The Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Seoul Policy Centre have joined forces to support impact-driven startups across the Asia-Pacific region.
The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on April 14 at OnDream Society in Myeong-dong, Seoul, to jointly launch the “Global ImpactPreneur” initiative.
The term “ImpactPreneur” refers to entrepreneurs who generate both social and environmental impact alongside financial value, a concept widely used within the global impact ecosystem.
The partnership aims to identify and nurture startups that address global social challenges while expanding the impact entrepreneurship ecosystem across the Asia-Pacific region. By combining the foundation’s expertise in talent development with UNDP’s global network and development experience, the initiative seeks to establish a differentiated support framework.
A total of 20 selected startups will receive mentoring from regional experts, impact measurement and investor relations coaching, and opportunities to connect with global investors and peer startups. The program includes an intensive online acceleration process, enabling tailored support based on each startup’s growth stage regardless of location.
A demo day scheduled for July in Seoul will provide participants with the opportunity to present their businesses to a global audience, including venture capital firms, impact investors, startup support organizations, and philanthropists. Notably, representatives from CVC Capital Partners, one of Europe’s largest private equity firms, are expected to attend. Outstanding teams will receive prize funding, follow-up program opportunities, and potential investment consideration.
“We have been nurturing innovative entrepreneurs for a sustainable future through our impact startup programs since 2012,” said Moosung Chung, Chairman of the foundation. “Through collaboration with UNDP, we aim to further expand the development of global impact entrepreneurs who solve social challenges through innovation.”
Anne Juepner, Director of the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, added, “We share a common vision that supporting impact entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to achieve sustainable development. Through this initiative, we hope to expand these efforts beyond Korea and actively support the next generation of global impact startups.”
