Deadline Date: June 30, 2026
The IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program is designed to support Korean startups in scaling into the U.S. market through structured acceleration and global ecosystem access.
The program focuses on U.S. market expansion, global growth, U.S. growth strategy development, product-market fit validation, go-to-market strategy development, market positioning and messaging refinement, team alignment for international execution, market expansion planning, milestone setting, U.S. market readiness, U.S. market validation, customer insights, strategic networking, venture capital engagement, fundraising support, mentorship, long-term growth planning, international growth execution, and access to global and institutional networks.
The IBK Changgong Silicon Valley Accelerating Program is designed to support a selected group of early-stage Korean startups that have established traction in their domestic market and are preparing to expand internationally. The program combines preparation activities in Seoul with an immersive acceleration experience in Silicon Valley.
Over a period of 12 weeks, participating founders receive support to refine their market strategy, strengthen execution capabilities, build meaningful relationships, and gain direct exposure to the U.S. startup ecosystem. Selected companies also receive investment from 500 Global.
The program is intended for technology startups in Korea that have been incorporated within the last seven years and have demonstrated product-market fit and business traction in Korea. It is aimed at founders who are refining their U.S. market strategy or have a clear ambition to enter the U.S. market. Applicants should have an established core team capable of supporting international growth and must commit at least one executive member, preferably a founder, to participate full-time during the eight-week accelerator phase in the United States. Participants must also be proficient in written and spoken English.
The program begins with a four-week hybrid preparation phase in Seoul. During this stage, founders receive structured support to strengthen their readiness for entering the U.S. market. Activities focus on developing go-to-market strategies, refining market positioning and messaging, aligning teams for international execution, and planning expansion milestones.
The second phase consists of an eight-week in-person acceleration program in Silicon Valley. Founders work on validating their market strategy, building industry relationships, and gaining direct exposure to the U.S. market environment. This phase includes mentorship from experienced operators and venture capital investors, opportunities for strategic networking, and guidance on long-term growth planning.
Participants gain access to the extensive networks of IBK Changgong and 500 Global, including ecosystem partners, mentors, venture capital firms, and startups. These connections support global market expansion efforts and fundraising activities while providing valuable insights into international business growth.
For more information, visit 500 Global.
