On the 24th (local time) in Silicon Valley, Naver D2SF (D2 Startup Factory) revealed plans to ramp up investments and discovery of North American startups, aiming to become a gateway for Korean startups entering the global market. This initiative was announced during a networking event with local investors and entrepreneurs.

Since its inception in 2015, Naver D2SF has strategically invested in 110 early-stage tech startups as part of its corporate venturing goals. To date, it has linked around 1,700 teams with Naver’s various divisions, drawing over 210 collaborative agendas and fostering strategic synergies between Naver and these startups.

Recent activities include fresh investments in North American startups like the 3D creation firm Claythis and AI-based fashion search startup YesPlz this September.

Using this meetup as a launchpad, Naver D2SF aims to deepen its investment and discovery efforts in North America, thereby enhancing Naver’s global business and technological strategies. The initiative also involves building a network with local businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs to facilitate Asian market entry for North American startups and assist Korean startups in breaking into the North American scene. Further plans include boosting support for follow-on funding, global marketing, and publicity efforts.

Yang Sang-hwan, head of Naver D2SF, emphasized the importance of global expansion for domestic tech startups given the fierce global tech competition and prevailing conservative market conditions. He committed to leveraging Naver’s global accomplishments to support domestic startups’ international ventures and to generate cross-border collaborative synergies.

Moreover, Naver D2SF is actively recruiting new investment teams targeting domestic and North American startups through its website.