Earlier this month, Ogweno Stephen, co-founder of Lifesten Health, had the unique opportunity to delve into South Korea’s renowned startup ecosystem as part of the African Tech Startup Forum (ATSF) program. This extraordinary trip offered a firsthand experience of Korea’s innovation-driven landscape and provided invaluable insights into scaling startups and fostering global collaborations.

The journey took us to some of Korea’s most iconic startup hubs, including the Korea Global Startup Center, Seoul Startup Hub, Samsung Innovation Center, Gachon Cocone School, Future Play, and D.Camp. Each location highlighted Korea’s forward-thinking approach to entrepreneurship, technology, and talent development.

At these centers, we explored a diverse range of topics critical to scaling startups in Korea and beyond. These included:

• Market Entry: Learning the step-by-step process of establishing a business presence in Korea.
• Investment Opportunities: Understanding how to access funding from Korean investors and venture capitalists.
• Talent Acquisition: Exploring Korea’s talent pool and strategies for integrating top talent into growing ventures.
• Innovative Frameworks: Gaining insights into Korea’s innovation strategies and consumer market preferences.
• Investor Engagement: Presenting Lifesten Health to Korean investors and receiving actionable feedback to refine our business model and approach.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this journey was meeting startup founders, institutions, and investors who are driving change in Korea. The ecosystem fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, creating opportunities for African startups like Lifesten Health to scale globally.

For Lifesten Health, this experience was a pivotal moment. By leveraging the lessons and connections from this trip, we are exploring opportunities to expand into Korea’s dynamic market while improving our healthcare solutions. The visit reaffirmed our belief in the power of collaboration across borders and the importance of integrating global best practices into local solutions.

Reflecting on the trip, Ogweno Stephen shared:
“The Korean startup ecosystem is a treasure trove of innovation and collaboration. From accessing funding to tapping into talent and innovative frameworks, this journey has equipped us with the tools and insights to take Lifesten Health to the next level. It’s a testament to how global exposure can transform local startups and unlock their potential.”

This experience not only highlights Lifesten Health’s commitment to innovation but also strengthens Ogweno Stephen’s role as a global health leader and tech innovator.