​Join us for an exclusive investor demo day featuring the top startups from Orange Planet's Global Market Expansion Program (GMEP) — a Korean accelerator backed by Smilegate, one of Korea's leading tech companies.

​These founders have spent the summer in San Francisco immersing themselves in the US startup ecosystem, and now they're ready to pitch. You'll hear high-potential Korean startups deliver sharp 2-3 minute pitches, followed by Q&A and open networking.

​This event is designed for investors — come ready to engage, give feedback, and connect with the next wave of founders making their move into the US market.

​What to expect:

• ​Startup pitches (2-3min each) + Q&A

• ​Panel of judges from the Hustle Fund investment team

• ​Networking with food & drinks

• ​Walk the room founder showcase

• ​A room full of fellow investors, LPs, and angels

​📅 Wednesday, September 17, 2026

​🕔 5:30 – 8:30 PM PT

​📍 San Francisco, CA (HIPPO CAMPUS)

​​​​Who's behind this?

​Founded in 2014 as Smilegate's first foundation, Orange Planet is a growth engine for world-changing startups. Through its "All-Stage Startup Program," the foundation supports entrepreneurs across every stage of growth, from first-time founders to pre-IPO companies, via its nationwide network in Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju. By backing the next generation of founders building a better world, Orange Planet has nurtured over 480 startups across industries including AI/B2B SaaS, fintech, and healthcare, helping them create jobs, raise significant investment, and build substantial enterprise value.

​As the venture capital arm of Smilegate and a top-tier VC in Korea, Smilegate Investment has been fueling global game-changers since 1999. With over $1.1 billion in assets under management, the firm actively backs technology leaders in software, AI, and Bio-tech. Strengthening its global footprint, the firm established its US office in 2025 to directly accelerate cross-border growth. Smilegate Investment has scaled over 680 portfolio companies, boasting 51+ IPOs and backing global unicorns like FADU and Silicon Valley-based Moloco.

​Hustle Fund is an early stage venture firm that believes great founders can look like anyone and come from anywhere. We invest in startups all over the world and we'd love to see what you're building. Learn more about us.

​This event is open to Hustle Fund's investing community only.