Korea has good talent and technology, but until recently, we have observed that most high-growth ventures have scaled primarily within the domestic market, especially in platform and consumer services. This is in contrast to Korea’s broader economy, where exports account for a significant share of national growth. Recently, we sat down with Blaire Shin, from our 500 Korea team, to dive deeper into the opportunity we see in backing founders in Korea who have the ambition and capacity to compete globally from day one.

Blaire, 500 has been investing in Korean startups since 2012. What signals have you seen recently that show that Korea’s startup ecosystem is transitioning from producing isolated success to becoming a globally competitive startup ecosystem across sectors?

First, Korea’s global recognition and market reach are accelerating. Seoul’s rise to #8 worldwide in Startup Genome’s 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, its highest-ever ranking, reflects stronger performance in funding depth and international connectivity(source). This growing reputation is reinforced by coordinated international showcases like CES 2025, where the Integrated Korea Pavilion brought together 445 companies(source). These milestones show that Korea is no longer presenting startups individually, but curating a collective, outward-facing brand on the global stage.

Second, capital and policy are aligning more deliberately toward cross-border growth. The government’s launch of a $34 billion policy fund for national strategic industries, such as semiconductors, batteries, AI, and biotechnology, signals an explicit shift toward export-oriented scaling and supply chain integration(source). Programs like Global Fund 2025 place foreign VC managers under a mandate to reinvest in Korean startups, ensuring that overseas capital flows directly into the ecosystem(source). On the policy side, initiatives such as the expansion of TIPS “Next” and Global Tracks(source), and Global Certification Support(source) integrate globalization into venture support from the earliest stages. And at the structural level, in the 2025 Pan-Government Startup Global Expansion Launching Ceremony, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced that nine ministries will collaborate to officially support the overseas expansion of promising startups(source).

Finally, talent, technology, and private-sector execution are going global. Visa reforms make it easier for both Korean and foreign founders to build cross-border teams(source). Recent regulatory reforms are removing structural barriers and enabling greater cross-border capital deployment (source). This is complemented by the rapid growth of corporate venture capital (CVC) arms, with major conglomerates and mid-sized enterprises, and even unicorn startups establishing new CVCs following regulatory reforms(source). I am of the view that many Korean startups are now entering international markets through partnerships with overseas accelerators, co-investments with foreign VCs, and participation in global corporate open-innovation programs.

I want to double click on that last part, as 500 Global recently announced a strategic partnership with dcamp to create a bridge between Korea and Silicon Valley. Can you speak to the role these bridges play and how 500 Korea has leveraged our local connectivity across ecosystems?

Over the last 3 years, we’ve brought 82 Korean founders to SIlicon Valley.  

Annually, we select 5 Korean startups to come to the Bay area for a three-month immersive program, with an additional approximately 10 visiting for two-week market immersion treks. The founders get a chance to really embed within the local ecosystem through opportunities to be connected to customers, local venture capital firms, and operator networks. 500 Global talks a lot about backing globally minded founders from day 1, but as a firm we go beyond that - the bridges between our local ecosystems allow founders to refine their global value proposition within the safety net of our network. To experience the opportunities for international expansion early on. And it goes both ways! In Korea, we are a soft landing pad enabling global founders to tap into Korea’s manufacturing depth, regulatory clarity, and funding ecosystem to accelerate product development and expand across Asia. 

US<>Korea is just one example - because of our experience across markets we’re able to guide founders toward the markets where their personal background, networks, or cultural fluency can offer a competitive edge. For example, H2O Hospitality, which is transforming hotel operations, saw a clear founder–market alignment in MENA’s fast-growing hospitality sector. We supported the founder’s relocation to Abu Dhabi with endorsement letters and local connections, enabling rapid market entry and the acquisition of several MENA clients.

So much more to cover - consider this part 1 of our new Korea series -  but before we wrap, what sectors and spaces are you most excited about right now? Where you see global opportunity?

Deeptech & Hardtech: Korea ranks number two globally in R&D spending as a percentage of GDP(source). This commitment, backed by strong public-private collaboration,  is supported by a deep STEM talent base capable of translating advanced research into commercially viable solutions. Paired with Korea’s diversified industrial infrastructure, with deep capabilities in precision manufacturing, semiconductors, petrochemicals, optics, and telecommunications, as well as cultural proximity to Southeast Asia, this may allow startups to adapt quickly to the needs and constraints of local markets. 

Entertainment and IP: Over the past decade, the Hallyu (Korean Wave) has shifted from cultural phenomenon to powerful global economic engine. With Korean entertainment breaking records in streaming, live events, and box offices, Korean IP has shown enduring cross-border appeal. The ripple effect is broad—gaming, fashion, and consumer products—creating multiple monetization channels. Beyond the IP itself, there’s also the impact on lifestyle and commerce, making Korean content a springboard for global brands seeking cultural relevance. This confluence of creativity, global fandom, and scalable IP presents a strong and diversified investment opportunity.

And on a more personal note, Energy and Cleantech. Did you know that South Korea has one of the highest per-capita carbon emissions among OECD countries? The country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels has long shaped its industrial base, but it also creates a powerful incentive for energy transition. This summer being the hottest on record, it underscored the urgency of securing more resilient and sustainable energy systems. We recently cohosted a conversation on Climate Finance - similar to how South Korea is primed for industrial innovation - there’s also the opportunity to lead the charge on cleantech investing on energy transition technologies from renewables to advanced materials, especially with the goal of being net-zero by 2050.