In today’s hyper-competitive innovation landscape, finding startups that balance global scalability with investor-ready discipline is no easy feat. This September, that opportunity comes to California as Korea’s most promising innovators present their solutions through PIONEERS 2025, a government-vetted program designed to connect next-generation founders with global partners.
First launched in 2023, this second edition offers U.S. investors and corporate leaders a rare front-row seat to Korea’s emerging technologies — and the chance to engage directly with the decision-makers shaping their global expansion.
Korea’s Next-Generation Startups Step onto the U.S. Stage
Hosted by the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME) and co-organized by beSUCCESS media group, PIONEERS 2025 is bringing 20 of Korea’s most promising young companies to Silicon Valley and Los Angeles for a week of private demo days and curated business matchmaking.
These founders represent the very best of Korea’s Youth Startup Academy, a government-backed accelerator that has consistently produced globally competitive entrepreneurs.
Alumni of Youth Startup Academy include fintech giant Toss (Viva Republica), Korea’s first and most iconic fintech unicorn, and Zigbang, the leading real estate platform that reached unicorn status in 2021.
Their trajectory underscores the quality and credibility of the pipeline now preparing to enter the U.S. market through PIONEERS 2025.
PIONEERS 2025: Program Overview
From September 22–26, 2025, the delegation will engage directly with U.S. investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders.
Silicon Valley
- September 23 (Tue): Private Demo Day (Afternoon)
- September 24 (Wed): Business Matchmaking Session (Afternoon)
Los Angeles
- September 25 (Thu): Private Demo Day (Afternoon)
- September 26 (Fri): Business Matchmaking Session (Afternoon)
*(Specific time and venues will be announced closer to the event.)
The private demo days will spotlight founder-led startup pitches, giving investors and buyers a first look at emerging solutions ready for international scale.
The business matchmaking sessions are designed to create tailored 1:1 meetings based on sector interests, ensuring direct conversations between decision-makers and startups. Online pre-meetings may also be arranged in advance where mutual interest is established.
Why U.S. Investors and Buyers Should Attend
PIONEERS 2025 is more than a delegation showcase. It is a curated gateway into Korea’s most dynamic early-stage talent pool. By attending this program, you will secure a front-row seat to unlimited possibilities, both during and beyond the event.
These include:
- Discover early-stage innovators with global growth potential, handpicked from Korea’s most selective government accelerator.
- Explore emerging technologies and consumer trends, spanning AI, SaaS, enterprise solutions, beauty and personal care, healthcare, consumer goods, media, and foodtech.
- Engage directly with decision-makers, as all companies are founder-led, with CEOs present on-site to pitch and negotiate.
- Unlock new partnership pipelines with startups actively seeking strategic investors, U.S. resellers, OEM/ODM partners, and global collaborators.
- Gain exclusive early access to pre-market solutions before they reach wider global visibility.
For U.S. stakeholders, this is a unique chance to engage with startups that have already proven themselves in Korea’s demanding domestic market — and are now ready to expand across North America.
Sectors Represented at PIONEERS 2025
The PIONEERS 2025 Korea delegation spans both B2B and B2C models, reflecting the diversity and strength of Korea’s startup ecosystem. Participating companies represent key growth industries including:
- Beauty & Personal Care
- Healthcare & Wellness
- AI / SaaS / Enterprise Solutions
- Consumer Goods
- Media & Content
- Foodtech
Looking Back: 2023 Program Highlights
The first edition of PIONEERS in 2023 offered a glimpse of what this program can achieve.
The Korea delegation pitched their solutions in Silicon Valley, engaged directly with U.S. investors and partners, and built cross-border bridges that have since translated into ongoing collaborations.
From networking sessions to curated meetings, the inaugural program underscored the potential of connecting Korea’s rising founders with the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems — a foundation that PIONEERS 2025 is now set to expand even further.
PIONEERS 2025: The Dedicated Organizers
PIONEERS 2025 is hosted by KOSME, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, under Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
With more than 40 years of experience, KOSME has played a central role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, nurturing innovative startups, and bridging Korea’s startup ecosystem with global markets. Since 2011, it has operated the Youth Startup Academy, producing founders who have grown into unicorns and global leaders.
Additionally, the program is co-hosted by beSUCCESS Media Group, a trusted driver of Korea’s cross-border innovation since 2010.
Featuring its independent global startup conference, international acceleration programs, direct investments, and PR/marketing services, beSUCCESS connects Korean entrepreneurs with international markets through a network of 11 global media channels, including KoreaTechDesk and AsiaTechDaily.
Join the Delegation in California – How to Attend
Attendance for PIONEERS 2025 is open to investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders by registration. Interested participants can secure their spot through the following channels:
🔗 Los Angeles RSVP ⬇️
🔗 Silicon Valley RSVP ⬇️
Once registered, you will receive detailed session information and tailored matchmaking arrangements. Where relevant, pre-meetings may also be coordinated in advance to maximize your engagement during the program.
Contact for Participation and Inquiries
Mina Park, Director – [email protected] (LinkedIn)
Vallabh Rao, Director – [email protected] (LinkedIn)
Building the Next Korea–U.S. Collaborations
Ultimately, PIONEERS 2025 offers beyond a regular startup pitches. This program is an exclusive market-entry platform where U.S. investors, corporates, and buyers can engage directly with Korea’s next generation of founders. With government backing, proven alumni, and a diverse lineup of early-stage innovators, PIONEERS opens the door to new investment, co-development, and partnership opportunities at the very heart of Silicon Valley and Los Angeles.
So, for those seeking the next wave of globally scalable innovation, this is your chance to meet Korea’s future unicorns before the rest of the market catches up.
Twenty Startups. Two Cities. Unlimited Possibilities.
Join PIONEERS 2025 for front-row access to Korea’s most ambitious next-generation innovators. Engage directly, explore strategic partnerships, and be part of the next wave of cross-border growth.
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