Innocean, the esteemed advertising and marketing arm of Hyundai Motor Group, has announced a significant strategic partnership with global venture capital firm SBVA. Together, they are launching “UP 2026,” an innovative growth platform meticulously designed to foster robust collaboration with high-growth startups and to proactively identify groundbreaking new business opportunities across various sectors.
SBVA, previously recognized as SoftBank Ventures Asia, stands as a prominent global venture capital entity within the SoftBank Group. The firm boasts an impressive investment portfolio, backing over 100 pioneering startups across critical technological domains including cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), the internet of things (IoT), and advanced robotics.
The inaugural UP 2026 program will feature the participation of ten selected SBVA portfolio companies. These include leading platforms such as Blind, a popular workplace community application; KREAM, a thriving marketplace for limited-edition products; and Ohouse, a widely used home and lifestyle platform.
UP 2026 is structured around four dynamic sessions, each meticulously crafted to address key growth strategies essential for startups operating in today’s rapidly evolving market landscape. Experts and senior executives from Innocean’s core business units, encompassing strategy, global business, digital experience, and customer experience, will actively contribute their insights.
The program’s opening session is specifically dedicated to exploring future collaboration opportunities, forging synergistic partnerships between Innocean’s vast network and the innovative capabilities of participating startups.
Subsequent sessions will delve deep into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence, examining how AI is fundamentally reshaping consumer behavior, revolutionizing brand communication strategies, and redefining traditional business models. The discussions will also explore emerging growth opportunities spurred by AI’s increasing influence on purchasing decisions and overall market dynamics.
Participants will gain invaluable insights into developing effective strategies for engaging consumers across increasingly fragmented digital and physical customer touchpoints. The program will also guide them on effectively applying Innocean’s extensive marketing and growth expertise to scale and optimize their own business operations.
The UP 2026 program will culminate in exclusive one-on-one consulting sessions. These personalized interactions will allow participating companies to comprehensively discuss their unique business challenges, refine their growth strategies, and explore bespoke collaboration opportunities directly with Innocean’s specialists.
Further enhancing networking and strategic dialogue, a dedicated dinner will be hosted, bringing together key investors and influential industry leaders to facilitate meaningful partnerships and foster crucial industry exchanges.
“This program signifies the crucial beginning of Innocean’s proactive efforts to expand our strategic partnerships and uncover compelling new growth opportunities alongside innovative, forward-thinking companies,” stated Innocean CEO Kim Jung-a.
SBVA CEO Lee Jun-pyo emphasized that this pivotal partnership is poised to provide participating companies with actionable, practical insights and unlock exciting new avenues for sustainable growth in competitive markets.
“We are optimistic that this program will deliver significant opportunities for brands aiming for global expansion and striving to bolster their competitiveness within a dynamic and ever-changing market environment,” Lee remarked.
