K-Startups Head to SV to Write Success Stories

Silicon Valley in the U.S., the heart of vast technology, has become ablaze with the passion of young Korean entrepreneurs. The 'L-Camp Silicon Valley Season 4' program, hosted by Lotte Ventures, will run until the 25th (local time), providing a solid stepping stone for domestic startups to make a global leap. Inheriting the global pioneering spirit of the late Lotte founder Shin Kyuk-ho, Lotte Ventures is sparing no genuine support beyond simple investment, aiming to secure future growth engines. This program, which began with its first season in 2021, has so far provided 32 startups with opportunities for exchange with local investors, establishment of core networks, and sharing valuable experiences from senior entrepreneurs, proving its effectiveness. In particular, for this 4th season, seven startups poised to lead future advanced technology fields such as cloud, semiconductors, robotics, and digital healthcare were carefully selected. Lotte Ventures evaluated their potential, focusing not only on their technological capabilities but also on their 'survival potential' and 'commercialization capabilities' in the global market. A notable point is the enthusiastic interest from local investors. Through the active network of Lotte Ventures' U.S. branch, over 70 investors participated in this IR event, more than triple the number from the previous season, allowing a glimpse into Silicon Valley's heightened expectations for Korean startups. In the panel discussion 'L-Camp Silicon Valley: Korean Founder & Venture Capital Mixer' held on the first day of the local program, the 21st, local veteran VCs such as LFX Venture Partners, Broadway Venture Partners, and Cathay Innovation, led by Ahn Jun-young, head of Lotte Ventures' U.S. branch, provided invaluable practical advice on topics like U.S. investment evaluation criteria, risk management, and overcoming cultural barriers. In the subsequent IR pitching session, the potential for practical business connections between invited local investors and startups was explored. From the second day, vivid know-how lectures and workshops will follow, led by senior entrepreneurs who have already gained successful experience in Silicon Valley, including Yura Hwang, Head of APAC Partnerships at Perplexity; Jinwoo Kim, CEO of Riiid; Donghee Lee, CEO of Synclly; and Sehyuk Park, CIO of Moloco. Additionally, veteran investors and experts such as Taehee Nam, CEO of Storm Ventures, which has invested in approximately 200 companies, and Ki-yong Han, adjunct professor at San Jose State University, who has extensive experience in large corporations, startup founding, and angel investing, will provide in-depth insights into the characteristics of the U.S. market and investment attraction strategies, raising the bar for participating companies. Kim Seung-wook, CEO of Lotte Ventures, stated, "We will actively utilize our local networks, including our U.S. branch, Vietnam entity, and Lotte Ventures Japan, to continuously build cross-border startup support programs." He expressed a strong commitment, saying, "We will spare no effort in supporting domestic startups with global expansion potential to successfully establish themselves on the global stage." As such, L-Camp Silicon Valley goes beyond simple education, playing a crucial bridgehead role for Korean startups to expand into the global market, and realizing the true value of investment for the future.