KoreaTechDesk Virtual Demo Day, concluded successfully its largest event since its launch in April 2024 on August 14 in a high note, leaving both startups and judges optimistic about the future. The virtual event brought together a diverse lineup of innovative Korean startups, each eager to make their mark on the global stage. The KoreaTechDesk Virtual Demo Day, proved to be a resounding success, offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies emerging from South Korea.
KoreaTechDesk Virtual Demo Day, is a key milestone in the 2024 Gangnam Global Roadshow, highlighting innovative Korean startups ready to make a global impact.
The 11 enterprising Korean startups that took part in the August 2024 edition have undergone a rigorous acceleration program with lead investors from the USA and Singapore. These startups were part of the prestigious 2024 Gangnam Global Roadshow, organized in collaboration with beSUCCESS Media Group and the Korea Venture Business Association (KOVA). The KTD Virtual Demo Day is a key milestone for the startups who will attend an on site program to be held in the US and Singapore in October 2024.
The KoreaTechDesk Virtual Demo Day August edition was held in two parts, where global investors joined to guide and evaluate innovative Korean startups. On August 14, eight startups, who are set to fly to USA for onsite demo day, pitched to global investors and three startups set to Singapore pitched in the second session.
The event served as a preparatory step for an upcoming on-site Demo Day in the U.S. this October. Participating startups used this opportunity to fine-tune their pitches and receive critical feedback from a panel of esteemed international judges. The excitement and energy in the room were palpable as each startup presented their vision, followed by engaging discussions that helped them sharpen their strategies for global expansion.
Each startup got five minutes to pitch and five minutes for feedback from the investors. The sessions were engaging as startups from diverse fields, including healthcare, fintech, AI, content, and e-commerce, showcased the latest technologies.
Esteemed Panel of Judges:
The startups were evaluated by an impressive panel of judges who brought diverse perspectives and extensive expertise to the event. They included:
- Ekta Dang, CEO and Founder of U First Capital, USA: Dr. Dang’s insight into venture capital and strategic partnerships proved invaluable to the startups, as she provided guidance on scaling their operations.
- Brett Calhoun, General Partner at Redbud VC, USA: Known for his focus on early-stage investments, Calhoun offered constructive feedback on fundraising strategies and helped startups refine their pitches.
- Iskander Haouam, Investments and Ventures Builder Manager at Namal Impact Investment: Haouam’s expertise in fintech and global expansion strategies provided startups with crucial advice on navigating international markets.
- Deep Singhania, Venture Partner, KFC Ventures: With over 20 years of experience in IT, Deep has consistently driven growth across international markets. He is the founder of AugmentSol, which supports IT companies with strategy development and market enablement in Southeast Asia.
- YekSoon Lok, Partner, Awesome Ventures VC: A seasoned venture capitalist with 25+ years of experience, YekSoon has invested in and mentored startups across diverse sectors like ClimateTech, FinTech, MedTech, and more. His strategic insights and investment experience were invaluable to the participating startups
As the event concluded, the participating startups walked away with valuable insights and actionable feedback. The KTD Demo Day served as a crucial stepping stone, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in their future on-site pitches in the U.S. and Singapore.
The event not only showcased the innovation coming out of South Korea but also highlighted the significance of platforms like KTD Demo Day in nurturing startups for global success. With the continued support of experienced investors and mentors, these startups are well on their way to achieving their ambitious goals in the international market.
KTD Demo Day successfully set the stage for the startups’ upcoming on-site pitches in the U.S. and Singapore this October. The feedback from judges will help them further refine their business models and presentations, positioning them for success in securing partnerships and funding.
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