SparkLabs2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Seoul accelerator founded in 2012. Invests KRW 100 million or more for about 6% in a 15-week program. Recruits twice a year, in April and September.
- Up to $70K
- Funding
- ~6%
- Equity
- 15 weeks plus about 2-week bootcamp
- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About SparkLabs
SparkLabs is a Seoul-based accelerator founded in 2012. Its co-founders include Bernard Moon and Jimmy Kim. It was one of the first internationally minded accelerators in South Korea and later grew into a group with separate accelerators and funds in other markets, such as Taiwan and the SparkLabs Cultiv8 agrifood program.
Each SparkLabs accelerator is a separate entity with its own fund. This page covers SparkLabs Korea. The program invests KRW 100 million or more per startup, about $70,000, for roughly 6% equity.
SparkLabs says both the amount and the stake are flexible depending on the company. The investment is made as convertible preferred stock or a SAFE. The program lasts 15 weeks and is built around finding product-market fit.
It ends with a private Demo Day and investor meetings. Startups must be incorporated within the last three years, and solo-founder companies are not eligible. There is no sector restriction.
Applications open twice a year, in April and September, for about six weeks each. In 2024 SparkLabs ran its 22nd and 23rd batches. Portfolio companies include beauty commerce company Memebox, HR tech company Wanted Lab and coworking operator SparkPlus.
SparkLabs has also backed hundreds of startups across Asia through its various funds.
What SparkLabs looks for
SparkLabs Korea backs early-stage companies that were incorporated within the last three years and have a founding team of at least two. It does not restrict sectors. The program is built around finding product-market fit, so it suits teams with a product in market or close to launch who need help with business model, product and growth. Investment size and equity are adjusted to each company, which means SparkLabs looks at the specific situation of each startup.
How the SparkLabs program works
After selection, startups start with a bootcamp of about two weeks. Then comes the main 15-week program, focused on finding product-market fit. SparkLabs works with each company on business model, product and go-to-market.
Startups get mentoring from the SparkLabs team and its network of founders and investors. The final phase is a private Demo Day, followed by VC meetings and investor relations support for the next round. The selection itself takes at least four weeks.
It starts with a document review, followed by interviews, then a final selection. Batches recruit twice a year, in April and September. The 22nd batch in early 2024 was reported at about 18 weeks, so length can vary slightly from batch to batch.
How to apply to SparkLabs
- 1Check eligibility: incorporated within the last three years, with at least two founders. Any sector is accepted.
- 2Watch sparklabs.co.kr or sign up for batch alerts. Windows open in April and September for about six weeks.
- 3Submit the application documents during the open window.
- 4Go through document review and interviews, which take at least four weeks.
- 5If selected, agree investment terms and start with the bootcamp before the 15-week program.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable SparkLabs alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by SparkLabs.
SparkLabs vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SparkLabs | Up to $70K | ~6% | Seoul, South Korea | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Up to $2.9M | None on grant | EU | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | Up to $2M | ~7% | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | Up to $1.5M | Not published | New York | Rolling admissions |
| Seedcamp | Up to $1.3M | Varies | London, UK | Rolling admissions |
SparkLabs FAQ
When is the SparkLabs application deadline?+
SparkLabs has not announced its next deadline yet (Applications open in April and September; next window expected April 2027). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
How much does SparkLabs invest?+
SparkLabs Korea typically invests KRW 100 million or more per startup, about $70,000, for around 6% equity. The investment takes the form of convertible preferred stock or a SAFE. SparkLabs says both the amount and the equity share are flexible depending on each company's situation.
When can I apply to SparkLabs?+
SparkLabs recruits twice a year. Application windows open in April and September and stay open for about six weeks. The selection process, from document review to final decision, takes at least four weeks. If the September 2026 window has closed, the next one is expected in April 2027.
Can a solo founder apply?+
No. SparkLabs Korea states that one-person startups are not eligible. Companies must also be incorporated within the last three years. There is no restriction on sector, so software, hardware, consumer and B2B companies can all apply. Founding teams need at least two people at the time of application.
Is SparkLabs Korea the same as other SparkLabs programs?+
They share a brand and network, but each SparkLabs accelerator, such as SparkLabs Korea, SparkLabs Taiwan and SparkLabs Cultiv8, is a separate entity with its own accelerator fund and terms. Apply to the program in the market where you plan to build.
Sources: sparklabs.co.kr, koreatechdesk.com, view.asiae.co.kr, avcj.com, techcrunch.com, cbinsights.com