Smilegate Orange Planet Recruiting Startups for First-Half Growth Program

Selection Focused on “Global Capabilities”

On January 5, Smilegate Orange Planet Foundation announced that it is now accepting regular applications for its first-half growth program for startups.

The program is open to startups consisting of at least two members, regardless of field or stage. Prospective entrepreneurs are also eligible to apply. Applications will be accepted until the 20th of this month, and the final results will be announced in March.

For this round of recruitment, Orange Planet plans to focus on “global capabilities” and select teams with high potential for success on the international stage. Selected startups will be provided with office space at the Orange Planet Gangnam Center and receive a customized growth program for up to one year. Support includes the assignment of a dedicated manager, business advancement strategy development, and mentoring by field. There will also be opportunities for collaboration and networking with alumni entrepreneurs from Orange Planet.

Smilegate Investment will participate as a partner and consider early-stage investments in the selected startups. It will offer initial investments of up to 500 million won, mentoring to attract follow-up investments, and opportunities linked to programs such as the TIPS (Tech Incubator Program for Startup) led by private investors.

Seo Sangbong, Head of Orange Planet Center, stated, “We plan to select innovative, high-potential early-stage startups and provide comprehensive support for global expansion through systematic and professional programs,” adding, “We look forward to receiving interest and applications from young entrepreneurs who want to grow together with Orange Planet.”

Meanwhile, over the past ten years, Orange Planet has supported more than 400 startups, with the cumulative value of its alumni companies exceeding 3.8 trillion won.