GIA Seoul Acceleration Programme
For Singapore-based tech startups looking to expand into South Korea through Seoul.
Connects Singapore companies with in-market partners and opportunities to test and commercialise their solutions.
Applications are open all year round and participants will be accepted into the programme on a rolling basis.
About this programme
Organised by Rainmaking Expand, the GIA Seoul Acceleration Programme provides tailored market entry support via three phases:
Phase 1: Go-To-Market Strategy Alignment: De-Risk Your Market EntrySpanning 1-2 months, this phase focuses on working with your company to develop a clear, common understanding of your market entry strategy considering the specifics of the South Korean market. The process for this is tailored for every company as we recognise that no two market entry strategies are the same.
At the end of this phase, you will be able to identify assumptions on the business model, (re)define the customer segments and the value proposition best suited to them and master a compelling presentation for South Korea.
Phase 2: Go-To-Market Strategy Execution: Develop Commercial OpportunitiesSpanning 2-6 months, this phase focuses on the execution of the Go-To-Market strategy. During this phase, we focus on connecting with key players within the South Korea and developing relationships with potential partners. You can expect us to collaborate and navigate introductions which can lead to commercial outcomes such as partnerships, client projects, investment, joint research and more.
Phase 3: Post-Programme Support: Commercial Engagement DevelopmentAfter completing Phase 1 and 2, your company will move into Phase 3 for 18 months, which focuses on post-programme support. Phase 3 consists of regular check-ins and ad-hoc business introductions when we identify new potential leads in relation to your business needs. In order to maximise your success in South Korea, this post-programme support is tailored to your needs and requirements.
About Rainmaking
Rainmaking is a venture development firm focused on building next generation ventures and accelerating venture growth. Under the Rainmaking Expand programmes, they create commercial opportunities that help growth-stage startups to scale rapidly and bulletproof their expansion to new markets. They focus on achieving commercial outcomes, market access and comprehensive post-programme support for growth-stage companies they partner with.
Key features
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Open applicationsApplications are conducted on a rolling basis so that companies can join the programme at a timing that best suits their business needs and priorities. -
Accelerated market expansionParticipants will deepen their knowledge of Seoul's business landscape and culture, sharpen their business models and go-to-market strategies, and refine product-market fit. -
Coaching opportunitiesParticipants will have individual meetings with Rainmaking for in-depth coaching and customer identification. -
Curated business meetingsCompanies will each get matched with relevant South Korean corporates, investors, public instituitions and other relevant counterparts, tailored to their in-market needs.
Eligibility
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Singapore-based tech startups -
Incorporated with at least 30% local equity held directly or indirectly by Singaporean(s) and/or Singapore PR(s), determined by the ultimate individual ownership
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An existing product in the market that has achieved initial traction OR demonstrated sufficient initial validation and traction through partnership, investment or proven research
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Sufficient resources, e.g. stable funding and team
How to apply
Complete a short application form here, and the Rainmaking Expand team will reach out to you.
For further information, you can visit the Rainmaking Expand website or contact expand@rainmaking.io.
GIA Seoul Acceleration Programme
