500 Global and dcamp Bridge Korea and Silicon Valley to Accelerate Startup Growth
500 Global, one of the world’s most active venture capital firms, and dcamp, South Korea’s leading foundation for entrepreneurship, have formed a strategic partnership to speed the expansion of Korean startups into the United States. The collaboration connects the strengths of Korea’s innovative founders with Silicon Valley’s resources, networks, and market opportunities.
What the partnership offers
Building on each organization’s track record of supporting high-potential founders, 500 Global and dcamp will identify Korean startups ready for international growth and investment. Selected companies will participate in the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator in Silicon Valley to deepen their understanding of the U.S. market, build relationships across the local ecosystem, and unlock new growth avenues.
- US go-to-market strategy and customer discovery
- Mentorship from seasoned operators and investors
- Access to partners, enterprise customers, and an extended Silicon Valley network
- Fundraising readiness and exposure through a demo day
A relationship years in the making
The partnership extends a long-standing relationship that began with 500 Global’s early commitment to Korea in 2012. Through local funds and programs based in Seoul, 500 Global has helped startups scale globally. One example is CardMonster, an AI-powered gaming studio that connects major IPs with the tabletop gaming market. Following seed investment from 500 Korea, CardMonster joined an Immersion Trek to the U.S., met go-to-market mentors from leading platforms and AI providers, and is slated to present at the upcoming Flagship Demo Day in San Francisco on October 7.
Shared vision
dcamp sees the collaboration as a bridge between Korea’s entrepreneurial energy and Silicon Valley’s scale, aligning with its mission to equip founders with the tools and opportunities needed to compete globally. 500 Global emphasizes its belief that exceptional founders are everywhere and views Korea’s vibrant ecosystem as poised for global impact. Together, the organizations aim to fast-track Korean startups’ access to the people, knowledge, and resources that accelerate international growth.
Launch details
The partnership was officially unveiled at a signing ceremony at 500 Global’s headquarters in Palo Alto on August 28, 2025, with leaders including Christine Tsai and Younghoon Park underscoring their commitment to helping founders succeed on a global stage.
About dcamp
dcamp is a startup growth platform established by the Banks Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs, funded by contributions from 19 Korean financial institutions. Since 2012, it has supported early-stage startups with comprehensive investment and incubation infrastructure. In 2024, dcamp launched “dcamp 2.0,” sharpening its focus on accelerating companies in the pre-A and Series A stages. Each quarter, up to 10 startups—particularly in ICT, deep-tech, and climate-tech—are selected for tailored support to navigate the critical “Death Valley” phase.
- Equity and fund investments
- Office space and operational infrastructure
- Education and founder upskilling programs
- Talent recruitment and community networking
- Promotional support and pathways for global expansion
About 500 Global
500 Global is among the most active venture firms worldwide. Through dedicated funds and programs—including its Flagship Accelerator in Silicon Valley and initiatives in Seoul—it partners with ambitious founders to build companies with global reach and enduring impact.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is for general informational or educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Nothing herein constitutes an offer to sell, a solicitation to buy, or a recommendation regarding any securities or investment services. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and timeliness, no representation or warranty is made as to completeness, and liability for errors or omissions is disclaimed. Readers should consult their own professional advisors before making decisions related to this content. References to companies, programs, or outcomes are not endorsements, guarantees, or testimonials of performance.
