The UKF 82 Startup Summit 2025 took place on January 10 (local time), bringing together Korean venture investors and startups in the United States. Organized by United Korean Founders (UKF) with support from the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS), the event aimed to facilitate collaboration and investment opportunities for Korean entrepreneurs in the U.S. market.
The summit derives its name from South Korea’s country code, ‘82,’ symbolizing its mission to connect and empower Korean startups globally. Initially launched as a small gathering in 2018, UKF has since expanded to nearly 1,500 members, establishing itself as a key network for Korean entrepreneurs in the United States. Over the years, the event has grown into the largest platform dedicated to Korean startups operating in the U.S.
In October 2024, UKF officially incorporated as a corporate entity, leading to the rebranding of the long-standing ‘82 Startup Summit’ as the ‘UKF 82 Startup Summit.’ This year’s event marked a significant milestone in strengthening the organization’s presence and influence within the startup ecosystem.
A highlight of the summit was the participation of five startups selected through the MSS’s global investment platform, ‘K-Global Star.’ These companies—KoolMicro, Analog AI, ImpriMed, MEDic Life Sciences, and BuildBlock—had the opportunity to present their innovations in an investor pitch session, showcasing cutting-edge solutions across various industries.
Building on the momentum of the event, the MSS announced its commitment to ongoing collaboration with UKF to further support Korean startups in expanding into the U.S. market. Through continued engagement and strategic initiatives, the government aims to provide enhanced resources and opportunities for emerging Korean enterprises seeking global growth.