"Cheer Up, Korean Ventures Preparing for the Post-Corona Era"

Venture Business Association, 'Relay of Hope Campaign by 100 Venture Entrepreneurs' to Overcome COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Cheol-hyun] The Korea Venture Business Association (Chairman An Geon-jun) announced on the 22nd that the number of participants in the support campaign by venture entrepreneurs to overcome the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has exceeded 20. The twentieth participant was Sung Ki-gwang, CEO of Social Venture Dot Co., Ltd., which develops braille smart devices, who sent a message of encouragement saying, "The darkest time is just before dawn, but there is no day without morning," and "Cheer up, Korean ventures preparing for the post-COVID era."

This campaign started on the 13th of this month with the purpose of giving hope to the public and venture/startup entrepreneurs facing difficulties due to the spread of COVID-19 and strengthening the will to overcome the crisis. Venture and startup CEOs, as well as heads of related organizations and institutions, are participating. Notable startup founders also joined, including Jeon Sang-ryeol, CEO of Nowbusking, which provides IT services for small business owners struggling due to COVID-19, Choi Sang-jun, CEO of Bolt Creation, which develops eco-friendly mask filters, and Ban Ho-young, CEO of Neofect, a remote rehabilitation healthcare company.

Participants conveyed various hopeful messages to overcome COVID-19. Park Young-sun, Minister of SMEs and Startups, emphasized, "Venture companies are the small giants turning the COVID-19 crisis into an opportunity, and Korean venture companies are at the center of the great transition to the digital economy." Nam Min-woo, Chairman of Dasan Networks, said, "The COVID crisis brings back nightmares from the past and fear is overwhelming," and added, "We expect more efficient and proactive drought measures from the government authorities." Ko Young-ha, Chairman of the Korea Angel Investment Association, stated, "Until before the spread of COVID-19, Korea was only a middle-income country, but now the world is striving to benchmark Korea," and urged, "Let's create a country favorable for startups and make Korea a first mover to become a truly advanced nation." Park Mi-kyung, Chairwoman of the Korea Women Venture Association, said, "We believe, as always, that we will overcome this crisis, and we thank the medical staff and volunteers who are fighting hard on the front lines, forgetting their fears."

This campaign is sponsored by Naver and can be viewed on the innovative venture media platform VON. Anyone from ventures or startups who wishes to send a support message can participate by writing a message on a sketchbook or small whiteboard, taking a photo, and sending it via email.