Naver’s startup accelerator D2SF engaged in networking with local investors and entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley on the 24th (local time). The initiative aims to intensify the discovery and investment in North American startups, serving as a strategic bridge for domestic startups to expand globally.
Since its inception in 2015, Naver D2SF has focused investments on 110 early-stage technology startups. It has connected over 1,700 startup teams with various Naver organizations, resulting in more than 210 collaborative agendas. Last September, D2SF made new investments in North American-based startups: 3D generation startup ‘Claythis’ and fashion search and recommendation AI startup ‘YesPlz’.
Naver D2SF plans to actively seek out and invest in local North American startups, promoting synergies with Naver’s global business and technology strategies. By establishing a network of local companies, investors, and entrepreneurs, they aim to facilitate the entry of North American startups into Asia and help Korean startups enter North America, thereby supporting global startup growth. Additionally, they will bolster efforts in securing follow-up investments, and global promotion and marketing support.
Yang Sanghwan, head of Naver D2SF, commented, “With increasing global technology competition in fields such as AI and robotics, and a persistently conservative market environment, it has become essential for domestic tech startups to enter the global market. Using the global business and technology achievements Naver has built up so far, we aim to support the global expansion of domestic startups and create collaborative synergies between Naver and startups that transcend borders.”