Could you briefly introduce yourself and your current role?
I’m Nacho Mateo, CEO of South Summit. I’ve been part of this journey from the very beginning, helping transform South Summit from a local initiative in Madrid into a global platform. My role today is to make sure we keep connecting the dots between entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and institutions worldwide, always staying true to our essence: building opportunities through innovation and human connections.
South Summit has grown from Madrid into a global platform. What vision guided this journey?
From day one, our vision has been clear: entrepreneurship and innovation have no borders. We wanted to create a meeting point where the best talent and the right opportunities could meet, regardless of geography. Madrid was the starting point, but our DNA is global. The South embodies our values, warmth, joy, ambition, resilience…and those values travel well. That’s what has allowed us to grow from Spain to Brazil, Korea and beyond.
South Summit Korea is now in its second edition. What made you choose Korea, and how does this year’s event differ from the first?
Korea is a country with world-class innovation capacity, a strong industrial base, and an increasingly dynamic startup ecosystem. It’s also a gateway to Asia. We saw a perfect match with our mission to connect global ecosystems. Compared to the first edition, this year we’ve deepened the integration with the local ecosystem and elevated the quality of the connections. It’s not just about organizing an event; it’s about embedding South Summit’s culture of networking, energy and ambition here in Korea.
How do you evaluate the Korean startup ecosystem, and what opportunities do you see for collaboration between Korea and the global community?
Korea has incredible strengths in areas like DeepTech, semiconductors, gaming, and AI, with government and corporates pushing hard for global expansion. The opportunity now is to connect Korean founders with international investors, corporations and other ecosystems, while also bringing global entrepreneurs closer to the Korean market. It’s a two-way bridge, and South Summit can be that trusted connector.
This year’s theme is DeepTech & AI. Why was this chosen, and what impact do you expect it to have?
DeepTech and AI are not only buzzwords, they’re shaping the future of every industry, from health to energy. Korea is a global leader in many of these fields, so it made perfect sense to focus on them. By doing so, we expect to spark discussions that go beyond technology: how to commercialize, scale, regulate, and apply these innovations responsibly. The impact we aim for is to accelerate real business opportunities and collaborations around DeepTech & AI.
How do you define the role of South Summit Korea in building a sustainable and valuable global network?
Our role is to be a connector and a catalyst. A sustainable network is not built in two days, it’s about trust, consistency, and follow-up. South Summit Korea provides the spark: it brings global players to Korea and Korean talent to the global stage. If we do our job well, those connections live far beyond the event.
What are the highlights or must-watch sessions at South Summit Korea 2025?
There are plenty, but I’d highlight the Startup Competition finals, because that’s where you see raw innovation and the next generation of success stories. Also, our panels on DeepTech and AI with global leaders, and the exclusive networking moments we curate. South Summit is not just about who speaks on stage, but who you meet in the corridor, at a private lunch, or in a one-to-one meeting.
What are the main criteria for the Startup Competition, and what support do selected startups receive?
We select startups based on innovation, scalability, team, and potential impact. But being a finalist is much more than pitching on stage. It’s about becoming part of the South Summit community, a network of investors, corporations, and fellow entrepreneurs that has already helped our finalists raise over $19 billion and create more than 100 exits, including 9 unicorns. We give them visibility, connections, and a sense of belonging to a global movement.
Which global trends (AI, sustainability, biotech, fintech, etc.) do you find most relevant right now?
AI is of course at the center, but we see it crossing over with sustainability, biotech, and new energy solutions. Fintech remains strong, especially as digital infrastructures expand globally. For us, the real trend is convergence: technologies working together to solve global challenges. That’s where the biggest opportunities lie.
What risks should startups and investors be most mindful of in today’s global context?
Uncertainty — geopolitical, financial, regulatory. Startups need to stay agile and not overexpose themselves to a single market or funding source. Investors must look beyond hype and focus on fundamentals: strong teams, real problems being solved, and scalable business models. At the same time, both should be mindful of the ethical implications of the technologies we’re building.
How do you envision South Summit’s role in Asia over the next five years?
Korea is our first step into Asia, but we feel this is just the beginning… In the next five years, South Summit must consolidate its role as a reference point in the region, just as Madrid is in Europe and Brazil in Latin America. Asia deserves a South Summit of global scale, with the same impact and prestige as Madrid. Korea is opening that door, and we will keep building from here.
Finally, what key message would you like to share with Korean and global entrepreneurs through South Summit Korea?
My message is simple: you are not alone. Building a company is tough, but there is a global community ready to support, inspire and connect with you. South Summit exists to make sure business opportunities and talent find each other. And we do it with the warmth, joy and ambition of the South.
