Smilegate's Orange Planet is now running an IPO study group specifically for startups valued at over 100 billion KRW.

Think of this as a long-term programme designed to help startups navigate the entire IPO gauntlet, from initial diagnostics and execution to post-listing scrutiny.

Going public is never a walk in the park; it’s a minefield of internal controls, governance hurdles, and shareholder relations. With tougher pre-listing reviews and revisions to commercial law, the barrier to entry has never been higher. Orange Planet claims they’ve moved beyond mere theory-heavy lectures, opting instead for a bespoke approach to help these firms survive the process.

The programme covers everything from standard listings to the tech-specialized IPO track. It dives into the nitty-gritty: tracking specific requirements, selecting underwriters, and preparing for preliminary reviews with practical, real-world case studies.

You’ll find heavy hitters acting as mentors here, including former Korea Exchange reviewers and CFOs like Kim Su-hwan, alongside legal expert Jung Hong-kyu from Shin & Kim, and Pathway Partners CEO Lee Sang-jin. A notable cohort of startups, including Sirloin, Mathpresso, N.Thing, Meissa, Welt, Toss Lab, and Wishcompany, are already involved.

The study group runs for four months, blending lectures with one-on-one mentoring to stress-test their readiness regarding internal controls, governance, and financial stability.

Orange Planet Centre Head Seo Sang-bong describes the initiative as a vital health check for startups eyeing an IPO, hoping these practical, tailored sessions will take the sting out of the transition to public markets.