– Six weeks of customized consulting by sector and support for creating IR materials…to strengthen the business competitiveness of local companies
– Cash prizes totaling up to 5 million won for five outstanding companies…Applications accepted through October 5
– Equity investment of at least 100 million won in at least one company…Follow-up growth opportunities through LIPS II recommendations
Wadiz(CEO Shin Hye-seong, www.wadiz.kr) is expanding its support for the growth of local innovative companies by connecting them to investment and government funding, following market validation through crowdfunding.
WadizPartners (CEO So Kang-seop), a subsidiary specializing in investments, is organizing the “2026 East Sea Social Venture Scale-up Round” to identify and nurture promising social ventures in the East Sea region, and is accepting applications from 10 participating companies until October 5.
For companies that started in the region to achieve sustained growth, they need not only good products and ideas but also refined business strategies, opportunities to meet investors, and follow-on funding. This program focuses on connecting regional companies with everything from consulting to investment, enabling them to establish this foundation and move on to the next stage of growth.
Selected companies will receive a six-week business assessment and tailored consulting in areas such as ▲business strategy, ▲market entry, ▲investment attraction, ▲legal matters, and ▲taxation, as well as assistance in preparing investor relations (IR) materials. All selected companies will have the opportunity to pitch their IR presentations at Demo Day and will be able to network with investment firms, distributors, and experts in related fields.
At the upcoming Demo Day in November, five outstanding companies will receive prize money totaling up to 5 million won. WadizPartners plans to make an equity investment of at least 100 million won in at least one of the participating companies and recommend that company to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups’ “LIPS II” program—a growth support initiative for entrepreneurial small business owners—to help secure follow-on funding. Through these efforts, the organization aims to support the growth of promising local businesses into sustainable enterprises and brands.
Eligible applicants are social venture corporations with less than seven years of operation that have their headquarters or primary place of business in the East Sea Rim region, including Pohang, Gyeongju, Yeongdeok, Uljin, and Ulleung. Even if a company is not located in the region as of the application date, it may apply by submitting a “Letter of Commitment to Relocate” if it plans to move its headquarters, branch, or primary place of business to the region by the program’s end date.
WadizSo Kang-seop, CEO of Partners, said, “There are many local companies with innovative ideas and growth potential that the market has yet to discover,” adding, “We will work together to actively identify regional opportunities, connect them with investment and subsequent growth, and help more local companies become competitive in the market.”
Applications will be accepted until midnight on October 5; for more details, visit the Maker Center at Wadiz.
