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Learn which startups Strong Ventures invests in, what size check sizes they write, and who their partners are (e.g. John Nahm).
Key people at Strong Ventures.
Strong Ventures operates as a venture capital firm, primarily investing in early-stage technology companies with a strategic focus on entrepreneurs within the Korean diaspora. The firm identifies and supports resilient founders who are developing category-defining solutions, often harnessing the cultural influence of Korea. Its core approach involves bridging international markets, assisting US startups in their expansion into Asia and enabling Korean startups to achieve global reach.
The firm was established in 2012 by John Nahm. Nahm, leveraging his extensive background in product management and business development, founded Strong Ventures based on the insight that there was a unique opportunity to connect and empower entrepreneurial ecosystems between the United States and Korea, particularly for founders with Korean heritage or those creating ventures deeply tied to Korean culture. This vision drives the firm's strategic investment decisions.
Strong Ventures' portfolio consists of diverse early-stage technology companies across various sectors. The firm positions itself as an essential partner, guiding its portfolio companies through critical phases of global market entry and scaling. Its overarching vision is to cultivate a powerful international network that nurtures innovation and cross-border ventures, ultimately fostering the development of future global technology leaders.
Key people at Strong Ventures.
Strong Ventures is a Los Angeles and Seoul-based seed-stage venture capital firm that focuses on financing, supporting, and mentoring Korean and global entrepreneurs, particularly those with Korean heritage, to build strong startups and successfully enter global markets. Their mission centers on empowering founders through hands-on operational experience, strategic guidance, and extensive network access, aiming to create a more vibrant and robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. The firm primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, including sectors like IoT, cryptocurrency, blockchain, financial services, and technology, media, and telecom (TMT), with a focus on transformative potential[1][2][3][5][6].
Founded in 2012, Strong Ventures was established by experienced partners including John Nahm (Co-Founder and Managing Partner), Kihong Bae (Managing Partner), and others who bring deep operational and investment expertise. The firm has evolved to emphasize operator-first strategies, leveraging the founders’ backgrounds as entrepreneurs and executives to provide not only capital but also strategic and executional support. This approach has helped them build a strong track record of over 50 investments, with notable exits and a focus on early-stage companies in North America and Asia-Pacific markets[2][5].
Strong Ventures rides the wave of increasing globalization in tech entrepreneurship, particularly bridging Korean and global startup ecosystems. The timing is favorable due to growing interest in cross-border innovation and the rise of Korean founders in global markets. Market forces such as the expansion of IoT, blockchain, and fintech create fertile ground for their investments. By supporting Korean-global entrepreneurs, Strong Ventures influences the broader ecosystem by fostering diversity, cross-cultural collaboration, and international market entry strategies.
Looking ahead, Strong Ventures is poised to deepen its influence by continuing to back early-stage startups with global ambitions, especially those led by Korean founders. Trends such as AI, blockchain, and IoT will likely shape their investment focus. Their dual presence in LA and Seoul positions them well to capitalize on increasing cross-border startup activity. As they expand their portfolio and network, their role as a bridge between Asian and Western tech ecosystems will likely grow stronger, reinforcing their mission to build "strong ventures" globally.
