Asan Nanum Foundation Recruiting Startups for Second Half Residency at Entrepreneurship Platform MARU

Support for Overseas Expansion through NVIDIA Partnership

The Asan Nanum Foundation announced on the 4th that it is accepting applications from startups wishing to move into the entrepreneurship platform 'MARU' until September 1.

Operated by the Asan Nanum Foundation, 'MARU' is an incubator that supports the growth of startups by providing a wide range of resources, including workspace infrastructure, networking, and educational opportunities. Located on Startup Street in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, MARU is home to about 30 startups, as well as domestic and international venture capital firms, accelerators, and startup support organizations. Members of the startup ecosystem interact and foster a pay-it-forward culture.

Startups selected in this recruitment round will be able to reside in MARU180 and MARU360, the startup hubs, for up to one year and six months. They will receive not only office space but also a variety of benefits supporting growth and community building.

First, resident startups will have access to dedicated office space for each team, as well as shared facilities such as meeting rooms, lounges, showers, and nap rooms. Through 'MARU Benefit', which offers annual corporate partnership benefits worth approximately 1.4 billion KRW, startups can access essential services for development, recruitment, marketing, and employee welfare either for free or at discounted rates.

Notably, starting this year, the Asan Nanum Foundation has become a member of the NVIDIA Inception VC Alliance, enabling it to actively support the overseas expansion of Korean startups through global partnerships. In addition, resident companies and alumni of MARU are eligible for 'Membership Startup' status, which grants access to MARU SF, the foundation’s base in Silicon Valley.

Furthermore, MARU residents can participate in 'MARU Connect', which provides one-on-one mentoring with 93 industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs. They can also join the 'MARU IR Matching' program, which connects startups with domestic and international venture capitalists and facilitates investment opportunities. Additionally, they can participate in the 'Asan Leadership Coaching' program, designed to enhance entrepreneurs' resilience.

Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must be domestic startups established within the last five years, with between three and twelve employees. Companies engaged in speculative or entertainment businesses are excluded. Startups certified as venture companies will be given preference. After document screening and interviews, the list of selected residents will be announced at the end of September, and move-in will begin on November 3.

A representative from the Asan Nanum Foundation stated, "We look forward to receiving applications from startups eager to write a narrative of unlimited possibilities together with MARU."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.