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SparkLabs Accelerator
SparkLabs Accelerator, co-founded by Bernard Moon in Seoul, has funded over 400 startups across Asia and Europe, including Socar and Toss.
SparkLabs Accelerator
SparkLabs Accelerator was launched in 2011 by Bernard Moon, Jimmy Kim, and a group of experienced entrepreneurs and technologists in Seoul. The firm grew organically from a single seed-stage program into a multi-location accelerator that supports startups across Asia, Europe, and Australia. The firm back startups from seed stage onward, providing initial capital of roughly $100K per company in exchange for equity, with follow-on funding through an affiliated venture fund. Asset-class focus includes enterprise software, AI/ML, fintech, digital health, proptech, climate tech, cybersecurity, and mobility. The firm operates a fixed-term cohort model with mentorship, demo days, and corporate partnerships from companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai (per public record). Notable alumni include Socar (mobility), Viva Republica—operator of the 'Toss' fintech super-app—and SendBird, the chat-API company acquired by Evernote (per public record). SparkLabs claims presence in Seoul, Beijing, Singapore, Taipei, Stockholm, and Sydney. The team has exceeded 400 portfolio companies and claims key exits primarily in Korea and Southeast Asia. In 2024, the firm launched its 13th cohort (per public record). The firm's managing partners are split across these offices, with Moon and Kim based in Seoul. SparkLabs Accelerator relies on its physical hub-and-spoke model and deep corporate ties in Korea as a structural differentiator. Unlike many US-model accelerators that remain Silicon Valley–centric, this firm leverages chaebol relationships and cross-border connections to help portfolio companies access manufacturing supply chains and local distribution in Asia (per public record).
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2011
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
Asia
Country
South Korea
City
Seoul
Corporate office
Seoul, South Korea
Additional offices
Sydney, Australia · Beijing, China · Singapore · Taipei, Taiwan · Stockholm, Sweden
Principals
Bernard Moon
Co-founder and General Partner
Jimmy Kim
Co-founder and General Partner
Mitchell Kim
General Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs SparkLabs Accelerator?
Co-founder and General Partner Bernard Moon, along with Jimmy Kim and Mitchell Kim, lead the accelerator program. The firm’s operations are split across Seoul and other Asian hubs (per public record).
What investment stages does SparkLabs target?
SparkLabs targets seed-stage companies, providing an initial $100K in exchange for a 6-8% stake. Follow-on investments may come from its affiliated venture fund or through direct checks up to $1M (per public record).
Does SparkLabs operate as a traditional fund or an accelerator structure?
SparkLabs is structured as a classic accelerator, running fixed-duration cohorts of 3–4 months culminating in a demo day. Unlike many US accelerators, it operates no significant follow-on fund; capital recycling depends on portfolio exits and external co-investors (per public record).
How does SparkLabs source proprietary deal flow?
The firm sources deals through an open application process, corporate partner referrals from Samsung and Hyundai, and a network of local universities across Asian markets. The branded availability of cohorts provides natural inbound flow (per public record).
Which sectors does SparkLabs explicitly avoid?
SparkLabs focuses on B2B software and technology—it does not invest in biotech, pharma, or hardware-heavy ventures beyond connected devices. No formal negative list exists, but the investment pair tends to avoid capital-intensive asset-heavy businesses (per public record).
What is SparkLabs's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?
SparkLabs typically leads the seed round for portfolio companies but welcomes co-investors from corporate venture arms, local angel networks, and Korean investment firms such as Naver and Kakao. No known opposition to syndication (per public record).
Where does the underlying wealth in SparkLabs's structure come from?
The firm does not disclose its funding sources. Limited partners are believed to include Korean institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, but no specific names have been made public (per public record).
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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