KOTEC Opens Silicon Valley Branch, Accelerates Support for Global Startup Expansion

"AI Startup Forum" Held in the United States
Expanding Collaboration with Related Organizations

The Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KOTEC) announced on January 12 that it has established the "Silicon Valley Branch" in Silicon Valley, United States, and held the "Silicon Valley AI Startup Forum" locally. The Silicon Valley Branch is KOTEC's second overseas branch, following the opening of its Singapore Branch in June last year. The branch will operate in the "Startup Venture Campus (SVC)" established by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in Silicon Valley, alongside other key affiliated organizations.

Silicon Valley is regarded as a global innovation hub, concentrating advanced industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital healthcare, and is recognized for its vibrant global startup ecosystem. Through the Silicon Valley Branch, KOTEC aims to provide tailored support for domestic startups and venture companies seeking to enter the North American market. The corporation plans to systematically assist innovative Korean companies in establishing a foothold in overseas markets and scaling up globally.

Kim Joungho, Chairman of the Korea Technology Finance Corporation (fourth from left), and other attendees are performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the Silicon Valley branch. Photo by Korea Technology Finance Corporation

To commemorate the opening of the branch, KOTEC hosted the Silicon Valley AI Startup Forum on January 8, where participants discussed ways to collaborate with the global innovation ecosystem, focusing on AI technology companies. The event was attended by over 50 people, including representatives from Korean financial institutions and startups operating locally, as well as overseas venture capital (VC) officials, who shared insights on global technology trends and strategies for entering the North American market.

In addition, KOTEC signed separate business agreements with Shinhan Bank and Hanmi Bank. Through these agreements, KOTEC will strengthen financial and guarantee-linked support for companies entering North America in partnership with Shinhan Bank, and will actively support Korean companies' entry into the North American market by enhancing investment network connections and cooperation with Hanmi Bank.

Kim Joungho, Chairman of the Korea Technology Finance Corporation, stated, "Silicon Valley is a global innovation hub and a strategic base for Korean technology companies seeking to expand overseas. Based on the Silicon Valley Branch, KOTEC will expand cooperation with the global startup ecosystem and systematically support the global growth of small and medium-sized venture companies, including AI technology firms."