for the domestic startup ecosystem amidst the ongoing high interest rate environment, shrinking investment, and global economic uncertainty. Under the subtitle "Beyond Capital, Shaking Paradigms," the event focuses on exploring the potential of a private-sector-led investment ecosystem built on connections, solidarity, and learning, moving beyond the traditional capital-centric venture investment approach.
This event, held to mark the 10th anniversary of the accelerator system, was designed to examine the achievements and limitations of early-stage investors in Korea and discuss future development directions for the next 10 years. KAIA explained that the event was prepared with the recognition that knowledge, experience, networks, and trust, beyond mere funding, are key factors in determining the sustainability of the startup ecosystem.
The summit will focus on five key topics: paradigm shifts in the traditional venture capital industry, collaborative models between investment institutions and investment management companies, scale-up of Lips Investor, advancement of accelerator business models, and AI-based investment and growth support technologies. Through these initiatives, the summit will explore diverse approaches to building a sustainable investment structure in a changing industry environment.
The event will feature a comprehensive program including a conference, panel discussions, roundtable discussions, and a networking reception. Keynote speeches and presentations will share insights into the domestic and international investment landscape and strategic implications, while panel discussions and fireside talks will explore real-world investment cases and challenges. Networking and private investor relations opportunities will also be provided to foster exchanges between investors, startups, policymakers, and local innovation players.
KAIA plans to use this summit as an opportunity to re-evaluate the role of accelerators as connectors and architects of the startup ecosystem and to foster discussions on transitioning beyond a government-led structure to a self-sustaining, private-sector-led investment ecosystem. The summit is also significant in that it will spark a full-fledged discussion on startups and investment, connecting the local and global sectors, centered around Busan.
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