About SparkLabs
SparkLabs is a leading accelerator program based in Korea. It is focused on helping early-stage Korean startups grow and expand globally. As a member of the Global Accelerator Network (GAN), SparkLabs works with startups across various industries, including B2B SaaS, AI, software services, hardware, consumer products, marketplaces, and healthcare.
The Search for a Better Solution
Before implementing AcceleratorApp, SparkLabs used F6S for their application process. However, they faced significant challenges with this platform:
"The F6S platform is not really well known or used in the Asia region," explains Eugene Kim, Co-founder of SparkLabs. "A lot of the startups were unfamiliar with the whole F6S sign-up process and application, so we were looking for some alternative solution."
Why SparkLabs Chose AcceleratorApp
SparkLabs' decision to implement AcceleratorApp was based on several key factors:
1. Strong Recommendation from GAN Network
AcceleratorApp came highly recommended by other members of the Global Accelerator Network, giving SparkLabs confidence in the platform.
2. Korean Language Support
The deciding factor for SparkLabs was AcceleratorApp's willingness to create a Korean version of the user interface:
"The big decision maker for us that allowed us to choose AcceleratorApp was Alain's willingness to help us make a Korean version of the UI," says Eugene. "Most of our applicants are Korean startups, and our staff are Korean as well, so they're more comfortable working in the Korean language."
3. Comprehensive Program Management
AcceleratorApp offered complete program management beyond just application processing:
"It not only handles the beginning part of the program where it all begins with the application, but through selection, through the program, and post-program management is also all included in the platform."
Key Features and Benefits
SparkLabs uses several core features of AcceleratorApp that have significantly improved its program management:
1. Mentor Engagement
"One of the things I liked was the ability to onboard our mentors and have them participate and record their notes and meeting information with each startup," Eugene explains. "One of the biggest problems we had before was it was hard to get mentors to share information with each other because different mentors use different tools for note-taking."
2. Resource Library
AcceleratorApp's resource-sharing and LMS features allowed SparkLabs to build a knowledge database:
"We liked the ability to provide references to a library of our knowledge database - videos, notes, documents, or video lecture links that we can assign to teams before they join a session or start the program."
This feature prompted SparkLabs to expand their content creation efforts: "Because of that, we've expanded into creating our own library of content to help startups better understand the concepts during the program."
3. Application Management
AcceleratorApp makes it easy to customize application forms:
"It's really easy to change the application itself and the different types of questions we want to ask. Some questions we want to be just literally yes or no, and some to be free form for certain screening purposes."
Measurable Results
After implementing AcceleratorApp, SparkLabs saw significant improvements in their operations:
1. Increased Application Volume
"After we moved to AcceleratorApp, we usually get about 300+ to 400 applications. Before AcceleratorApp, we were probably getting around 100 to 200."
2. Better Geographic Targeting
The platform helped SparkLabs focus on their target market:
"Because F6S is mainly used in Europe and the U.S., we would get a lot of applicants from those regions, which didn't really fit with our Korean focus. Now we get predominantly Korean startups applying for the program, whereas before it was almost 50-50."
3. Improved Program Management
"Having it all on AcceleratorApp allows us to see the history of cohorts and applications. It shows us who's applying again and who's applied before."
4. Better Team Collaboration
"Putting all of our information on each team into one place was helpful for our hands-on approach. We've changed from more group lecture session days to more one-on-one focused programs where we work with each team on a weekly basis."
Implementation Process
As with any new platform, SparkLabs went through an adaptation period:
"With any tool or platform, every organization is going to have an onboarding and adoption period to get used to it," Eugene notes. "If you just set your mind to using the platform, that's what's needed. Once you run through one program, it just becomes second nature into the next programs."
Looking Forward
SparkLabs continues to use AcceleratorApp as an integral part of its program operations. The platform has helped it scale its impact while maintaining program quality and focusing on its core mission of assisting Korean startups to grow globally.
"We try to improve our program every quarter to be better," says Eugene. "AcceleratorApp gives us the flexibility to adapt our processes as our program evolves."
This case study is based on an interview with Eugene Kim, Co-founder of SparkLabs, about their experience using AcceleratorApp to support their accelerator program.