United Korean Founders Hosts KOOM WEEK in Manhattan
The event connected hundreds of entrepreneurs with venture capital firms to bridge the gap between markets.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Startups
Live Poll
Do international startup networking events effectively help small businesses gain the experience needed to succeed?
United Korean Founders hosted KOOM WEEK 2026 in Manhattan to connect 400 entrepreneurs with 80 venture capital firms. The event showcased dozens of startups and featured cultural programs.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to provide vital international opportunities for Korean entrepreneurs who currently lack established track records abroad. By facilitating these industry connections, organizers hope to streamline the path to success for startups.
KOOM WEEK 2026 featured 30 Korean startups and 30 local New York startups pitching to 80 venture capital firms. Additionally, approximately 150 industry professionals attended the K-beauty Creator Awards.
The players
Jeong Sae-ju
He is the chairman and founder of the nonprofit organization United Korean Founders.
United Korean Founders
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting Korean entrepreneurs in their expansion into global markets.
Cosmax
This company is a global cosmetics research and manufacturing firm that co-hosted the K-beauty Creator Awards.
Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation
This government-affiliated agency works to promote Korean food exports and agricultural products internationally.
The details
Participants engaged in pitch presentations, brand pop-ups, and cultural performances across various Manhattan venues. The Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation also showcased agricultural products, while United Korean Founders co-hosted beauty awards with Cosmax.
Timeline
October 12-18, 2026: KOOM WEEK 2026 events occurred in Manhattan.
October 16, 2026: The main conference was held at Terminal 5.
October 17, 2026: The K-beauty Creator Awards took place.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the ongoing trend of South Korean tech startups aggressively pursuing internationalization to overcome domestic market saturation. The event positions these companies directly against global peers to capture the attention of major venture capital firms.
Local consumers in New York City gained direct access to new Korean brands through various pop-up events. These opportunities allowed the public to test and experience imported products firsthand during the week-long program.
The takeaway
This event demonstrates how cultural exchange can function as a gateway for international business development. Entrepreneurs looking to expand globally can benefit from similar incubator-style events that combine professional networking with direct consumer testing.
Further reading
For more on the local entrepreneurial scene, visit New York City Startups.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
Live Poll
Do international startup networking events effectively help small businesses gain the experience needed to succeed?
