AUGUST - November 2026
IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program
The IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program supports a curated group of early-stage Korean startups turn local traction into global growth. Through 4 weeks of strategic preparation in Seoul, and 8 weeks of immersive acceleration in Silicon Valley, founders gain the capital, resources, network, and market exposure needed to expand into the U.S. with confidence. Selected companies receive investment from 500 Global.
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Applications are currently closed.
Korean Startups Ready for Their Next Market
Expanding into the U.S. is a major growth milestone, but success requires more than ambition.
The IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program is designed for early-stage Korean technology startups that have proven product-market fit at home and are now preparing to validate, refine, and execute their U.S. growth strategy.
Over the course of 12 weeks, founders receive capital, sharpen their go-to-market approach, build valuable relationships, and learn directly from the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
Program Dates: August 31 - November 19, 2026
Ideal Candidates:
A strategic, execution-led approach to U.S. expansion, designed to move Korean companies closer to international growth.
Founders begin with 4 weeks of guided support in Seoul to refine positioning, strengthen go-to-market priorities, and align their teams before entering the U.S. market. Arrive in Silicon Valley ready to explore and execute.
Silicon Valley In-Market Experience
Spend 8 weeks immersed in one of the world’s most vibrant startup ecosystems. Gain first-hand exposure to how venture-backed companies operate, connect with experienced mentors and VCs, and build relationships that may support your U.S. journey long after the program ends.
Access to Global and Institutional Networks
Tap into IBK Changgong and 500 Global’s extensive network of ecosystem partners, mentors, VCs, and startups for global market expansion and fundraising. Selected startups receive investment from 500 Global.
The program runs for 12 weeks, combining virtual preparation with an in-market immersion in Silicon Valley. Each phase is designed to build on the last, forming a single journey from preparation to validation.
U.S. Expansion Strategy Preparation
Founders participate in a structured preparation phase designed to strengthen their U.S. market readiness before entering Silicon Valley.
Key areas of focus include:
8 Weeks in Silicon Valley (In-person)
In-Market Acceleration Experience
Founders participate in an in-person acceleration program in Silicon Valley to validate their strategy, build networks, and gain direct market exposure.
Key areas of focus include:
AI-driven behavioral intelligence platform
Leveraged learnings from the program to raise their valuation 2x and close their JPY 550M Series A round
Conducted 47 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients
Hired 18 new team members to expand their business globally to set up U.S. office within 5 months
Identified new ICP, targeting Private Equity firms and large corporates active in M&A
THIS PROGRAM IS OPERATED BY 500 GLOBAL MANAGEMENT KOREA, L.C. (TOGETHER WITH ITS AFFILIATES, “500 GLOBAL”) AND THE FUNDS ADVISED BY 500 STARTUPS MANAGEMENT COMPANY, L.L.C. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY REVENUE GENERATED BY THESE ACTIVITIES. SUCH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED SOLELY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING 500 GLOBAL AND THE STATED PROGRAM. ALL CONTENT PROVIDED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE AND WHILE 500 GLOBAL HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS. NOTHING IN THE CONTENT DELIVERED THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, SERVICES OR EVENTS BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL, TAX OR INVESTMENT ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL (INCLUDING INVESTMENT ADVICE AS DEFINED IN THE U.S. INVESTMENT ADVISERS ACT OF 1940). FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND. PARTICIPATION IN THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE INVESTMENT BY A 500 GLOBAL FUND, AND ALL INVESTMENTS IN PARTICIPANTS ARE SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF DILIGENCE AND INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE RELEVANT FUND. THIS WEBPAGE IS UPDATED AS OF APRIL 2026. THE SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THE PROGRAM ARE CONDUCTED SOLELY IN FURTHERANCE OF THE PARTICIPANTS’ BONA FIDE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, OR FINANCIAL OPERATIONS AND ARE NOT BEING UNDERTAKEN FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIRECTLY PROMOTING THE PUBLIC OR POLITICAL INTERESTS OF “GOVERNMENT OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY” OR “FOREIGN POLITICAL PARTY”, AS DEFINED AT 22 U.S.C. SECTION 611.
