PROGRAM
We provide programs essential for the growth of early-stage
startups.
Barundonghaeng Batch
Korea Investment Accelerator's Barundonghaeng Program stands with
startups as a sherpa — guiding them with the tools and insights
they need to survive and thrive in a challenging market.
Barun Donghaeng (Right Journey)
to walk together on a straight and upright path, without
deviation or distortion.
What is a Dream Challenger?
It refers to people who dream of making the world a better
place — the startups participating in Korea Investment
Accelerator's Barundonghaeng Program.
What is "Barundonghaeng"?
It is Korea Investment Accelerator's startup acceleration
program, designed to provide startups with the right support
at the right time — and to always stand by their side
throughout the journey.
Through socially responsible and transparent management, we walk
alongside our startups to support sustainable growth, providing
dedicated mentoring in business advancement, technology, patents,
and investor relations.
We also support follow-on investment opportunities through our holding company network.
We also support follow-on investment opportunities through our holding company network.
SINCE
2022
2,305
startups
Total Startup Applicants
35.4:1
Acceptance Rate
₩14.7
billion
Cumulative Investment Executed by the Program (DC)
Barundonghaeng
What Barundonghaeng Offers
Barundonghaeng
Program
KPI TRACKING
We help startups set clear KPIs and work toward achieving them through weekly one-on-one sessions with a dedicated mentor.
MEET-UP
We host various meetups on topics such as finance, patents, fundraising strategy, and sessions with experienced founders to provide education and networking opportunities. Through one-on-one business assessments, we match each Challenger with a specialized Sherpa (external mentor) tailored to their specific needs.
External Investor Meetings
We connect early-stage startups with external investor networks, focusing on creating opportunities for follow-on investments.
Town Hall Meetings
Startups from each cohort share their progress, support one another, and explore ways to grow together.
Korea Investment Group Meetings
We leverage the Korea Investment Holdings group network to connect our startups with external investors and maximize synergy opportunities.
Additional Support
Programs
TIPS
TIPS recommendation for outstanding Barundonghaeng startups
NIPA
Global expansion support through the K-Global Accelerator
Program
Collaboration with SBS Foundation
Open Innovation Program for media and content startups,
including prize funding and investment support
Barundonghaeng
Process
Dream Challenger’s
Voice
Voice
“A Solid Investment Network Rooted in Our Parent Company”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
Riduck — CEO Sang-hyuk Park
Meeting top-tier investors who are usually out of reach for seed or early-stage startups greatly helped us design our company’s long-term vision and value.
“An Optimal Environment for Startup Synergy”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
Yune — CEO Him-chan Noh
With clear and fast communication and a deep understanding across multiple domains, Dream Challenger provided an ideal environment for synergy among startups. We benefited from precise KPI setting, broad and high-quality networking support, and most importantly, gained invaluable insights through professional mentoring for follow-up investment.
“Beyond a Dedicated Sherpa — Like a True Third Team Member”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
VUS — CEO Yoon-ik Hwang
In addition to diverse programs, each startup was offered tailored investor connections and corporate meetings, going beyond expectations. Participants from DC1 and DC2 naturally became one community—sometimes close colleagues, sometimes mentors and mentees—creating a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.
“Close Communication with Dedicated Sherpas — Practical, Not Formal”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
BestR — CEO Shin Jung-min
The program helped us clarify our investment strategy and refine our business plan. Through meaningful networking and a hands-on approach, we gained a sense of belonging and were guided to think proactively about sustainable growth rather than isolation.
“Scaling Through Value-Up — Expanding into 7 Overseas Markets”
Dream Challenger Batch 1
Kangsters — CEO Kang Kim
Thanks to Korea Investment Accelerator’s brand credibility and robust investment network, we secured follow-up investment and expanded into seven global markets. We hope to continue our journey toward IPO together with KIAC.
“A Solid Investment Network Rooted in Our Parent Company”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
Riduck — CEO Sang-hyuk Park
Meeting top-tier investors who are usually out of reach for seed or early-stage startups greatly helped us design our company’s long-term vision and value.
“An Optimal Environment for Startup Synergy”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
Yune — CEO Him-chan Noh
With clear and fast communication and a deep understanding across multiple domains, Dream Challenger provided an ideal environment for synergy among startups. We benefited from precise KPI setting, broad and high-quality networking support, and most importantly, gained invaluable insights through professional mentoring for follow-up investment.
“Beyond a Dedicated Sherpa — Like a True Third Team Member”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
VUS — CEO Yoon-ik Hwang
In addition to diverse programs, each startup was offered tailored investor connections and corporate meetings, going beyond expectations. Participants from DC1 and DC2 naturally became one community—sometimes close colleagues, sometimes mentors and mentees—creating a culture of collaboration and mutual growth.
“Close Communication with Dedicated Sherpas — Practical, Not Formal”
Dream Challenger Batch 2
BestR — CEO Shin Jung-min
The program helped us clarify our investment strategy and refine our business plan. Through meaningful networking and a hands-on approach, we gained a sense of belonging and were guided to think proactively about sustainable growth rather than isolation.
“Scaling Through Value-Up — Expanding into 7 Overseas Markets”
Dream Challenger Batch 1
Kangsters — CEO Kang Kim
Thanks to Korea Investment Accelerator’s brand credibility and robust investment network, we secured follow-up investment and expanded into seven global markets. We hope to continue our journey toward IPO together with KIAC.
SSR
Barundonghaeng Space
Platform 365
Center Area
694 ㎡
Workspaces
Independent Offices: 9, Open Desks: 24, Meeting Rooms: 8
Amenities:
Shared Office Equipment Zone, Pantry (refrigerator, coffee
machine, water purifier, etc.), Outdoor Terrace
Center Layout & Facilities
3rd Floor
9 Independent Offices
24 Open Workstations
3 Small Meeting Rooms (3-person each)
Outdoor Terrace & Lounge
2 Focus Rooms
9 Independent Offices
24 Open Workstations
3 Small Meeting Rooms (3-person each)
Outdoor Terrace & Lounge
2 Focus Rooms
4th Floor
Korea Investment Accelerator Office
1 Event Hall (50+ capacity, flexible layout)
1 Large Meeting Room (20+ capacity)
4 Medium Meeting Rooms (8–10 people)
4 Focus Rooms
Korea Investment Accelerator Office
1 Event Hall (50+ capacity, flexible layout)
1 Large Meeting Room (20+ capacity)
4 Medium Meeting Rooms (8–10 people)
4 Focus Rooms
Address
(06182) 4F, 557 Yeoksam-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (Jenistar
Tower, Daechi-dong)
Inquiries
+82-02-6356-1400
