Startups play a crucial role in driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation in countries around the world (Leal et al., 2023). As these young companies strive to establish themselves in highly competitive markets, they require access to capital, industry knowledge, and networks of experienced individuals. In this context, startup conferences have emerged as a prominent avenue for entrepreneurs to engage with venture capitalists, industry experts, and like-minded peers, facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration. These conferences serve as dynamic platforms that foster connections, idea sharing, and partnership opportunities, thereby catalyzing the growth and success of startups.
The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the role of startup conferences in facilitating knowledge transfer and collaboration between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, with a particular focus on the case of the Y&Archer A Stream in South Korea. By analyzing and contextualizing Y&Archer A Stream within the broader landscape of startup conferences, this study aims to provide insights into its effectiveness as a catalyst for knowledge sharing (El Najjar, 2023) and collaboration among entrepreneurs and venture capitalists operating in the Korean startup ecosystem.
1) Background of Startup Conferences and Their Significance in Facilitating Knowledge Transfer and Collaboration
The proliferation of startup conferences can be attributed to the recognition of their immense value in connecting entrepreneurs with venture capitalists, potential partners, and industry influencers. These conferences provide a unique platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, products, and services to a diverse audience comprising investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders. Such interactions, based on the exchange of knowledge and experiences, foster mutual learning and the creation of fruitful relationships (Ceresia, 2024), while offering startups access to valuable financial resources.
Knowledge transfer plays a pivotal role in the development and growth of startups. By attending conferences, entrepreneurs gain exposure to the latest industry trends, market insights, and best practices. Within this context, venture capitalists contribute their in-depth industry knowledge, providing startups with invaluable feedback, guidance, and potential investment opportunities. Moreover, insights gained from conference presentations and panel discussions on topics such as strategy, marketing (Sanyal et al., 2023), technology (Sharma, 2023; Lee et al., 2024; Arora et al., 2023; Yu, Zhao, & Hanes, 2023), and finance (Yu, Xu, Hanes, & Lu, 2022; Hu et al., 2023) enable entrepreneurs to enhance their understanding of critical business aspects, thus refining their strategies and decision-making processes.
Collaboration among startups, venture capitalists, and industry experts is integral to the success of entrepreneurial ventures (Hu et al., 2023). Startup conferences create an environment conducive to collaborative interactions, where key players can meet, share ideas, and explore avenues for collaboration. By fostering partnerships, joint ventures, and mentorship opportunities, these conferences act as vital catalysts, propelling the startup ecosystem forward and fueling innovation.