PEN CTA: Beyond the Pitch - Connection to Commerce

​🇺🇸 PEN CTA: Beyond the Pitch – From Connections to Commerce

​— The Premier Event for U.S. - APAC Cross-Border Opportunities

​📋 Event Overview

​

​PEN CTA is an exclusive, invitation-only event designed to forge real business opportunities between 30+ innovative Korean startups and key leaders within the U.S. ecosystem. Our 2025 event features a dynamic, dual-track format: while our main stage hosts high-level panel discussions and rapid-fire pitches, pre-arranged, private 1-on-1 meetings will take place concurrently in a dedicated networking zone. This is where connections become commerce.

​🎯 Program Objectives

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• ​🤝 High-Value Connections: Direct access to a curated group of founders, investors, and corporate decision-makers.

• ​💡 Actionable Insights: Learn from global leaders during our expert panel sessions on U.S. market entry and AI.

• ​📈 Deal Sourcing & Partnerships: Discover your next investment or strategic partner from a vetted delegation of 30+ Korean tech startups.

• ​🌐 Ecosystem Bridge: Serve as the central hub for fostering collaboration between the U.S. and APAC startup ecosystems.

​📅 Event Information

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• ​Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

• ​Time: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• ​Venue: Cure, 345 Park Ave S, New York

​⏰ Detailed Program

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• ​1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Guest Arrival, RSVP Check-in & Welcome Networking

• ​2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Opening Remarks & U.S. Corporate/EDO Pitches

• ​2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Panel Session 1: The First 12 Months: Common Pitfalls and Keys to Success for Foreign Founders

• ​3:00 PM - 3:45 PM: Innovation Showcase: Korean Startup Pitches (Part 1)

• ​3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Panel Session 2: How Global Capital Shapes Innovation Across Borders

• ​4:15 PM - 5:00 PM: Innovation Showcase: Korean Startup Pitches (Part 2)

• ​5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Strategic Networking Reception

​🎤 Featured Panel Sessions

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​(Please note: Panelists are being confirmed and will be updated.)

• ​🌏 The First 12 Months: Common Pitfalls and Keys to Success for Foreign Founders:

  • ​Description: A practical discussion with on-the-ground experts about the real challenges and keys to success for international startups navigating their first year in the U.S. market.

  • ​Speakers

    • ​Speaker 1: Washington DC Economic Partnership - Kathrin VanLiew

    • ​Speaker 2: Select Florida - Madison Lawson

    • ​Speaker 3: New Jersey Innovation Institute - MJ Durkin

    • ​Moderator: AI Collective - Chrystee Xing
      

• ​🤖 How Global Capital Shapes Innovation Across Borders:

  • ​Description: An investor-focused conversation on how global capital flows are influencing innovation, what top VCs are looking for in cross-border startups, and where the next big opportunities lie.

  • ​Speakers

    • ​Moderator: ERA NYC - ShoYoung Shin

    • ​Speaker 1: Deerfield - Karen Heidelberger

    • ​Speaker 2: Decile Group - Long Pham

    • ​Speaker 3: Third Prime - Michael Kim

​🚀 Featured Startups

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​This event will showcase 30+ high-growth Korean technology companies poised for global expansion across sectors like Healthcare, Bio, AI, and SaaS.

​➡️ View the Full List of Attending Startups Here

​💼 Target Participants

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• ​Venture Capital & CVCs seeking global deal flow.

• ​Corporate Leaders in charge of innovation and strategic partnerships.

• ​Founders & Executives interested in cross-border growth.

• ​Government Representatives from U.S. and APAC economic development agencies.

​📞 Contact Information

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• ​Contact: [email protected]

​Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect with the next wave of global innovators in the heart of New York City.