Seoul attracts nine investment firms to startup hub on Teheran-ro, supporting startup growth

[Financial News] The Seoul Metropolitan Government is recruiting nine new private investment firms to support promising startups in attracting investment and growing. It plans to strengthen a collaborative system linking startups with professional investment firms based at a startup support facility on Teheran-ro in Gangnam District, from identifying startups to providing investment consultations and hosting investor presentations. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 26th that it is recruiting nine companies to serve as resident partners at the Seoul Startup Hub Scaleup Center in 2027, with applications open through Nov. 2.
Eligible applicants are organizations specializing in startup investment, including venture capital firms (VCs) and accelerators (ACs). The selected organizations will be based at the center, where they will identify promising startups and take part in investment consultations, investor relations (IR) presentations, and networking programs. By running their own investment programs, they can also broaden their connections with companies that have strong growth potential.
Depending on their size, resident organizations will be provided with independent office space ranging from 33 to 264 square meters. The residency period is two years starting in January 2027. Following an evaluation, it can be extended twice, one year at a time, for a maximum of four years.
Opened in April 2023, the Seoul Startup Hub Scaleup Center is an investment-focused facility located in the Korea Science and Technology Center on Teheran-ro 7-gil in Gangnam-gu. It has a gross floor area of 2,740 square meters and includes an investor presentation hall, meeting rooms, and shared workspaces. Venture capital firms and startup support facilities such as TIPS Town are clustered nearby, making it a convenient location for cooperation between investment firms and startups.
The resident organizations will be selected in mid-November following document and in-person evaluations. Applications can be submitted online through the integrated startup platform Startup Plus.
Kim Hyun-woo, Director General for Economic Affairs at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, “The Seoul Startup Hub Scaleup Center serves as an investment hub connecting startups and investment firms, building on Teheran-ro’s locational advantages.” He added, “Through this recruitment, we will strengthen cooperation with professional investment firms and support promising startups in Seoul so they can secure more investment and growth opportunities.”

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