Break Into Japan | IVS Beta | SEOUL
Access the right network
Korean startups often have the product quality and speed to attract interest in Japan. The harder part is market entry. The real challenge is understanding how the Japan startup scene works, how local investors and corporates make decisions, and how to build the right visibility once you enter.
IVS Beta Seoul is built around that need.
The event will feature two focused sessions designed to give both founder and investor perspectives on entering Japan, and a short session on how IVS Kyoto and IVS LAUNCHPAD can help founders build visibility and momentum in Japan.
Sessions
Startup Panel: Lessons from Expanding into Japan
Chungho Lee, CEO of ReFeed
Felix Kim, CSO of Willog
Sang-gyu Choi, CEO of REALDRAW
Investor View: How to Succeed in the Japan Market
David Bae, General Partner at BIG Impact
James Lim, Managing Partner at Z Venture Capital
Jennifer Lin, Principal at Headline Asia
Speakers
Chungho Lee - CEO of ReFeed
Chungho Lee is transforming the fragmented used cooking oil market into a high-trust digital pipeline. The company converts waste into certified feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, positioning itself as a key infrastructure player in Asia’s circular energy economy.
Felix Kim - CSO of Willog
With over 20 years of experience across finance, strategy, and investor relations, Felix has held roles at Samsung Electronics, organizations under Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, and multiple NYSE-listed companies. He currently drives strategy and operational innovation at Willog.
Sang-gyu Choi - CEO of REALDRAW
A pioneer in tech-driven content, Sang-gyu Choi is redefining the webtoon industry by bridging the gap between advanced AI solutions and artistic storytelling at REALDRAW.
David Bae - General Partner of BIG Impact
David bridges startup ecosystems across Asia from Japan. With over 12 years of experience in venture capital and startup finance, he brings both investor and operator perspectives. He previously worked at Bonds Investment Group and served as CFO of KitchenBase, leading its acquisition. At BIG Impact, he connects capital and innovation across Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, supporting startups in scaling across Asia.
James Lim - Managing Partner of Z Venture Capital
James is a Managing Partner at Z Venture Capital, where he leads the firm’s investments and cross-border initiatives across Japan, Korea, and the United States. Prior to joining ZVC, he spent eight years at LINE in roles spanning Business Development, Strategy, Growth, and Corporate Development, and was a founding member of LINE Ventures. He brings extensive cross-border experience across global markets.
Jennifer Lin - Principal at Headline Asia
Jennifer is a Principal at Headline Asia, focusing on investments at the intersection of Japan and the broader Asian startup ecosystem. Beyond investing, she works closely with founders and ecosystem partners to shape cross-border growth strategies. She also collaborates with both private and government stakeholders to help bridge regional innovation networks. Before venture capital, she worked in strategic roles across North America and Europe.
LAUNCHPAD INTERNATIONAL TEASER VIDEO
About IVS LAUNCHPAD
Part of IVS 2026 in Kyoto, held July 1 to 3, 2026
🔷 20-year track record
🔷 5,000+ applicants
🔷 478+ startups pitched on stage
🔷 30 IPOs / 47 buyouts across the broader ecosystem
Applications for this year close on May 7th, 2026.
APPLY HERE
Where's IVS Beta?
Tipstown (S6) F1
Who's organising IVS Beta?
Headline Asia - investing in early-stage startups across fintech, e-commerce, and entertainment in Japan, Taiwan and broader SEA.
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