Jongwoo Kim
Seoul’s startup ecosystem has been growing rapidly in recent years under strong government support. Active venture investment and R&D and technology development are accelerating the growth of early-stage startups. In particular, investment in AI and Deep Tech startups is expanding significantly. Building a startup in Seoul offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to scale faster than in almost any other city in the world. For investors, Seoul is a dynamic hub where they can discover and engage with high-potential, fast-growing startups.
Mr. Jongwoo Kim has worked for over 20 years at the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), leading initiatives to support the growth and global competitiveness of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
Throughout his SBA career, he has carried out various support initiatives for SMEs and startups, including R&D and technology development, export support, market expansion, recruitment support, and outstanding company certification programs.
Currently, he serves as the Head of the Startup Division at SBA, where he manages Seoul’s key startup innovation hubs. Under his leadership, SBA drives startup incubation, global expansion, open innovation with large corporations, and investment attraction and facilitation. He plays a central role in advancing Seoul’s position as a globally-connected startup ecosystem.
Since 2024, he has collaborated closely with Startup Genome on the Hypergrowth Project to support Seoul startups’ expansion into North America. He has also participated in research initiatives, including the eAI Alliance membership project aimed at strengthening AI-driven entrepreneurship ecosystems.