Brinc Enters South Korea with Acquisition of Next Stage Venture Studio

The Hong Kong based global accelerator Brinc has expanded into South Korea through the acquisition of Seoul-based Next Stage Venture Studio. This is Brinc’s first entry into the South Korean market and the first time a global accelerator has acquired a domestic one in the country.

The move strengthens Brinc’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region and supports its mission to back startups tackling global challenges. Brinc Korea will leverage Next Stage’s local experience in early-stage investment and founder support to offer startups funding, mentorship, and access to global markets through cross-border accelerator programs.

Established in early 2024 by Techstars alumni Jonathan Moore and Jinho Bae, alongside two co-founders with extensive backgrounds in startup development, Next Stage Venture Studio offers deep local expertise and a founder-centric approach. Their strong track record in backing early-stage ventures and providing practical support made the team a natural partner for Brinc’s entry into the South Korean market.

Brinc Korea will offer startups early-stage capital, global market-entry programs, and innovation services tailored for both startups and corporations. The initiative also provides structured access to Brinc’s global mentor and investor networks, helping Korean startups scale internationally—an area where many have struggled despite the country’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

Startups joining Brinc Korea will benefit from Brinc’s presence across major innovation hubs, including the Middle East, North America, and the wider Asia-Pacific region. Its portfolio companies have raised over US$300 million from top investors, including Y Combinator, 500 Startups, Gobi Partners, and Breakthrough Energy, and have partnered with corporations such as Huawei, Schneider Electric, and PepsiCo.

The launch comes as South Korea gains global recognition for its innovation potential. According to Startup Genome’s 2024 report, Seoul ranks among the top 20 global startup ecosystems, valued at over US$160 billion. Yet, access to international capital and partnerships remains a key barrier—one Brinc Korea is specifically designed to overcome.

Manav Gupta, CEO of Brinc, described South Korea as a strategic market rich with technical talent. Co-founders of Next Stage, Bae and Moore, emphasized their shared vision with Brinc, focusing on empowering founders and connecting them to global resources. Together, they aim to elevate South Korean startups onto the global stage through active, cross-border support.

Looking ahead, Brinc Korea plans to serve as a launchpad for Korean startups aiming to expand globally. Through its cross-border programs, the accelerator will connect local founders with Brinc’s international offices and partners, offering access to new markets, funding opportunities, and strategic resources.