Korean AI Founders Night
🇰🇷 Korean AI Founders Night
For Koreans building their AI startup in the U.S.
🗣️ Please note: This event will be conducted entirely in Korean.
Hanwha AI Center and Sazze Partners invite the Korean AI founder and builder community to an evening of real founder stories, candid conversations, and meaningful connections.
Whether you're already running a startup, exploring an idea, or simply curious about starting something of your own, this night is for you.
💡 What to Expect
The evening will feature two panel discussions with Korean founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys — from seasoned Silicon Valley entrepreneurs to the next generation of founders building AI companies today.
Part I — The Silicon Valley Founder Journey
Perspectives from seasoned Korean founders (John S. Kim & Min Pyo Hong)
🇺🇸 Building and scaling a company in the U.S.
📈 How the startup landscape has changed over the years
💭 Lessons, setbacks, and perspectives gained along the way
Part II — Building AI Today
Stories from the next generation of Korean AI founders (Kangsan Wyi, Yeon Kim & Sangha Park)
🚀 Going from idea to product
🎯 Finding early customers and product-market fit
🤖 Building and competing in today's AI landscape
* Panel Discussions moderated by Yoojeong Do
🗓 Agenda
6:00 PM — Doors Open & Networking
6:25 PM — Welcome Remarks
Hanwha AI Center × Sazze Partners
6:30 PM — Part I: The Silicon Valley Founder Journey
Perspectives from seasoned Korean FoundersJohn S. Kim | Founder & CEO of Sendbird & delight.ai
Min Pyo Hong | Founder & CEO of SEWORKS
7:00 PM — Part II: Building AI Today
Stories from the next generation of Korean AI foundersKangsan Wyi | Founder & CEO of Arclow
Sangha Park | Founder of Light Anchor (YC P26)
7:30 PM — Closing & Networking
Food and drinks will be provided 🍾🥘
About HAC
Hanwha AI Center (HAC) is a private membership for all those dedicated to AI. As a hub for innovation, HAC brings together passionate entrepreneurs, researchers, and visionaries to explore the societal and technological impacts of AI on human life.
About Sazze Partners
Sazze Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that specializes in backing Korean entrepreneurs at the start of their company's lifecycle and supporting them through growth stages. They act as long-term partners by leveraging their extensive network, operational expertise, and market intelligence platform to supercharge growth. With a strong presence in both the US and Korea, the fund supports startups scale through cross-border expansion, go-to-market strategies, and global fundraising. Notable portfolio companies include Upstage, Nitra, Paraform, and Olive International.
Our sponsor: K&L Gates
K&L Gates is a global law firm advising startups and investors throughout the business lifecycle—from formation and venture financings to strategic transactions, regulatory matters, and IPOs. With a strong presence across the United States and Korea, the firm helps emerging companies and their investors navigate cross-border opportunities and build for long-term growth.