Seonghyun Kong

I am a startup ecosystem builder with 17+ years of experience in early-stage investment, acceleration, and global startup collaboration. Currently, I serve as Executive Secretary of the Korea Startup Accelerators and Early-stage Investors Association (KAIA) — Korea’s leading association representing accelerators, early-stage venture investors, and innovation-driven stakeholders. Through KAIA, I work closely with key government bodies, private investors, and global partners to support early-stage startups and cross-border collaboration. Our association functions as a national platform empowering Korean accelerators to scale their impact globally. I’m passionate about connecting Korean innovation with the global market, and I actively support inbound and outbound startup programs, investment summits, and policy development for early-stage founders. 🔹 Key Focus Areas - Supporting accelerators & early-stage investors - Cross-border startup investment & soft landing programs - Technology commercialization and public-private partnerships - Global innovation ecosystem building (Vietnam, Taiwan, USA, etc.) - Startup policy advocacy and national program coordination 🔹 Professional Highlights - Executive Secretary, KAIA (2019–Present) Leading Korea’s national association of accelerators and early-stage investors - Director, Startup Grind Seoul Chapter (2021–Present) Connecting global founders, investors, and local innovation players - Yangjae R&CD Innovation Hub – Head of AI Startup Support Program (2017–2019) - KAIST Innovation Center – Senior Researcher for Startup & Investment Programs (2012–2019) 🔹 Global Engagement & Recognition - Course completion at UT-Austin – “Converting Technology to Wealth” Program - Organized global startup delegations & forums (China, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, USA, etc.) - City of Daejeon – Award for Excellence in Tech Commercialization (2016) - Adjunct Professor, Korea University Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (2022)