Program Introduction

The Seoul Global Startup Center is an incubator program for startups, funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and operated by a private enterprise with 18 years of experience, Rehoboth Business Incubator. In 2016, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has observed the need to develop and support startups from global participants to bring innovation to the economy of Seoul and Korea. They also recognized the importance of a qualified private partner to help these startups succeed, so they chose Rehoboth. Rehoboth operates 36 business centers in Korea and recently expanded overseas to Shanghai, China, as well as centers opening soon in Hanoi, Vietnam and Yancheng, China. Rehoboth is a private enterprise, however, makes ZERO profit from the operation of this center.

Program Benefits

Community: Rehoboth has over 3600 clients in Korea, numerous partnerships with corporations, enterprises, universities and government organizations in Korea. Globally, it also has partnerships with incubators, accelerators, governments, and small business organizations all over the world. There will be also periodic networking parties and investor networkings.  

Advice: Each team will be assigned an individual mentor to provide advice and guidance over the course of the 5 month program. Periodic workshops and advisory from external consultants are available. There will be periodic peer mentoring to chat about their current business status with each other and give advice. The center is building an online platform that will enable participants to find information in their own language or ask the operation team to find answers on their behalf with the click of a button.

Capital: 10 million won voucher for expenses to each startup team within 60 days of entering the Seoul Global Startup Center. Additional 5 million won voucher for 12 selected teams. The center will invite investors to a demo day for participants to present their ideas and attract funding. Participants will receive the opportunity to travel free to an overseas market in Vietnam or China for two weeks.  They will meet a local Rehoboth network partner, participate in local workshops,  network with key business people, tour the local startup scene, and pitch their product to local investors.  

Program details

• Teams are not limited in size, but must not have been registered for more than 5 years.

• Team does not need to write a business plan or be incorporated to apply to the program

• Good ideas and business models in all sectors are welcome to apply

• Teams can apply even if they have participated in other programs

• No office minimum occupancy requirements

• Office space at Youngsan, tech/hardware district of Seoul

• Customized assistance depends on the stage of the team

• Visa support for those accepted into the program

• Full access to Makerspace runs by the City of Seoul. All the facilities and resources are free of charge.

Program Format

Program period: August 1 - December 31

Application deadline: July 29th

Who can apply: 1. Foreigners in Korea 2. A team with at least one foreigner 3. Global oriented  Korean startups  

Apply online:http://seoulgsc.com

Selection: In late July, 3 steps

Three applicant review steps: 1. Application screening based on business proposal ideas 2. In-person presentation 3. Interview

Incubating program includes: 24/7 space, 10 Million Won voucher for expenses and services, mentoring, consulting, legal, patent, accounting, peer mentoring group, workshops, networking, the opportunity to present to investors on a regular basis, travel overseas, other customised assistance.

2017 Program: Among startups who successfully complete of the 2016 program, may be invited to re-apply and renew the membership to participate in the 1st program in 2017.

Full Program Schedule

• June: Online Application Open

• July 29: Application deadline

• July: Selection process

• August 1: Program starts

• (TBD): Two weeks of travel to China or Vietnam

• Dec 31: End of the program

For more information, please visit the website below: