As Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem continues to mature, cross-border collaboration is becoming increasingly crucial for founders, investors, and innovation agencies seeking to scale beyond their domestic markets. Startups today are expanding internationally far earlier than previous generations, driven by growing investor appetite, regional digital adoption, and the need to build partnerships across multiple innovation hubs.

At the same time, governments and public accelerators are playing a larger role in helping startups navigate international expansion. Beyond funding, many ecosystem organisations are now focused on creating stronger pathways for market entry, strategic partnerships, and venture connections that allow startups to compete globally while remaining rooted in their local innovation ecosystems.

This growing emphasis on regional collaboration has created stronger ties between Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, particularly in sectors such as AI, deep tech, advanced manufacturing, content, and digital transformation. For organisations supporting startup growth, Singapore increasingly serves as a gateway into ASEAN markets, connecting founders with investors, enterprises, and ecosystem builders across the region.

SBA (Seoul Business Agency), the official public accelerator of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, sits at the centre of this movement by supporting startups and SMEs across industries ranging from AI and deep tech to gaming, beauty, fashion, and consumer products. Through funding initiatives, R&D support, and ecosystem-building efforts, SBA works to accelerate the global growth of Seoul’s startup ecosystem while strengthening Seoul’s position as a global innovation hub. At the heart of SBA’s supportive infrastructure is the ‘Seoul Startup Hub’. As Korea’s premier and largest startup hub, it brings together spaces, programs, and networks under one roof, empowering companies at every stage from initial launch to global scale-up.

Supporting startup expansion

SBA plays a key role in Seoul’s broader startup development strategy by supporting both early-stage founders and scaling companies through funding, acceleration, and ecosystem programmes. Seoul Metropolitan City and SBA co-manage the Seoul Vision 2030 Fund, which is targeting approximately US$3.7 billion in committed capital by 2026 across sectors including digital transformation, bio, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.

Alongside investment initiatives, SBA also provides approximately US$31.5 million in annual R&D grants that support high-growth startups and emerging technologies. This combination of capital access, public sector support, and ecosystem connectivity allows Seoul startups to build stronger foundations before expanding internationally.

These efforts are reflected in Seoul’s growing global standing. As of 2025, Seoul ranks 8th globally and 2nd in Asia in startup ecosystem rankings, with a total ecosystem value of approximately US$112 billion. According to a February 2026 report by Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups, 20 of Korea’s 27 unicorn companies are based in Seoul, underscoring the city’s position as the country’s most concentrated hub of high-growth ventures.

The agency’s mission focuses on accelerating the global growth of Seoul startups by fuelling technological innovation, supporting high-potential ventures, and building stronger connections between founders and international markets. As regional startup ecosystems become increasingly interconnected, organisations such as SBA are helping bridge opportunities between Korean startups and Southeast Asian investors, enterprises, and technology partners.

Also read: From idea to impact: Startups redefining what’s possible in Southeast Asia

Cross-border collaboration

At Echelon Singapore 2026, SBA is bringing five promising Seoul startups to engage directly with Southeast Asia’s venture ecosystem. Its participation reflects a broader strategy centred around cross-border investment, commercial partnerships, and international market expansion.

The agency’s primary focus is to link startups with high-impact matchmaking opportunities involving venture capital firms, multinational corporations, and regional enterprises. Beyond investment, SBA is also looking to support proof-of-concept collaborations, open innovation initiatives, and commercial partnerships that can help startups establish a stronger foothold in ASEAN markets.

This approach aligns with broader regional trends, as startups increasingly seek partnerships that go beyond funding alone. For many growth-stage companies, entering Southeast Asia successfully requires local operational support, enterprise relationships, distribution partnerships, and market validation. Ecosystem organisations that can help facilitate these connections are becoming increasingly valuable as cross-border expansion accelerates.

Also read: Startups driving AI automation, fintech, and accessibility gather at Echelon Singapore 2026

Meeting Seoul Startups at Echelon Singapore 2026

SBA joins Echelon Singapore 2026 alongside founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders gathering at Suntec Singapore CEC on 3–4 June 2026. The event provides a platform for startups, accelerators, public agencies, and technology companies to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore new regional growth opportunities.

As Southeast Asia and South Korea continue building stronger innovation ties, organisations such as SBA are helping create pathways for startups to scale internationally while contributing to a more connected regional startup ecosystem. By visiting the SBA Seoul pavilion, attendees can connect directly with the innovative Seoul-based startups that SBA supports. Echelon Singapore 2026 offers an opportunity for founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to explore how these cross-border collaborations could shape the next phase of growth across Asia’s technology landscape.

The region is evolving quickly, and Echelon 2026 offers the right place at the right moment to be part of what comes next. Register here to join the conversation.

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