K-Startup Center Seattle

KOSME stands as a prominent institution dedicated to supporting the growth and success of SMEs in South Korea.

Seattle, WA, USA

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Description

K-Startup Center (KSC) Seattle is a global acceleration platform and official Korean government organization operated by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME). Located in downtown Seattle, it focuses on helping Korean startups enter and scale within the North American market through specialized business development and networking.

Early to Growth Stage: The center typically supports startups ranging from early-stage to those in a "leap stage" (3–10 years old).
Investment Portfolio: As of early 2026, KSC Seattle has made 18 investments. Recent activity includes a May 2025 investment in the healthcare startup SQK.
Method: Founders can engage through the K-Startup Center portal or local events hosted at the Seattle facility.
Business Development Course: The center offers a step-by-step course on selling in the U.S., featuring one-on-one coaching and sales acumen training.

Eligibility

Korean Affiliation: Primarily serves startups originally launched in South Korea that are seeking to expand their presence in Washington State.
Sectors: Core focus areas include Healthcare, AI, Fintech, Deep Tech, Robotics, and Entertainment Software.
US Market Potential: Preference is given to firms with products ready for the North American market, particularly in sectors where Seattle has a strong hub (e.g., Aviation, ICT, Life Sciences).

Process

Ministry-Level Selection: Startups often enter through ministry-specific preliminary leagues in Korea, followed by document reviews and presentation evaluations.
Residency: Successful applicants can participate in a 3.5-month acceleration program that includes co-working space and corporate partnership opportunities.

What an Applicant can Obtain

Funding Opportunities: Connection to government-backed funding packages, such as the Deep Tech-Specialized track, which offers up to KRW 300 million (~USD 230,000) for scale-up startups in 2026.
Operational Support: Access to office space in downtown Seattle and professional workshops.
Strategic Network: Mentoring from a network of over 1,000 advisors and introductions to major local firms like Amazon, Boeing, and Costco.