Korea Investment Accelerator signs MOU with Japan's Ars Capital Partners to scout startups

Korea Investment Accelerator, a subsidiary of Korea Investment, signed an MOU with Japanese venture capital firm Ars Capital Partners on Thursday to support startups from both countries in entering each other's markets.

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly identify and refer promising startups from both countries, share market intelligence and local partner networks in Korea and Japan, and explore opportunities to connect potential customers, partners, mentors and investors, conduct product demonstrations, and pursue proof-of-concept collaborations.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Ars Capital Partners is an independent venture capital firm operating under the banner of "Japan to Global," with a focus on helping Japanese startups expand into international markets. The firm supports portfolio companies in building global business models from the seed stage and runs its own locally embedded business development programs.

The two companies co-hosted the Seoul session of AG1 — Ars Capital Partners' flagship startup development program — in August. Korea Investment Accelerator said it plans to use the MOU as a springboard to strengthen its role in helping promising domestic startups establish a foothold in the Japanese market.

Korea Investment Accelerator has also been expanding its overseas network in the United States. In July, it signed an agreement with Oregon UAS Accelerator, and in August it opened the Oregon Defense Tech Basecamp in Portland, Oregon, to support Korean defense and drone startups seeking to enter the US market.

"Through this partnership, we will provide comprehensive support to help our portfolio companies overcome the various barriers they face when expanding abroad and achieve tangible business results," said Baek Yeo-hyeon, chief executive of Korea Investment Accelerator.

Korea Investment Accelerator is the dedicated accelerator of Korea Investment Financial Group, established with the goal of creating social value through finance. The firm has been expanding its investment in early-stage startups each year while building a continuous support system through ties with group affiliates, including Korea Investment Partners and Korea Investment Securities.