New Paradigm Investment supports startups at each growth stage, opens 'Startup Challenge' applications
A startup accelerator that provides stage-by-stage growth support — from seed investment through the Ministry of SMEs and Startups' TIPS program to follow-on funding — is drawing attention for its structured approach to backing early-stage technology companies.
New Paradigm Investment has built this growth ladder into a systematic framework to help tech companies commercialize their products and expand globally. As a result, five of its portfolio companies, including Nosework and Baeksdaim, were selected for the Deep Tech TIPS program this year — evidence, the firm said, that companies it identified at an early stage are maturing technologically and commercially and moving into the next phase of growth.
The firm is deploying 10 billion won ($7.28 million) in new investment this year through a pipeline that runs from scouting and seed investment to TIPS, Deep Tech TIPS and follow-on funding.
New Paradigm is now seeking promising startups to put forward for TIPS and Deep Tech TIPS in 2027. It will open applications for its "Everyone's TIPS Startup Challenge" from Tuesday through Oct. 30.
The challenge is part of the firm's "Baby Unicorn Growth Program." It marks the start of a process designed to go beyond simply securing a TIPS selection, mapping out a step-by-step path that includes early investment, TIPS recommendation, follow-on funding and connections with sunbae companies.
Selected companies will receive investment and government support opportunities in sequence, matched to their stage of growth. After individual investment reviews, the firm plans to provide up to 500 million won in early-stage investment, up to 1 billion won in follow-on investment and more than 2 billion won in linked investment per company. Companies selected for TIPS may receive up to 800 million won in R&D support, while those chosen for Deep Tech TIPS may receive up to 1.5 billion won. Including up to 300 million won from the firm's own linked projects, each team can access up to 5 billion won in combined investment, R&D and commercialization opportunities.
The general track is open to early-stage startups no more than four years and six months old, with a valuation of no more than 5 billion won, that have completed proof-of-concept and secured objective business metrics. The deep tech track targets startups with a valuation of no more than 10 billion won that have received a final "completed" rating from TIPS and hold business growth indicators.
Application categories are divided into a general type — covering AI, SaaS, digital content, silver tech, sports tech, beauty tech and commerce — and a deep tech type focused on NPI investment areas such as AI, big data, smart robots and digital healthcare. Applicants submit their IR materials and startup verification documents through the New Paradigm Investment website. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the recruitment period.
"This Startup Challenge goes beyond a simple TIPS recommendation — it bundles early investment, follow-on funding and connections with sunbae companies into one package so that companies can leap forward to become baby unicorns," the firm said. "We actively encourage startups that have demonstrated their potential and execution through PoC and business metrics to apply."
freiheit@heraldcorp.com
