Impulse Partners at Viva Technology 2024

South Korea's startup ecosystem is diverse and advanced. Ranked 12th in the Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking and 4th in Asia, Seoul has an exciting innovation scene filled with promising startups ready for global growth. The success of these startups is supported by the government and public institutions, which offer financial, strategic, and legal help.

This year, the Industrial Bank of Korea, along with KOTRA (the state-funded trade and investment promotion organization), set up the Korea Pavilion. Here, 20 startups presented their innovative solutions to French companies, investors, and clients. For some, it was their first time in France, while others had already built networks in Europe. The goal was clear: to win over the European market.

During the four-day event, Impulse Partners arranged individual meetings between these startups and French stakeholders. Major companies like CIC, Orange, and Microsoft visited the Korea Pavilion to explore the startups. Additionally, Impulse Partners organized many B2B meetings, ensuring each startup had the chance to engage with potential business partners, clients, and investors in a productive setting. These meetings were crucial in helping startups understand market demands and refine their products. Furthermore, the K-Startup Night in Paris, also organized by Impulse Partners, was a key event attended by 230 participants. This evening combined innovation, collaboration, and global business opportunities, allowing attendees to discover new technologies, learn about startup support policies, and network with key players in the startup ecosystem.

The event featured Demo Day, where seventeen promising Korean startups showcased their cutting-edge solutions to a panel of judges. Institutional presentations highlighted the roles of key Korean institutions in supporting the startup ecosystem. A lively panel discussion on "Expansion Strategies for Korean Startups in Europe and Success Stories" engaged industry leaders and experts. After the discussions, an exclusive networking evening allowed participants to connect with industry influencers, entrepreneurs, and investors.

We wish these startups continued success and look forward to ongoing collaboration with South Korea. The achievements seen at Viva Technology 2024 show the importance of fostering international partnerships and creating platforms where innovation can thrive. As we look back on this year’s event, it’s clear that the synergy between South Korean startups and European markets holds great potential. By continuing to build these relationships, we can expect even greater advancements and success stories in the future. Impulse Partners remains committed to supporting these ventures and creating connections that drive growth and innovation on a global scale. We eagerly anticipate future collaborations and the exciting developments they will bring to the international startup ecosystem.