[MWC Global Collaboration] Bridging Continents: USAKO Group and BAGI Forge Strategic Alliance to Elevate Global Startup Ecosystem

Bridging Continents: USAKO Group and BAGI Forge Strategic Alliance to Elevate Global Startup Ecosystem

GIRONA, SPAIN — As an extra ordinary effort to redefine the trajectory of international venture capital and startup support, USAKO Group of U.S.A. and S. Korea and Business Angel Girona Investment (BAGI) of Spain have officially entered into a landmark collaboration agreement. This strategic partnership establishes a powerful trilateral bridge connecting the innovation hubs of Spain, the United States, and South Korea, aimed at cultivating a more robust and interconnected global startup ecosystem.

The agreement, signed during the high-energy atmosphere of Mobile World Congress (MWC) week, marks a significant milestone for regional entrepreneurs looking to scale beyond their domestic borders. By combining the local expertise of BAGI in the Catalonia region with USAKO Group’s deep-rooted networks in North America and Asia, the alliance provides a "soft-landing pad" for high-growth companies in all three territories.

A Celebration of Global Synergy in Girona, Spain

The official signing ceremony in Girona was a high-profile gathering of international business leaders committed to cross-border growth. Dr. Han Ko, CEO of USAKO Group (representing interests in the U.S.A. and South Korea), was joined by Mr. Josep Riuro, CEO of BAGI and Prat Sabat Law Firm (Spain), to formalize the partnership.

The event saw a distinguished group of leaders come together to celebrate this new chapter, including the President of Iron Tech, Spain, and Diana Cerdan, CEO of The Smart Lollipop. Their collective presence underscored the high level of institutional and industrial support for this new "Girona-USA-Korea" innovation axis.

"The essence of this collaboration is synergy," said Dr. Han Ko. "By linking the industrial strength of Spain with the high-tech demands of the U.S. and South Korean markets, we are creating a fertile ground for the next generation of global unicorns. Having leaders like Mr. Sabat, Ms. Cerdan, and the leadership of Iron Tech here today proves the shared commitment to this vision."

Key Pillars of the Collaboration

The agreement outlines several core initiatives aimed at driving immediate impact:

• Market Expansion Support: Utilizing USAKO Group’s offices in Saint Louis, New York, California, and Seoul to facilitate the entry of Spanish startups into the U.S. and Asian markets.

• Investment Syndication: Creating opportunities for BAGI’s network of angel investors to co-invest with U.S. and South Korean venture capitalists in high-potential ventures.

• Industrial and Health-Tech Integration: Leveraging the expertise of partners like Iron Tech and The Smart Lollipop to foster R&D collaborations in Smart Manufacturing and MedTech.

• Mentorship and Acceleration: Providing startups with access to a global pool of mentors, including industry leaders and academic experts from all three regions.

Strategic Importance of the Participants

BAGI (Business Angel Girona Investment), led by Mr. Prat Sabat, has long been a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial landscape in Spain. With a proven track record of investing in innovative projects, BAGI brings a wealth of local intelligence and a commitment to driving economic growth in the Girona region.

USAKO Group, led by Dr. Han Ko, serves as the international conduit. Recognized as a global partner for South Korean government agencies and deeply integrated into the American VC ecosystem, USAKO Group specializes in international business scale-ups and has successfully bridged the gap for numerous firms seeking "Go Global" opportunities.

Looking Ahead

This collaboration comes on the heels of other successful ventures by USAKO Group in Spain. The timing of the agreement during MWC week highlights the strategic importance of Spain as a gateway to Europe. With the combined forces of BAGI, Iron Tech, and USAKO Group, this partnership is set to remain a primary focus for investment and innovation throughout 2026 and beyond.