KAIA to Host "Startup Investor Summit"

Transition Toward a Private-Led Investment Ecosystem

The Korea Accelerator and Initial Investment Association (KAIA) announced on January 13 that it will host the "2026 Startup Investor Summit" in Busan over two days from January 29 to 30.

This summit aims to present a direction for a private-led investment ecosystem based on connection, solidarity, and learning, moving beyond the traditional capital-centered venture investment approach. Marking over ten years since the introduction of the accelerator (AC) system, the event is designed as a forum to assess the changes and limitations brought about by Korea’s early-stage investors and to discuss the evolution of the next decade. KAIA explained that the event was organized out of a recognition that knowledge, experience, networks, and trust are emerging as core assets determining the sustainability of the startup ecosystem, going beyond simple capital provision.

The event will focus on five key agendas: ▲paradigm shifts in the traditional venture investment industry ▲new collaboration models between limited partners (LPs) and general partners (GPs) managing startup investments ▲LIPS Investor Scaling Up ▲Accelerator Business Model 2.0 ▲and how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming startup investment and growth acceleration technologies.

Specifically, the event will be organized as a multi-faceted program combining conferences, panel discussions, roundtables, and networking receptions. Through keynotes and insight presentations, participants will share trends and strategic implications for both domestic and global investment environments. Panel discussions and fireside talks will provide opportunities for participants to discuss real-world challenges and solutions in the investment field. In addition, networking spaces and private IR opportunities will be provided to facilitate natural interactions among investors, startups, policy institutions, and regional innovation leaders.

Through this summit, KAIA plans to redefine accelerators as the "architects and connectors" of Korea's startup ecosystem and to create a forum for public discourse aimed at moving beyond a government-dependent structure toward a self-sustaining, private-led investment ecosystem.