Since 2012, 500 Global has been investing in Korea, with more than 90 portfolio companies operating across AI, semiconductors, robotics, healthcare & life sciences, clean energy & eco-friendly technologies, advanced manufacturing & sensors, fintech, and consumer content.
We made our first investment in Korea in 2012 and began deploying our first dedicated fund in 2015. Since then, we have built three early stage funds dedicated to the market and invested in 90+ companies.
500 Global is more than a venture investor in Korea. We serve as a trusted partner to founders, investors, and institutions shaping the country’s innovation economy and supporting Korean founders and innovations to expand globally.
Through our office in Seoul and global headquarters in Silicon Valley, we bring on-the-ground expertise and global experience and connectivity to help Korean startups scale.
Our accelerator and market access programs provide an additional structured and results oriented pathway for Korean founders and startups to go global.
500 Global’s first Korean investment - Tapas Media.
Launched our first dedicated Korea fund.
Launched our first Series A program for our portfolio companies in Seoul.
Launched our second dedicated Korea fund.
Launched our first Seed Program for our portfolio companies in Seoul.
Launched LG U+Intrapreneurship Program in collaboration with LG U+.
Launched KISED Accelerator Program in collaboration with KISED.
50 Korean companies in the portfolio.
Launched KIC Express Soaring Program in collaboration with KIC Sillicon Valley.
Partnered with LG Uplus on dedicated intrapreneurship and ‘train the trainers’ program.
Launched Global Expansion Pilot in collaboration with KOTRA.
Attained Accelerator License (AC License) in Korea.
Launched Shinhan Square Accelerator in collaboration with Shinhan.
Launched AI Yangjae Hub for Global Expansion.
Launched our third dedicated Korea fund as a Korean domiciled structure in collaboration with the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK). Portfolio companies participate in the IBK Changgong Silicon Valley program delivered by 500 Global.
Launched Asan Voyager Program in collaboration with Asan Namun Foundation.
Attained TIPS Operator Status in Korea.
Delivered an overseas expansion program for deep tech startups to Silicon Valley and Riyadh, in partnership with the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of Korea.
90+ Korean companies in the portfolio.
Delivered 40 batches of programs in Korea, with more than 340 participating companies in aggregate.
Led Founders Program to Tokyo and Kobe in collaboration with Seoul Business Agency.
Collaborated with KIC Silicon Valley on the KIC Silicon Valley PMF and GMF Program.
500 Global aims to serve as a bridge connecting Korea’s startup and venture ecosystem to the global stage, accelerating its integration into the world’s leading innovation networks.
Korean portfolio companies.
Entrepreneurs accelerated, across all Korea-focused programs
Total capital invested in Korean companies,
Global expansions supported through programs, from Korea into new markets.
The IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program is a 12-week structured pathway designed to accelerate the global expansion of high-potential Korean technology startups operating across sectors of national strategic importance — including AI, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, robotics, healthcare, and eco-friendly technologies. Co-delivered with IBK Changgong, the program combines four weeks of in-market preparation in Seoul with eight weeks of immersive acceleration in Silicon Valley, equipping founders with the go-to-market strategy, mentorship, networks, and market exposure needed to scale.
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