Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions, recently collaborated with beSUCCESS Media Group to offer an entrepreneurship course from June 27, 2023. The program saw participation from investors, mentors, and renowned experts from the global startup ecosystem, who shared their knowledge and insights with Yonsei University students.
Yonsei University, recognized as the top private university in Korea and ranked 73rd globally in QS World University Rankings 2023, hosted the summer course, welcoming students from various faculties. The course’s primary objective was to introduce students to the world of entrepreneurship and provide insights into global startup trends. Enrolled students, hailing from different study years and diverse majors such as business management, computer science, fine art, and English literature, actively participated in the course co-hosted online by Cuvee April.
As part of the program, Masaru Ikeda, a prominent techpreneur, journalist, and co-founder of the bilingual (Japanese and English) website “The Bridge,” shared his expertise on the Japanese startup ecosystem and investment trends with the attendees on July 3 and 4. With years of experience in the technology industry, Masaru has made significant contributions as a system architect and engineer, actively developing internet service provider environments and working on projects with major Japanese companies. During his online class, Masaru delved into various topics that shed light on the Japanese startup ecosystem. He discussed the emergence of startup hubs in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc., which have become fertile grounds for entrepreneurial growth, offering access to funding, talent, and resources. He also emphasized the increasing openness of Japan to foreign entrepreneurs and startups, highlighting the initiatives and programs in place to facilitate their entry into the market.
Government support for startups was another crucial aspect covered by Masaru. He explored the policies, funding schemes, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms implemented by the Japanese government to encourage innovation and economic growth through startups. Additionally, Masaru discussed the hottest sectors within the Japanese startup landscape, including artificial intelligence, content creation, gaming, fintech, healthcare, and sustainability, which have witnessed significant growth and investment opportunities.
Masaru showcased recent success stories of Japanese startups that have gained domestic and international attention. Noteworthy examples included Warrantee, an innovative warranty service provider, Not a Hotel, a unique hospitality platform, and Oasys, an AI-powered customer support solution. These success stories demonstrate the potential for startups to disrupt their respective industries and attract significant investment.
The online class provided an interactive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and students to engage with Masaru and ask questions regarding investment trends, profitability in the market, high-interest rates, and more. The session proved a valuable opportunity for students to gain insights from industry experts and broaden their understanding of the Japanese startup ecosystem.
Yonsei University’s collaboration with beSUCCESS Media Group and the involvement of Masaru Ikeda in the entrepreneurship course underscore the university’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and global connectivity. Yonsei University continues to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs in South Korea and beyond by providing students with exposure to diverse perspectives and industry expertise.
