PIONEERS 2025 Korea Delegation: A Global Showcase of Korea's Emerging Innovators in LA
| Program Overview
The Pioneers is a global market entry program hosted by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), bringing together top-performing startups from the Korea Youth Startup Academy — a leading government-backed accelerator dedicated to nurturing early-stage entrepreneurs with high growth potential.
The Pioneers 2025 Korea delegation comprises 20 companies specifically selected for their strong global potential. From September 22–26, they will visit Silicon Valley and Los Angeles to participate in demo days and business matchmaking sessions with local investors, partners, buyers, and so on.
This program offers a unique platform to directly connect Korea’s next-generation innovators with key players in the U.S. startup, investment, and enterprise ecosystem — fostering meaningful partnerships and unlocking opportunities for global growth.
About Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME)
KOSME, under the Ministry of SMEs and Startups of the Korean government, has over 40 years of experience in supporting the growth, innovation, and global expansion of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises. With a proven track record in nurturing some of Korea’s most successful startups, KOSME plays a central role in shaping Korea’s startup ecosystem and bridging it with global markets. Since 2011, KOSME has operated the Korea Youth Startup Academy across the country, supporting early-stage startups to grow into unicorn companies.
Unicorn Alumni from Youth Startup Academy of KOSME
Toss (Viva Republica) | Korea’s first and most iconic fintech unicorns
Zigbang (Zigbang) | a leading real estate platform
| Program Schedule
*** Details on time and venue will be shared soon
- September 25(Thu): Private Demo Day (Afternoon)
- September 26(Fri): Business Matchmaking Session (Afternoon)
Session Description
Private Demo Day | Startup pitches and open networking with U.S. investors.
Business Matchmaking Session | 1:1 meetings curated based on sector interest.
- Meetings will be scheduled based on participant information submitted through RSVP
- Online pre-meetings may be arranged based on mutual interest(OPTIONAL)
| Why You Should Attend
Discover exclusive pre-market opportunities from Korea’s emerging innovators.
- Meet Korea’s Next-Gen Innovators
Discover 20 early-stage startups handpicked from Korea’s top government accelerator, the Youth Startup Academy, known for producing globally competitive entrepreneurs.
- Uncover Emerging Technologies and Market-Ready Solutions
From cutting-edge SaaS and AI to consumer tech and beauty innovations, explore investable and partner-ready startups poised to scale internationally.
- Connect Directly with Decision Makers
All participating companies are founder-led, with CEOs on-site to pitch, network, and explore collaboration opportunities with U.S. partners.
- Unlock New Partnership & Investment Pipelines
Build direct relationships with Korean startups seeking strategic partners, U.S. resellers, OEM/ODM collaborators, and global investors.
- Be Part of a Curated, High-Impact Exchange
This delegation is part of an exclusive market-entry program designed to connect Korea’s most promising young founders with the U.S. innovation ecosystem through in-person engagement.
| Expected Startup Sectors
The 2025 Korea delegation reflects the diversity and momentum of Korea’s emerging startup landscape, spanning both B2B and B2C models.
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Healthcare & Wellness
- AI SaaS Enterprise Solutions
- Consumer Goods
- Media & Content
- Foodtech
| 2023 Program Highlights
A glimpse into the journey of 2023, where Korea delegation pitched, networked, and built global bridges in Silicon Valley
| Meet the Organizers
Hosted by : Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME)
Co-hosted by : beSUCCESS Media Group
About beSUCCESS Media Group
Founded in 2010 with the mission of helping Korean startups go global, beSUCCESS is a trusted leader in Korea’s startup ecosystem, known for driving cross-border innovation through its own global startup conference, international acceleration programs, direct investments, and strategic PR/marketing services.
We operate 11 global media channels, building credibility and visibility across markets — particularly through its trusted media platforms KoreaTechDesk and AsiaTechDaily.
| Contact
Mina Park, Director – minapark@besuccess.com (LinkedIn)
Vallabh Rao, Director – vallabh@besuccess.com (LinkedIn)