[Interview] Contributing to the Development of a Global Startup Platform 2025-02-28

I N T E R V I E W

Jeong Woo-seok, Manager, New Planning Team, Orange Planet Planning Office

Q. Please introduce yourself.

Hello, I’m Jeong Woo-seok, Manager of the New Planning Team at the Orange Planet Planning Office. I focus on identifying effective growth strategies for startups within the rapidly evolving startup ecosystem. Based on these insights, I reevaluate existing programs and design new initiatives to better support entrepreneurial success.

Q. 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the official launch of Orange Farm, the predecessor of Orange Planet. What changes and accomplishments have Orange Planet achieved over the past decade?

Over the past decade, Orange Planet has supported the growth of numerous startups. As of November 2024, we’ve assisted a total of 419 startups through expert-led education and mentoring programs. Collectively, these companies have raised more than KRW 900 billion in funding, with a combined corporate valuation of KRW 3.7 trillion.

From seed funding to Series D rounds and IPOs, the success of our “Orange Family” startups is a source of great pride and motivation for us. One of our most meaningful achievements, however, is the strong network we’ve built. Alumni from Orange Planet continue to collaborate, mentor each other, and create synergies. More than 500 self-initiated activities have taken place, highlighting the power of a supportive, interconnected community in sustaining the startup ecosystem.

Q. Is there a particular support program or moment that was personally meaningful to you?

The incubating programs and mentoring sessions led by experienced entrepreneurs consistently receive high satisfaction ratings. These sessions allow participants to gain practical advice from those who have walked a similar path, helping them identify and address real challenges. Seeing collaborations take shape and business synergies form through these connections gives me a deep sense of fulfillment.

That said, the most appreciated support among early-stage startups is often the provision of free workspace and infrastructure. For entrepreneurs just starting out, access to a dedicated space and essential facilities can make a significant difference, especially given the financial strain that many face in the early stages.

Q. Over the past decade, Orange Planet has explored various support initiatives. Could you share any recent changes or new directions?

First, we’ve expanded our scope from domestic to global support. As globalization accelerates, we believe it’s essential for startups to adopt a global mindset. In 2023, we hosted one-on-one mentoring sessions with successful Korean entrepreneurs in the U.S. In 2024, we organized a seminar on entering the Japanese market. These initiatives provided startups with practical insights into overseas market entry—from understanding local customer behavior to legal and operational considerations.

Second, we’ve expanded from offline support to digital platforms. In 2024, approximately 900 teams applied to join Orange Planet, with only about 30 selected for offline incubation. To support the many aspiring founders we couldn’t accommodate, we launched the Online Incubating Platform. This platform offers self-paced learning through educational content, worksheets, feedback sessions, and opportunities to participate in offline lectures and mentoring. More than 100 teams have already participated, and we plan to expand this online platform further to reach even more young entrepreneurs.

Q. What direction do you hope Orange Planet will take in the future?

Entrepreneurs often say, “Don’t fear failure—keep challenging yourself.” We embrace that spirit. As a startup support platform, Orange Planet aims to grow and evolve alongside the ecosystem. Rather than relying on past successes, we’ll continue exploring new ways to deliver meaningful, hands-on support to founders. We want to stay attuned to the evolving needs of young entrepreneurs and remain an accessible, open platform for all. Our long-term mission is to become a global leader in supporting the next generation of innovators—and that’s a challenge we welcome.

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