The 'Startup Studio Activation Policy Discussion' for activating the domestic early-stage investment ecosystem was held successfully in the 8th conference room of the National Assembly Members' Hall on the 7th. This discussion was hosted by Representative Han Jun-ho and Representative Kim Dong-ah of the Democratic Party of Korea and organized by the Early-stage Investment Accelerator Association (KAIA) .
This discussion aimed to develop the accelerator industry, which plays an important role in the early investment stage, and to activate the startup studio (company building) model. In particular, it was a place to discuss the direction of institutional improvement in the situation where startup studio operation is restricted due to the restrictions on the actions of startup planners under the current Venture Investment Promotion Act.
The discussion was attended by about 40 people including KAIA Chairman Jeon Hwa-seong (CEO of CNT Tech), KAIA Honorary Chairman Lee Yong-kwan (CEO of Bluepoint Partners), Wilt Venture Builder CEO Won Dae-ro, and Antler Korea CEO Kang Ji-ho, as well as key figures from the venture capital industry.
The event began with a presentation on 'Startup Studio Global Trends' by the CEO of Wilt Venture Builders. CEO Won explained the concept and differences of startup studios, saying, "Startup studios are operated in the form of joint ventures and have an operation platform." He also pointed out, "Singapore has adopted a negative regulation system, so startup studios can be operated, but Korea has many legal restrictions, making it difficult to activate." He emphasized that sufficient human and material resources and systematic internal systems are essential for startup studios to succeed.
CEO Won said, “In the current changing venture investment market, an environment is being created in which the startup studio model can emerge at the right time, and this can be a new opportunity for VCs with reduced initial investments and ACs seeking new business models,” and presented overseas cases and trends of startup studios.
Afterwards, CEO Lee Yong-kwan of Bluepoint Partners gave a presentation on the topic of “Operation and Current Status of K-Startup Studios.” CEO Lee explained the problems of the domestic startup ecosystem and solutions centered on Bluepoint’s startup studio case. “There are over 30,000 master’s and doctoral level workers in Daejeon, but the startup rate is very low. We introduced the startup studio model to support researchers’ startups,” he said, emphasizing that startup studios can become a key support model for technology-based startups. Bluepoint established and operated “Starting Point” and “Our Spot” using the startup studio model, but he pointed out the need for regulatory improvement by introducing a case where AC’s subsidiary had to close down and merge with the corporation due to current laws restricting the actions of startup planners.
The panel discussion continued with discussions on the legal status of startup studios, the role of accelerators, and the direction of ecosystem development. KAIA Chairman Jeon Hwa-seong said, “Currently, startup planners are subject to various regulations regarding investment activities, and there is a possibility that the startup studio model may be considered illegal. Even if there are good talents and businesses, it is difficult to activate due to regulations.” He also emphasized the need for institutional improvement, saying, “If models like Bluepoint’s Our Spot had continued to operate in the form of company buildings, the possibility of success would have been much higher.”
Kang Ji-ho, CEO of Antler Korea, explained, “Startup studios help early-stage entrepreneurs reduce the trial and error phase due to lack of experience and adapt to the market more quickly.” He then gave an example of Antler’s incubation. “Antler secures a certain amount of equity in the early stages of a startup and provides intensive support for man-hours,” he said. “The most important factors are the founder’s internal motivation and problem-solving ability.”
The panelists discussed, “In our country, it is important to consider how entrepreneurs will accept the startup studio model and establish a structure that allows for smooth follow-up investments,” and “Currently, various attempts are being made overseas, such as the emergence of investment firms that only invest in the portfolio of startup studios.”
This discussion emphasized that in order for the domestic startup studio model to become more active, it is necessary to ease regulations on existing startup planners and provide follow-up investment support. In addition, discussions continued on ways to build a sustainable business model for accelerators. Jeon Hwa-seong, Chairman of KAIA, emphasized that “in order for the domestic startup ecosystem to continue to grow, the startup studio model must be permitted, and legal and institutional improvements are absolutely necessary for this.”
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