- Korean-American venture capitalist Han Kim played a key role in laying the foundation for South Korea’s tech boom.
- Kim co-founded Altos Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based firm, which became one of the early investors in successful Korean startups like Naver and Kakao.
Han Kim, a Korean-American venture capitalist, has been instrumental in paving the way for South Korea’s tech boom. Co-founding Altos Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based firm, Kim became one of the early investors in successful Korean startups like Naver and Kakao, contributing to the development of South Korea’s thriving tech ecosystem.
Altos Ventures, founded in 1996, was one of the first Silicon Valley venture capital firms to actively invest in South Korea. Kim, with his deep knowledge of both Korean and American cultures, proved to be a valuable bridge between the two countries’ tech scenes, facilitating investments and partnerships.
One of Altos Ventures’ most notable early investments was in Naver, Korea’s leading internet portal. With Kim’s guidance, Altos Ventures recognized the potential of Naver’s search engine and advertising business model, providing crucial funding and strategic advice. Naver grew to become a dominant force in the Korean internet market and later expanded into various industries, including messaging, e-commerce, and AI.
Another significant investment for Altos Ventures was in Kakao, the company behind Korea’s popular messaging app of the same name. Kim played a pivotal role in Kakao’s early growth, helping secure funding and strategic partnerships. Kakao evolved into a multi-faceted tech platform, offering a range of services such as mobile banking, ride-hailing, and content distribution.
Through Altos Ventures, Kim not only supported successful startups but also contributed to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem in South Korea. The firm’s investments acted as catalysts for other venture capital firms and angel investors to become more actively involved in Korean startups, attracting further funding and expertise.
In addition to his involvement with Altos Ventures, Kim has also been an advocate for enhancing the global competitiveness of South Korean startups. He actively promotes cross-border collaborations and networking opportunities between South Korean and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, facilitating the exchange of ideas, capital, and resources.
The impact of Han Kim’s Altos Ventures on South Korea’s tech industry cannot be overstated. Through early investments in successful startups like Naver and Kakao, the firm played a crucial role in kickstarting the country’s tech boom. Kim’s expertise and connections bridged the gap between Silicon Valley and South Korea, stimulating further investments and promoting the growth of a world-class tech ecosystem.
