Samil PwC said on the 15th that on the 14th it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with accelerator Mark&Company for "AI-based support for the growth of ultra-small startups."
The agreement aims to nurture "ultra-small, high-growth corporations" that can scale rapidly with one person or a small team based on AI technology. The two sides plan to design and run a joint program for that purpose.
The program focuses on supporting the entire process for early- and growth-stage startups, from designing AI-based management structures and building operating systems to growth and investment linkage. In particular, the ultimate goal is to design a structure that enables high growth even with a one-person or ultra-small organization.
Samil PwC will help startups build a stable management infrastructure from the outset through management advisory services including accounting, tax, finance and HR; business process outsourcing (BPO); and designing AI agent-based operating systems.
Mark&Company will use its proprietary data platform "InnoForest" to handle startup sourcing and selection, as well as program operations and growth support.
Samil PwC plans to expand the model to more startups in the future, based on the data and insights accumulated through growth with the corporations participating in the program.
Mark&Company CEO Hong Kyung-pyo said, "Through collaboration with Samil PwC, we will create an accelerating environment that leads to tangible outcomes and investment so that startups can grow with not only technological competitiveness but also management systems and operational capabilities," adding, "We will continue to advance a field-centered support model so that promising startups can assess marketability and scalability from the early stage and take the next step."
Lee Chang-hoon, partner at Samil PwC AX Node, said, "Through this agreement, we will actively support one-person founders and startups with high growth potential so they can make a stable leap forward by leveraging AI-based management infrastructure and professional consulting."
Meanwhile, applications for the program open on Apr. 28, and an online-offline briefing session will be held on the 6th of next month. About 10 startups with high growth potential will be selected, and eligible participants include one-person founders, re-challenging founders and small-team startups. Those with a minimum viable product (MVP) or with market validation experience may apply.