LAS VEGAS, January 7 (AJP) - Over 50 startup representatives from Silicon Valley and Korea gathered at a grand Las Vegas mansion on Jan. 7, exchanging ideas and forging connections at the "Silicon Valley Leaders Networking Event."
Hosted by the Innobiz Association under the South Korean Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the event provided a platform for Korean innovators to connect with Silicon Valley leaders and explore global market expansion opportunities.
"CES is crucial for understanding global tech trends, but startups need to translate those trends into tangible business results," said Innobiz Association Chairman Jeong Kwang-cheon. "This event offers direct networking with Silicon Valley leaders, paving the way for Korean companies to thrive on the global stage."
Sam Ha, a professor at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, emphasized the importance of understanding the "why" behind each innovation at CES.
He was particularly impressed by a startup CEO's "genius culture" and "growth culture," highlighting effective leadership in team building and delegation.
Tyler Steinke, vice president of a Silicon Valley startup, discussed the evolving landscape of hardware design, noting a shift towards smaller, more consumer-friendly devices.
"As hardware becomes more compact, we're seeing higher quality analytics through improved data collection and sensors," Steinke said. He pointed to digital health as a prime example, where companies are combining hardware sales with deeper insights.
Jeong Kwang-cheon highlighted the unique strengths of Korean companies, emphasizing their ability to solve problems through collaboration and communication, even in challenging circumstances. "Korean firms have achieved global growth and innovation in a short time," he said.
The networking event was well-received by Korean entrepreneurs.
"The forum and dinner party were priceless networking opportunities," said Woosung Pharmaceutical CEO Cho Hwan-woo. "The translation services allowed me to fully comprehend the discussions and gain insights into transforming our business model."
High-Techer CEO Baek Seung-wook praised the event's curated environment, noting that it provided a safe space for meaningful connections.
Choi Chung-hwan, a board member of Innobiz Association, emphasized the event's focus on supporting scale-up companies – those transitioning from startups to larger enterprises. "We want to help businesses unfamiliar with Silicon Valley or CES take their first steps towards global expansion," he said.
Chairman Jeong expressed his hope that this event will serve as a catalyst for increased global participation by Korean companies. "We are committed to fostering further cross-border opportunities," he said.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
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