As Seoul rapidly establishes itself as the “Silicon Valley” of Asia, there has been an influx of international entrepreneurs and investors seeking to fully utilize and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Entrepreneurs in Seoul (EIS) is a group that acts as a business architect, building a bridge connecting international entrepreneurs with the requisite resources they need access to, such as partners, investment groups, government support, distribution, and media. Unlike other startup based gatherings that largely revolve around a few key note speakers and an all too familiar seminar-like environment, this group deviates from the norm by focusing on a movement aptly referred to as “un-conferencing.” The main benefit gleaned from such a divergent approach is that each entrepreneur and organization has more time to network in a much more personable face to face atmosphere. Seoul Global Center stepped in as the catalyst to this opportunistic gathering featuring roughly 50 in attendance which included entrepreneurs, media groups, venture capital groups and government organizations.

The following are some of the noteworthy applications and services to keep tabs on that were introduced during the inaugural EIS meeting.

Colango empowers language teachers with the ability to create interactive language lessons for their students. Colango helps facilitate the acquisition of language by providing students with a fully immersive learning experience. Instructors can use authentic content from online sources or create their own unique language exercises with their own voice, pictures or text. Colango also complements teachers with student data so they can supply comprehensive feedback that can effectively target a student’s specific weakness when it comes to language aptitude.

My Memoirs provides the ultimate platform to document and archive the most significant and memorable stories as you recollect, compose and reminisce about them. Their catchphrase, “The stories that tell who you are, the stories that you want remembered, and the stories you want to leave behind,” succinctly illustrate their objectives and mission. Currently, their scope of influence reaches 20 countries and they are fully intent on becoming the world’s preeminent database to store all your incredible experiences as well as those of your loved ones.

Allfanart provides an online gallery and marketplace for artists of all different walks of life to display and sell their artistry in various customizable items such as wall art, phone cases, mugs, hand fans, and even scrolls. Allfanart goes the extra mile by merging Western art with traditional and modern East Asian art as well. Artwork is available for purchase worldwide, with the altruistic service generously donating a portion of proceeds to international charities. Allfanart has the notable distinction of being established as the first ever East Asia based global art platform.

Ask Ajumma is a premiere concierge service catering to the considerable expat community in Korea to facilitate and smoothen the transition of adjusting to a foreign environment. Ask Ajumma specializes in online shopping and placing food orders at your convenience. They can provide expedite assistance with virtually anything to enable customers to save time and money throughout their busy days.

Easyblox is an innovation in Display Furniture that allows for flexible designs to be continually utilized in various forms and functions, while effectively minimizing waste and expenditures in the process.

Prominent EIS attendees included Thomas Ahn of Mad Ventures, Jin Ho Hur of Translink Capital Korea, and Jae-Kwon Son of Maekyung Media Group. Stay tuned for the next Entrepreneurs in Seoul event in April.

Written by Daniel Kang

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