IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program

September - November 2026

500 Global has propelled over 3,000 startups and backed more than 5,000 founders globally, from pre-seed to IPO¹.

The J-StarX Silicon Valley Extended Program is an immersive program tailored for Japanese startups. This 11-week program, split between Tokyo and the US, focuses on global market validation, global VCs attraction, and strategic business growth through workshops and personalized mentoring.

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The IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program helps high-potential Korean startups turn domestic traction into global growth. Through 4 weeks of structured preparation in Seoul, and 8 weeks of immersive acceleration in Silicon Valley, founders gain the resources, network, and market exposure needed to expand into the U.S. with confidence. Selected companies may also be considered for investment from 500 Global.

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Deadline: June 30, 2026

Hear from 500 Global

Clayton Bryan, Partner at 500 Global, speaks about an exciting new opportunity for ambitious Japanese startup founders.

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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 demonstrated product-market fit at home and are now preparing to validate, refine, and execute their U.S. growth strategy.

Over the course of 3 months, founders receive hands-on support to sharpen their market approach, build valuable relationships, and learn directly from the Silicon Valley ecosystem.

Program Dates: September - November 2026

Dates: November 3-6, 2024

Ideal Candidates:

Tech startups in Korea incorporated within the last 7 years
Demonstrated product-market fit and business traction in Korea
Founders refining their U.S. strategy and/or have a clear ambition to expand into the U.S. market
Have an established core team ready to execute on international growth
Teams able to commit at least 1 executive member, preferably the founder, to participating full-time in an 8-week accelerator program in the U.S. from Oct - Nov’26
Proficient in written and spoken English

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The program offers founders

A strategic, execution-led approach to U.S. expansion, designed to move Korean companies closer to international growth.

Structured Preparation for U.S. Expansion

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 may receive potential investment consideration from 500 Global after graduation.

About the Program

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.

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PHASE 1: Aug 18 - 29

The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.

By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.

4 Weeks in Seoul (Hybrid)

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:

U.S. go-to-market strategy development
Market positioning and messaging refinement
Team alignment for international execution
Market expansion planning and milestone setting

Phase 2: Sep 8 - 26

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:

U.S. market validation and customer insight
Mentorship from experienced operators and VCs
Strategic networking within the startup and VC ecosystem
Long-term growth planning and readiness

Phase 4: Nov 3 - 14

1 week (Virtual)

Follow-on Support

Support continues after the US-leg of the Program with a debrief and roadmap for next steps. Furthermore, startups will continue to check-in to discuss progress, participate in community events and receive coaching support as needed to help sustain momentum for outcomes in their market expansion efforts.

(Optional) Additional Expansion

Up to 12 weeks in Palo Alto, US

Continued Personalized Mentoring

Optional portion of the program offers continued personalized mentoring, providing startups with tailored guidance and support to address their unique challenges and opportunities.

*Startups that are eligible for this Phase will be determined through discussions.

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Companies we've supported through Global Launch Programs

Autonomous AI Agent for online retailers

Conducted 33 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Used learnings from the program to secure 10 PoCs (10 contracts) with SMEs in the US

30 new customers registered on the waitlist

4 partnerships in US with digital marketing agencies

Identified new ICP, targeting mid-size apparel brands on Shopify, mid-size digital marketing agency, mid-size Shopify consulting firm

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

Discovering novel enzyme using proprietary microbial data

Conducted 130 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Leveraged learnings from the program to close their JPY 400M Seed Extension round

Hired 1 new team member, Chief Business Officer (CBO), in the U.S. for global expansion

Revised mid-term strategy, created company-wide north star and KPIs

Identified new ICP, targeting major companies in pharma/life science and industry BioTech

Autonomous AI Agent for online retailers

Conducted 33 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Used learnings from the program to secure 10 PoCs (10 contracts) with SMEs in the US

30 new customers registered on the waitlist

4 partnerships in US with digital marketing agencies

Identified new ICP, targeting mid-size apparel brands on Shopify, mid-size digital marketing agency, mid-size Shopify consulting firm

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

Discovering novel enzyme using proprietary microbial data

Conducted 130 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Leveraged learnings from the program to close their JPY 400M Seed Extension round

Hired 1 new team member, Chief Business Officer (CBO), in the U.S. for global expansion

Revised mid-term strategy, created company-wide north star and KPIs

Identified new ICP, targeting major companies in pharma/life science and industry BioTech

Autonomous AI Agent for online retailers

Conducted 33 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Used learnings from the program to secure 10 PoCs (10 contracts) with SMEs in the US

30 new customers registered on the waitlist

4 partnerships in US with digital marketing agencies

Identified new ICP, targeting mid-size apparel brands on Shopify, mid-size digital marketing agency, mid-size Shopify consulting firm

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Companies we've supported through IBK Changgong

Autonomous AI Agent for online retailers

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

Conducted 33 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Secured 10 PoCs (10 contracts) with SMEs in the U.S.

30 new customers registered on the waitlist

4 partnerships in the U.S. with digital marketing agencies

Identified new ICP, targeting mid-size apparel brands on Shopify, mid-size digital marketing agency, mid-size Shopify consulting firm

AI-driven behavioral intelligence platform

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

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

Discovering novel enzyme using proprietary microbial data

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

Conducted 130 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Closed their JPY 400M Seed Extension round

Hired 1 new team member, Chief Business Officer (CBO), in the U.S. for global expansion

Revised mid-term strategy, created company-wide north star and KPIs

Identified new ICP, targeting major companies in pharma/life science and industry BioTech

Autonomous AI Agent for online retailers

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

Conducted 33 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Secured 10 PoCs (10 contracts) with SMEs in the U.S.

30 new customers registered on the waitlist

4 partnerships in the U.S. with digital marketing agencies

Identified new ICP, targeting mid-size apparel brands on Shopify, mid-size digital marketing agency, mid-size Shopify consulting firm

AI-driven behavioral intelligence platform

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

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

Discovering novel enzyme using proprietary microbial data

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

Conducted 130 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Closed their JPY 400M Seed Extension round

Hired 1 new team member, Chief Business Officer (CBO), in the U.S. for global expansion

Revised mid-term strategy, created company-wide north star and KPIs

Identified new ICP, targeting major companies in pharma/life science and industry BioTech

Autonomous AI Agent for online retailers

Leveraging learnings from the program, the following were achieved by the startup, as reported to 500 Global¹:

Conducted 33 meetings during the program with investors and potential clients

Secured 10 PoCs (10 contracts) with SMEs in the U.S.

30 new customers registered on the waitlist

4 partnerships in the U.S. with digital marketing agencies

Identified new ICP, targeting mid-size apparel brands on Shopify, mid-size digital marketing agency, mid-size Shopify consulting firm

Partner

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Through its global network and long-standing commitment to supporting Irish companies, Enterprise Ireland plays a central role in helping businesses scale internationally.

Why 500 Global?

Our first program was founded in Silicon Valley in 2010. With a proven track record of accelerating startups globally, 500 Global is among the first US-based VCs to offer accelerator programs for startup founders in Japan. We launched our initial program in 2016 and have since conducted 13 successful programs in Japan, supporting over 300 startups to date².

We’re committed to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in Japan. Read more about our recent engagement in the region.

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years of experience in startup acceleration

190+

Startup program batches launched³

3,000+

Startups accelerated worldwide⁴

300+

Japanese startups supported⁵

Why 500 Global?

→

years of experience in startup acceleration

170+

Startup program batches launched⁴

2,900+

Startups accelerated worldwide⁵

300+

Japanese startups supported⁶

Disclaimer

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.