SPARKLABS PROGRAM

We invest up to $100,000 in all of our portfolio companies in exchange for up to 6% equity. In addition to this investment we provide the free office space and an incredible package of perks valued at over $210,000.

First, we look for companies with a high potential for successful global expansion. Second, we look for innovative companies that have disruptive ideas that can effectively change the world as we know it today. Also, as a general policy, we do not accept any one person companies.

Not necessarily. We accept companies that have already received funding and created substantial revenue. Rather, we focus more on how innovative your company is — whether you have demonstrated the potential to grow above and beyond the existing market's product offerings.

Anywhere between 8 to 12 companies

On average, there will be 3-5 mentors per company. We will assign mentors based on your needs and preference. Mentors can also select the startup applicants at their own discretion.

Our Demo Day is unique in that it is not only attended by Korean VCs, but also VCs from all around the globe. Additionally, many influential figures from various industries and the press (e.g. Chan Ho Park, JYP, etc.) will be invited. Our Demo Day is an excellent opportunity for our companies to gain exposure and promote their products.

Our Demo Day is an excellent opportunity for our companies to resolve the three main concerns of any fledgling businesses: IR through gaining public exposure, PR through promoting their products, and HR through establishing quality network with huge interests in our showcased business ideas.

Yes. If your company is chosen to be in our next batch, you will get access to the contact information of our previous portfolio companies. We strongly believe in the benefits of internal communication amongst our portfolio companies, so we highly encourage our alumni network to collaborate with current batch startups.

Absolutely not. We are looking for companies that have the desire and the potential to expand globally--China, Japan, Europe, Oceania, you name it.

No, English proficiency is not a prerequisite condition for our application. However, we do recommend that at least one of your team members is proficient in English (or the language of the target country of business) by the time you launch in the U.S. or the target country.

Yes. We accept applications from around the globe.

No, your age does not matter to us. What matters to us is your passion, commitment and execution.

Unfortunately, if your business idea is similar to that of an existing portfolio company, it will be difficult for us to include your company in our batch.

Not necessarily. The corporations, individual business, and aspiring entrepreneurs can all apply to our program. However, the investment process will begin as soon as you enroll at our program, so you should immediately start incorporation once you become part of our batch.

Unfortunately, we only accept companies that we will invest in; it is impossible to only participate in Demo day or networking events without receiving an investment from Sparklabs. If you want to get business advice or general information about the industry, we highly recommend you to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, SparkLabsTV.

SparkLabs selects companies to refer to the TIPS program from our accelerator program or our other portfolio companies which have been vetted through our internal evaluation. However, we do not conduct separate investment screening solely for referral to the TIPS program.

Since TIPS is an R&D project, the key evaluation factor we look for is the technology possessed by the startup. Using the solutions we currently have, SparkLabs aims to solve the problems in the market; thus, we prefer teams willing to discover new problems from their existing customers and resolve these issues through TIPS project development. Therefore, we advise teams without solid business solutions or notable achievements to develop their business plan, and then apply through TIPS application.