Taiwan-Korea Innovation Exchange: Korea Market Expansion Forum and NextRise Firsthand Observations

🎤 Panel Discussion｜Korea Market Development Journey & Business Matching Outcomes 🇹🇼🇰🇷 From NextRise to the Korean Market: Investors, Leading Korean Companies, and Taipei Startups Share Firsthand Market Insights! This June, 10 Taipei-based tech companies traveled to Seoul to participate in NextRise 2026, one of Asia’s leading startup exhibitions, connecting face-to-face with Korean companies, investors, and industry partners. From market validation and business matchmaking to potential partnerships, they took concrete steps toward exploring opportunities in the Korean market. But participating in an exhibition is only the beginning—How can companies successfully enter the Korean market? What opportunities are investors looking for? How can business matchmaking turn into real partnerships? And how do Korean companies scale from their home market to the global stage? On September 3, we’re bringing these firsthand market insights and resources back to Taipei! 🚀 Taiwan–Korea Innovation Exchange｜NextRise 2026 Korea Market Insights & Outcomes This event goes beyond sharing the experiences of Taipei startups. We’re also bringing together Korean accelerators, investment ecosystem partners, and a globally recognized content company to offer different perspectives on navigating and growing in the Korean market. 🇰🇷 Featured Guest｜Korea’s Innovation Ecosystem × Investment Insights 🔹 Pacemakers AcceleratorA Korean accelerator connected with the SBA (Seoul Business Agency) ecosystem, Pacemakers focuses on investment and startup acceleration in AI-driven applications, spanning consumer services, entertainment, content technology, and more. It has also recently established a Silicon Valley fund, further connecting Korean startups with U.S. market opportunities, investors, and industry resources. 🦈 From Korea to the World: Building a Global IP 🔹 The Pinkfong CompanyOne of Korea’s most recognized global content companies, The Pinkfong Company created the worldwide phenomenon “Baby Shark” and successfully listed on KOSDAQ. Its content now reaches 244 countries and regions worldwide, and as of March 2026, its global YouTube channels have surpassed 210 billion views and 300 million subscribers. From a Korean IP to a global content brand, Pinkfong’s journey of crossing language and market boundaries offers valuable perspectives for startups and brands looking to scale from Asia to the world. 🎤 Panel Discussion｜Korea Market Development Journey & Business Matching Outcomes We will also be joined by 4 Taipei-based tech companies that participated in NextRise 2026, sharing firsthand experiences and outcomes from their market development and business matchmaking journey in Korea: 🔹 Giftpack｜An AI-powered corporate gifting and engagement platform with a global supply chain spanning 42 countries. Giftpack was also selected as a Top 10 finalist in Korea’s K-Startup Grand Challenge, bringing firsthand experience in exploring and expanding into the Korean market. 🔹 PlusBlocks｜An AI-native enterprise SaaS company leveraging autonomous AI agents to integrate data analytics, knowledge intelligence, and omnichannel engagement. 🔹 VGV Media Asia｜A leading influencer marketing company in Asia-Pacific, connecting brands with more than 600,000 creators and KOLs through content co-creation and localized marketing strategies. 🔹 IHH｜A technology company specializing in video transmission, encryption, and interactive applications, integrating AI tools, SDKs, APIs, and enterprise software solutions to accelerate technology adoption across products and business use cases. From making the first move into the Korean market to sitting down with local companies and exploring real partnerships, this panel goes beyond trends to discuss: ✨ Firsthand insights from developing business in Korea✨ How NextRise business matchmaking works—and what opportunities it creates✨ How Taiwanese tech companies can identify the right Korean partners✨ Opportunities in Korea across AI, MarTech, enterprise solutions, and digital content✨ How to turn initial matchmaking into long-term partnerships If you’re planning to enter the Korean market, connect with local partners and investors, or learn how Korean companies build global growth strategies, this event brings together firsthand perspectives from both Korea and Taiwan! AGENDA 18:30–19:00 Registration19:00–19:05 Opening Remarks, Introduction of International Guests & Group Photo 🎤 Allen John Ku｜COO, Startup Island TAIWAN19:05–19:10 Korea Program Recap 🎤 Leo Wu｜Co-Project Director19:10–19:15 Taiwan–Korea Collaboration: Consumer Markets & Startup Trends in East Asia 🎤 Andy Zain｜Managing Partner, Kejora Capital19:15–19:20 Opportunities in Korea’s Consumer Tech Market🎤 Matthew Cho｜Co-CEO, Pacemakers19:20–19:25 Korea–Taiwan Collaboration in AI & Consumer IP 🎤 Hailey Song｜CEO, Millennial Works19:25–19:50 Korea Market Development Journey & Business Matching Outcomes (Panel Discussion) Moderator｜Allen John Ku Panelists｜Giftpack, PlusBlocks, VGV Media Asia, IHH19:50–20:30 Networking & Closing 📅 Date｜September 3, 2026 (Thu.) 18:30–20:30📍 Venue｜One&Co (3F, No. 15, Sec. 1, Nanjing E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei) 🎟️ Tech companies, startups, and industry partners interested in the Korean market, AI, content technology, cross-border collaboration, investment, and international business expansion are all welcome to join us! ※ The organizers reserve the right to make final modifications, changes, interpretations, or cancellation of this event.