500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, has entered a strategic partnership with dcamp, South Korea’s leading foundation for entrepreneurship, to accelerate the growth of Korean startups seeking expansion into the United States.
The collaboration, announced at 500 Global’s headquarters in Palo Alto on 28 August, aims to provide Korean founders with direct access to Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Select startups will be admitted into the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator programme, where they will gain market insights, connect with local networks and develop strategies for international growth.
Younghoon Park, chief executive of dcamp, said the agreement represents a pivotal step for Korea’s startup community.
“Through this strategic partnership, we aim to bridge the best of Korea’s entrepreneurial spirit with Silicon Valley’s renowned ecosystem. Our mission at dcamp has always been to empower Korean startups with the right tools and opportunities. Partnering with 500 Global is a transformative step forward, equipping our entrepreneurs to excel on the global stage.”
The two organisations share a history dating back to 2012, when 500 Global first began investing in Korea. Since then, it has established dedicated local funds and launched Seoul-based programmes to support early-stage founders.
Among the startups to benefit from 500 Global’s support is CardMonster, an AI-powered gaming studio that connects major intellectual properties with the tabletop gaming market. After receiving seed investment from 500 Korea, CardMonster joined the firm’s Immersion Trek to the US, gaining access to mentors from companies such as Stripe and AI industry leaders. The company is set to present at 500 Global’s upcoming Flagship Demo Day in San Francisco on 7 October.
Christine Tsai, chief executive and founding partner of 500 Global, highlighted the significance of the new partnership.
“Our partnership with dcamp underscores 500 Global’s long-standing conviction that ambitious, talented founders exist all around the world. Korea’s vibrant startup ecosystem is positioned to make a global impact, and we’re excited to accelerate this potential by connecting Korean founders to the opportunities, resources, and networks of Silicon Valley and beyond.”
The signing ceremony, attended by Tsai and Park, was described as a symbol of mutual commitment to supporting global entrepreneurship.
Industry observers note that the agreement reflects growing momentum in Korea’s startup scene, which has increasingly sought to establish a stronger presence in international markets. With rising global interest in Korean technology, entertainment, and innovation, the collaboration is expected to strengthen the pathway for Korean founders to scale internationally.
For 500 Global, which has invested in more than 2,800 companies across 80 countries, the move reaffirms its strategy of identifying and nurturing global talent. For dcamp, founded by a consortium of South Korean banks, the partnership builds on its mission to empower local entrepreneurs with international opportunities.
As Korean startups prepare to showcase their innovations to a US audience, the alliance between 500 Global and dcamp signals a concerted effort to position Korea as a key player in the global startup landscape.
