K-Ground Ventures Actively Supports Global Expansion of Korea’s Next-Generation Growth Companies

K-Ground Ventures(CEO Namhoon Cho), a leading deep-tech and IP specialized VC and the operator of Scale-up TIPS Program in Korea, announced on the 19th that it participated in the Silicon Valley Summit 2025 in the U.S. at the invitation of Plug and Play Tech Center-the world’s largest open innovation platform and investment firm known for nurturing PayPal, Dropbox and FiscalNote.     During the event, K-Ground Ventures engaged in meetups with global VCs and startups and pledged to actively strengthen cooperation networks aimed at facilitating the entry of Scale-up TIPS companies and other Korean next-generation growth startups into the Silicon Valley ecosystem.   Namhoon Cho, CEO of K-Ground Ventures, who was directly invited by Plug & Play to attend the Silicon Valley Summit 2025, stated, “In a rapidly shifting global landscape marked by protectionism, tariffs, and geopolitical conflicts, Korean startups need to actively respond by establishing overseas subsidiaries, collaborating with other startups, and jointly marketing within the global ecosystem.” He emphasized, “Especially in the scale-up phase, it is critical to partner with VCs that have global networks and exit experience to quickly secure overseas investment, intellectual property (IP), and marketing capabilities.”   Cho is recognized as a global investment expert in deep tech and IP, having led numerous successful global M&As—including the $180 million acquisition of Axio (founded by Koreans in the U.S.) by Cisco—and has been at the forefront of Korea’s deep tech investment sector since his early career in Silicon Valley in the 2000s.   Plug and Play, known as the world’s largest innovation ecosystem and investment platform—with a track record of major investments in Google and others—has announced its intention to enter the Korean market in cooperation with local governments such as Busan and Goyang. It also plans to work with K-Ground Ventures to build a startup investment ecosystem in Korea. Plug and Play hosts the Silicon Valley Summit twice a year, and the first half of 2025's event, held from June 10–12, featured participation from 30 countries, over 300 global VCs, more than 900 global corporations, over 940 startup teams, and over 200 government officials. The summit sparked intense discussions on building a global innovation ecosystem and scaling up startups.   K-Ground Ventures recently organized the “World-Class Enterprise Exchange,” a networking event involving Scale-up TIPS-selected companies and listed firms seeking new growth engines, in partnership with the World-Class Enterprise Association. The firm also led several initiatives including an “IR Event for Scale-up TIPS Operators” with Incheon Technopark, and a “Startup Meetup” in collaboration with the National Bio Lab Hub project team, actively supporting Korean startups’ global expansion.   In addition to investments, K-Ground Ventures places great importance on supporting the growth of its portfolio companies through the creation of converged industry ecosystems. In 2023, the firm spearheaded the “Mobility Healthcare Alliance,” bridging the mobility and healthcare sectors. As a result, joint development agreements were established between its portfolio companies and global automakers within two years. The firm is now also driving the formation of the “AI-Semiconductor Convergence Industry Alliance” with invested startups like Daton and HyperVisual, aiming to play a key role in Korea’s emerging AI industrial ecosystem—which anticipates over 100 trillion KRW in investments during the “Edge Device, Physical AI” era.   Furthermore, K-Ground Ventures is working on launching a global fund in collaboration with overseas capital and networks interested in Korean startups. The fund will focus investments on Scale-up TIPS-selected or promising startups that are either expanding abroad or possess globally valuable IP. The global fund is expected to include contributions from government bodies, local governments, major domestic listed companies, and global corporations as limited partners (LPs), with the goal of completing its formation and beginning investments within 2025. As both an IP fund manager and operator of Scale-up TIPS, K-Ground Ventures plans to actively nurture Korean startups into unicorns by linking with programs like the Scale-up TIPS Global Track and the Global Star Fund managed by Korea’s Fund of Funds, helping startups secure world-class IP and marketing capabilities.      최지원 기자generation expansion ground ventures generation growth conflicts korean

2025.06.19. 17:32

K-Ground Ventures Hosts IR Day to Support Global Expansion of Deep Tech Startups

K-Ground Ventures, a deep tech commercialization-specialized VC and the first operator of the Scale-Up TIPS program, announced on June 2nd that it held an IR Day event on May 27 in collaboration with Incheon Technopark. The event hosted Scale-Up TIPS operators and supported startups aiming for overseas expansion. Selected companies will undergo due diligence, followed by investment to drive global achievements.     Cho Nam-hoon, CEO of K-Ground Ventures and Vice President of the Scale-Up TIPS Association, who served as the chief judge of the IR event, stated, “This IR Day was organized for the first time by bringing together Scale-Up TIPS operator judges to help outstanding startups fostered by Incheon Technopark expand overseas. While R&D capabilities are important, startups aiming for global markets must also focus on solving customer pain points and building market-centered commercialization strategies.” He also noted that before the evaluations, a diagnostics and advisory program (covering business management, global IP acquisition, and investment attraction) was conducted to prepare the companies, and it received positive feedback from the judges. K-Ground Ventures is expected to invest in multiple companies from the event, not just the top-ranked one, following due diligence and further discussions.    “Cooperation between globally competitive mid-sized companies and startups is a necessary opportunity in this changing era.”  On the morning of the 27th, K-Ground Ventures also created opportunities for IR and open innovation by inviting selected Scale-Up TIPS companies and promising startups to a networking event hosted by the World Class Companies Association (Chairman: Lee Jun-hyuk).   Cho Nam-hoon commented, “In this era of rapid change and the AI revolution, mid-sized companies with global scale-up experience and a need for growth engines and collaborative technologies are more open to partnering with startups because of their ability to make quick decisions. Startups should not only seek collaboration with large corporations but also create global scale-up success and build new industrial ecosystems in deep tech by partnering with mid-sized companies.”   K-Ground Ventures is currently operating the Hongneung Advanced Science and Technology Commercialization Funds and the Innovation IP Fund. As the first Scale-Up TIPS operator, it leverages CEO Cho Nam-hoon’s Silicon Valley experience and his previous role as the founding CEO of Korea Science and Technology Holdings (KST), along with a national network of government-funded research institutes, to produce specialized results in deep tech commercialization.   K-Ground’s differentiated value-up strategy focuses on creating new value through open innovation with mid-sized companies and collaboration among portfolio companies, contributing directly to the scale-up of its investees. To execute this strategy, various mid-sized companies are already participating as LPs (limited partners) in its funds to explore new business opportunities and investments, and global expert advisory groups from diverse fields are supporting convergence technology collaborations between startups and portfolio companies to deliver global outcomes.   A notable case was during the 2023 Investor Family Day event, where K-Ground Ventures proposed the Mobility Healthcare Alliance, a convergence commercialization model connecting deep tech startups with regional innovation hubs across Korea. This initiative encouraged the development of globally competitive, breakthrough technologies. Notably, NF, an oxygen supply system company, and Yellowknife, an SDV (Software Defined Vehicle) company founded by former Hyundai Motor employees, joined the alliance and are now engaged in joint development with global mobility firms—making this a leading example of deep tech commercialization and global industry ecosystem building through K-Ground Ventures' collaborative investment model.   Looking ahead, K-Ground Ventures plans to establish a global fund exceeding USD 25 million with U.S.-based KRS Ventures by the end of 2025. As a Scale-Up TIPS operator, it will continue to nurture startups with unicorn potential through the Scale-Up TIPS Global Track and Global Star Fund connections.   최지원 기자expansion ventures ground ventures startups aiming deep tech

2025.06.01. 22:02

Korean Fintech ATON Targets Global Expansion with Mobile Security Solution at Major Telecom Conference

Korean fintech security company ATON (co-CEOs Jong-seo Kim and Gill-soo Woo) announced May 29 its global expansion strategy with the mobile security solution 'DefendUs' at the GSMA-hosted 'M360 Eurasia 2025' conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, leveraging its successful partnerships with Korea's three major telecommunications operators as a foundation for international growth.   DefendUs, which has been operating in Korea as the ‘Mobile Protection Service' through partnerships with SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+, represents a proven anti-smishing technology that provides real-time malicious link detection across SMS, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp, and other messaging platforms. The solution's success in Korea's advanced telecommunications market positions ATON to pursue strategic partnerships with global telecom operators.   The company's international debut comes at a critical time when mobile security threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. DefendUs addresses these challenges through its unique "detection-management-education" framework that continuously improves user security behavior patterns while providing comprehensive protection across both iOS and Android platforms.   During the 'Power of Partnership' session at M360 Eurasia 2025 on May 22 (local time), Nam Tae-wook, Head of ATON's Service Business Division, emphasized how telecommunications operators' network infrastructure and user relationships create ideal conditions for delivering effective real-time security services. "Our successful collaboration with Korea's leading telecom operators demonstrates the power of partnership-based security solutions," Nam explained.   The DefendUs platform distinguishes itself from traditional antivirus solutions by extending protection beyond applications to web browsing and social media interactions. Its innovative family notification feature enables real-time threat sharing among household members, particularly protecting digitally vulnerable populations.   "DefendUs goes beyond simple detection to continuously improve users' security behavior patterns through a cyclical structure of 'detection-management-education,'" Nam said. "The family notification feature, which enables real-time sharing of threat situations among family members, plays a significant role in protecting digitally vulnerable populations."   Modern smishing attacks have evolved to impersonate legitimate communications including government fines, package tracking notifications, congratulations, and obituaries, with tactics continuously adapted to exploit current social issues and seasonal events. ATON's solution addresses these sophisticated threats through AI-powered detection and real-time response capabilities.   "Increasingly sophisticated mobile phishing crimes require close collaboration among telecommunications companies, financial institutions, government agencies, and security firms," Nam emphasized. "DefendUs facilitates this cooperation through shared threat intelligence, AI-driven analysis, and enhanced security protocols."   Following its M360 presentation, ATON plans to establish partnerships with international telecommunications companies to expand DefendUs globally, building on the validation and operational experience gained through its Korean market success.   M360 Eurasia 2025 is Central Asia's largest digital and telecommunications industry event, hosted by GSMA with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Digital Technologies as an official partner. The conference addressed key emerging technologies including generative AI, 5G networks, and cybersecurity solutions.     최지원 기자conference expansion major telecommunications mobile security telecommunications market

2025.05.29. 2:27

Foodle Inc. Makes a Bold Statement at ‘Maison&Objet 2024’, Paving the Way for Global Expansion

Foodle Inc., a social startup dedicated to creating sustainable living solutions, proudly announces its successful debut at the prestigious Maison&Objet, held from September 5th to 9th, 2024, as part of Paris Design Week.   The exhibition, a key event in the global design calendar, provided Foodle with an exceptional platform to introduce its eco-friendly products to a diverse international audience of industry professionals, environmental advocates, and design enthusiasts.    At this highly regarded event, Foodle showcased its flagship products, including the modular, high-temperature-resistant ‘Plate07,’ the lightweight yet durable ‘Cactus Cup,’ and the versatile ‘Oval Dome’ dishware. These products are thoughtfully designed to reduce plastic waste while enhancing user experiences through practicality, aesthetics, and emotional appeal.    Attendees lauded Foodle’s unique ability to combine sustainability with sleek, modern design. “Maison&Objet offered us an unparalleled opportunity to present our design philosophy on an international stage,” said CEO Chaeyoung Youn. “We were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback and the valuable connections we established, which have already sparked promising discussions for partnerships across Europe.”    With a clear vision to foster eco-friendly living beyond product sales, Foodle has taken its first significant steps towards expanding into the European market. Following their success at Maison&Objet, Foodle plans to deepen its presence in the global market, leveraging the momentum gained from the exhibition.    The company is now in talks with multiple European distributors and retailers, who expressed strong interest in Foodle’s innovative approach to sustainability and lifestyle products. Foodle’s international debut marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to reimagine daily routines through sustainable, eco-conscious design. By aligning practicality with ecological responsibility, Foodle continues to push boundaries, creating a future where sustainability is seamlessly woven into everyday life.  박원중 기자 ([email protected])statement expansion friendly products european market international audience

2024.10.22. 1:23

Hills Pilates hitting their stride in overseas expansion to foster human resources

Hills Pilates is hitting their stride in overseas expansion as they continue to expand their branches in various countries to share the benefits of Korean Pilates and to nurture talented individuals around the world to teach and help more people. Currently focusing their expansion in the South East Asia regions, they have branches in South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.     Hills Pilates's personalized 1:1 classes has received high satisfaction and positive feedbacks from their local clients. There is a big segment of clients who wants and enjoys personalized classes.   Hills Pilates teaches the curriculum of K.I.P.A (Korea International Pilates Academy). Based on the fundamental principles and philosophy of Joseph Pilates, K.I.P.A's methods are what we know today as modern Pilates.     At Hills, all certified instructors continue to learn and obtain new certifications yearly. It is imperative that our instructors are armed with all the necessary knowledge and experience to provide a truly personalised experience for our clients. A big part of the business is to be progressive and working within our own team ensuring that everyone is always relevant and updated, says one of the instructors and student of K.I.P.A.     With aim to become a globally recognised brand, Hills Pilates will be reaching out to more communites across Asia and ensuring quality curriculum at all their branches.   You can check out more details at “Hills Pilates” official Instagram. @hillpilates_    김진우 기자 ([email protected])expansion resources hills pilatess korean pilates modern pilates

2022.10.05. 23:22