🤝 Wadiz × Start2Group: Connecting European innovators with Asia
Last September, Wadizsigned a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Start2 Group, a German startup accelerator.
This agreement was not merely a partnership; it marked a pivotal moment that served as a springboard for European startups within the Start2Group network—including those in Germany—to expand into the Korean and Asian markets.
Through this partnership, Wadizhas established a foundation for actively supporting the new initiatives of global companies.
The signing ceremony for the MOU WadizStart2Group on September 16
Start2Group is a global accelerator headquartered in Munich, Germany, that has been supporting startups in expanding into international markets across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
At the MOU signing ceremony that day, Start2Group announced plans to establish a new subsidiary in Poland as well.
It appears that Wadizwill offer not only German products but also innovative startups and branded products from other European countries, such as Poland.
🚀 From Declaration to Action: The Story of Our Future Collaboration
The signing ceremony for the MOU between Start2Group and Wadiz, held at the Wadiz headquarters on September 16
This agreement goes beyond a mere declaration and includes concrete action plans for both parties.
Wadizoffers a Fast Track Reviewto startups recommended by Start2Group andoperates a marketing support program worth up to $5,000. The two companies have also agreed to actively provide the necessary personnel for their collaborative projects.
Start2Group will introduce innovative startups from Germany and around the world Wadizand provide insights into the local startup ecosystem and trends.
Furthermore, we recommend innovative German and global startups from our network Wadiz, helping them expand their opportunities to enter the Korean and Asian markets.
In other words, this agreement goes beyond mere exchange; it is designed to leverage the strengths of both parties and implement practical measures to accelerate the growth of startups in the global market.
👀 European manufacturers' keen interest in the Korean market
Park Ji-hyun, Program Manager at Start2Group (left), and Alina Marta, Director of Korea Operations (right), conveying feedback from local German companies
According to Start2Group, in particular Germanfashion and tech-based startups in Japan are showing a strong desire.
In fact, in early September, German fashion companies visited Seoul to conduct market research.
“We want to see the reaction of Korean consumers firsthand”This desire among companies demonstrates that Wadizis growing into an increasingly important platform on the global stage.
Of course, local companies also have their own concerns. The main ones were worries about the impact on their brand image if the funding campaign failed, and a lack of understanding of the Korean market.
Wadizstated that Wadizfully understands that companies may be unfamiliar with the Korean platform ecosystem and may find it difficult to utilize Korean services, and that Wadizwill use Wadizvarious infrastructure resources—including advertising and marketing—to lower the barriers to entering the Korean market and actively support their success.
🏆 WadizStart2Group ‘START2AWARDS’
START2AWARDS WITH WADIZ Poster
Later this year, WadizStart2Group will be hosting the "START2AWARDS."
This is a program where European startups launch funding campaigns Wadiz, and their performance is evaluated and recognized with awards.
This will allow us to you can secure real customer feedback and initial marketing references.
In particular, one cosmetics startup, drawing on its track record of success in Singapore and the Southeast Asian market, has expressed its intention to launch a crowdfunding campaign in Korea.
Wadizplans to assist companies in identifying the certification and licensing procedures required to conduct crowdfunding in Korea.
💬 Our First Collaboration: A Webinar for German Fashion Companies
September 17: Webinar on Entering the Korean B2C Market, Co-hosted by Start2Group and the Fashion Council Germany
The very next day after signing the MOU (September 17), Wadizhosted a webinar for Start2Group, the Fashion Council Germany, and German fashion companies.
It was an opportunity to provide Wadizdetailed guide for companies considering entering the Korean market.
We began the webinar with an introduction to Wadiz Global.
September 17: Webinar on Entering the Korean B2C Market, Co-hosted by Start2Group and the Fashion Council Germany
He then emphasized thatWadizis a consumer platform where Korea’s early adopters gather” and shared success stories of brands that have grown into established names through crowdfunding Wadiz.
In particular, during the Q&A session, questions went beyond simply asking about the funding process questions about the format of content—such as images and videos—to include on the funding details page, as well as the storytelling styles preferred by consumers —questions essential for actual operations.
The discussion that day an occasion that made it clear German companies are seriously considering entering the Korean market through Wadiz.
🌍 Find Your Fans, Everywhere
(From left to right) Pro Hwang Cheol-woo, CEO Shin Hye-seong, and Pro Jang Han-eul are talking with Start2Group.
Through this agreement, Wadizwill serve as a bridgehead not only for German companies entering the Korean market but also for expanding into the broader Asian market by connecting Korea, China, and Japan.
Wadiz CEO Shin Hye-sung stated, “It is rare for European startups to use Korea as a testing ground,” adding, “Given that the Asian market is currently emerging as a rapidly growing consumer market, I believe this collaboration has an even greater chance of yielding positive results.”
Moving forward, Wadizplans to go beyond simply helping overseas companies expand into new markets and evolve into a global platform that connects innovative makers and consumers around the world, guided by its vision of “Find Your Fans, Everywhere.”
Please stay tuned as Wadizgrows into a reliable partner, helping global startups and brands take on the challenge of entering the new Korean market!
