International Avenue
Apora Ventures, an early-stage investment firm headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has partnered with the Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED) to provide a 4-month program for Korean startups wanting to expand to Berlin, Germany. The program, called the Four Stage Acceleration Program, starts off with a one-month pre-incubation period in Korea, followed by a three-month overseas immersion and incubation program in Berlin, Germany. Berlin is a key hot spot for technology and innovation in Europe.
“In our fast changing world, we want to work with entrepreneurs that understand globalization, the internet and are ready to seize the opportunities that these bring,” explained Alina Gratschner, an Apora Ventures’ Managing Partner. “Apora Ventures has a long standing history of bridging startups to global opportunities and our many success cases prove the value of the Apora Ventures startup programs and global networks.” Apora Ventures supports innovative, early-stage tech startups from its base in the Netherlands. It boasts a global network of mentors and support services across the world, with Google, Amazon, and many other industry key leaders as official partners. Alina herself has become an icon of global entrepreneurship, having spoken at influential events and built up a powerful global network across geographies, with a focus on technology entrepreneurship. She and Apora Ventures are now offering these valuable resources for the benefit of Korean startups and to-be startups seeking their next big move beyond the Korean market.
The full cost of the program is being born by KISED. All travel and accommodations will be covered for two people from five different Korean startups – the founder and one staff member. All fees for all educational sessions, workshops, mentorships, and access to industry professionals, including investors, will be waived.
The deadline to apply for the program is May 15, just one week away. To do so, apply on their web site.