Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Thai startups pitch to Korean investors at Seoul-Thailand Startup Innovation Space
A Korean investor delivers a presentation during a reverse-pitching session at the Seoul-Thailand Startup Innovation Space at the Thai ambassador's residence in Seoul, Wednesday. Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat, second from right, attends the session. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
By Anna J. Park
The Thai Embassy hosted the inaugural Seoul-Thailand Startup Innovation Space (STSiS) at the ambassador's residence in Korea, Wednesday, bringing together Thai startup founders, Korean investors and accelerators to explore new opportunities for cross-border collaboration and expansion.
Jointly organized by Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA), the program featured startup pitching sessions, networking activities and a luncheon designed to connect promising Thai startups with Korea’s investment and innovation ecosystem.
A total of 10 Thai startups selected through a competitive screening process participated alongside 10 Korean investors and startup accelerators. The event is part of the entrepreneurs' week-long program in Korea that includes training sessions, networking events and attendance at NextRise, billed as Asia’s largest startup and venture capital event, in Seoul from Thursday to Friday.
The STSiS event is the first time the initiative has been held in Korea, following similar programs in Malaysia and Singapore last year as part of NIA’s efforts to help Thai startups expand internationally.
A Thai entrepreneur delivers a presentation during a startup pitching session at the Seoul-Thailand Startup Innovation Space at the Thai ambassador's residence in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat said the response to the event exceeded expectations.
“This is the first time the Thai Embassy has hosted this kind of startup innovation event. It’s going very well and receiving a lot of interest,” he told The Korea Times during the event. “We found that there is strong interest from investors and we hope to continue organizing it on a regular basis in the future.”
The ambassador noted that officials from government agencies and innovation organizations in both countries attended the event, creating valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration. He added that the initiative aligns with Thailand’s broader efforts to promote “innovation diplomacy” through stronger cooperation in science, technology and entrepreneurship.
Participants and officials listen to pitching sessions at the Seoul-Thailand Startup Innovation Space at the Thai ambassador's residence in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
For Korean investors, the platform offers an opportunity to discover emerging technologies and connect with startups seeking regional partnerships.
Jay Kim, partner at Blissvine Ventures, said international exchanges are essential in developing a globally competitive startup ecosystem.
“I have always believed that exchanges between overseas and Korean startup ecosystems are very important,” Kim said. “This platform connecting Thailand and Korea creates meaningful opportunities for collaboration, and I have high expectations for what can come from it.”
Kim added that he plans to introduce participating Thai startups to Korean companies within his network to explore possible business partnerships and market opportunities.
Thai entrepreneurs also expressed optimism about the program’s potential.
“We think it is a good opportunity for both Thai and Korean startups,” said Tanan Keawdid of White Tiger King Co., a Thai health and beverage company. “This platform creates opportunities for Thai startups to collaborate with Korean startups and create a bigger impact.”
Participants and officials pose for a commemorative photo at the Seoul-Thailand Startup Innovation Space held at the Thai ambassador's residence in Seoul, Wednesday. Thai Ambassador to Korea Tanee Sangrat, seventh from the right in the second row, stands along with event participants. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
By creating new channels between startups, investors and innovation agencies, organizers hope the Seoul event will serve as a long-term platform for Thai startups seeking global growth and deeper engagement with the Korean market.
“This is an opportunity for Thai startups to pitch directly to Korean investors,” Suttirak Duangburong, innovation developer at NIA, said, adding that the initiative is designed to strengthen connections between the two countries’ startup ecosystems while helping entrepreneurs access new markets and investors.
“In the future, we hope to create more activities and cooperation that connect businesses and open new markets.”