The domestic as well as the global startup ecosystem needs to be much more open.
On the 21st, Chung Nam-i (42), executive director of the Asan Nanum Foundation, emphasized the need for domestic startups to expand overseas during the '2025 Korea Startup Forum New Year Meeting.' Conversely, he noted the importance of overseas startups and venture capital (VC) entering and investing in Korea.
Chung is the granddaughter of the late Chung Ju-yung, honorary chairman of Hyundai Group, and the eldest daughter among the two sons and two daughters of Chung Mong-joon, largest shareholder of HD Hyundai. After working at the global consulting firm Bain & Company, she joined the Asan Nanum Foundation in 2013.
The Asan Nanum Foundation was established in 2011 as a public foundation to support startups funded by HD Hyundai Group and other corporations. It operates the entrepreneurship platform 'MARU' and provides startups with space infrastructure, networks, and education. Currently, it operates two startup support spaces, 'MARU180' and 'MARU360', located on Yeoksam Road in Gangnam, Seoul. The space is characterized by bringing together startup CEOs, as well as VCs and accelerators who play advisory roles, for networking.
Chung was humble, bright, and approachable, unlike the typical chaebol third-generation heirs. On this day, he met with various startup CEOs and ecosystem partners such as VCs at the New Year Meeting to discuss a variety of topics related to the growth of domestic startups.
In an interview with a reporter, Chung said, 'I tend to avoid interviews.' He believes that it is not appropriate for him to be in the spotlight, rather than the Asan Nanum Foundation, which plays a role in supporting startups.
Nevertheless, Chung emphasized 'global.' He pointed out that the current global business environment is challenging due to the inauguration of the Trump administration in the U.S., which is advocating for America's priority during a winter of startup investment; however, if the domestic startup ecosystem does not extend overseas, it will not be able to grow. He mentioned, 'Following last year, the key word for the Asan Nanum Foundation's startup support direction in 2025 is global.'
Currently, the Asan Nanum Foundation is selecting early domestic startups through the 'Asan Voyager' program to support their entry into the U.S. market. It offers customized coaching with local experts and networking opportunities. Additionally, it plans to establish and operate its third startup residency space, 'MARU SF,' in San Francisco, USA, within 2025.