SK Group, South Korea’s second largest conglomerate, has announced the third annual SK Startup Fellowship programme for early-stage startups.

It seeks to discover promising start-ups and provide them with non-equity grants and mentorship opportunities through its network of experts.

It also seeks to build long-term relationships with start-ups and offer support for its circle of alumni.

The 2022 SK Startup Fellowship is open to Vietnamese start-ups in all fields.

Those in the early and post-seed stages, and with products and revenues, can apply.

Hi-tech startups having a patented service or product can apply even if still in the loss-making stage.

SKSF 2022 will select the 12 most promising start-ups that have raised less than US$3 million in funding at the time of application for the final competition.

All the finalists will all receive the grants, with the top four receiving $50,000 each and the remaining, $16,000 each.

They will receive support from SKSF and its partners throughout the six months of the programme, including training in financial management and investor pitching, one-on-one mentoring, and networking activities with SK Group’s network.

The 12 finalists will also receive exclusive offers from the Business Startup Support Centre to participate in the 2022Vietnam Startup Day, one of the largest start-up events in Southeast Asia.

At the event, they can pitch to over 500 investors and venture capital firms, showcase their technologies, products and services and approach 15,000 potential customers and business partners. — VNS