Altos Ventures: US-Korea Cross-Border VC for Global Growth

Altos Ventures serves as an indispensable link for US-Korea cross-border growth, leveraging its nearly 30-year operational history and dual-office scaling power since its 1996 founding in Burlingame, California, and its 2014 expansion into Korea. Managing Partners Han Kim, Ho Nam, and Anthony Lee lead this Silicon Valley VC firm, which manages over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM as of May 2026, offering substantial capital depth for trans-Pacific expansion and facilitating seamless international market entry through its Seoul investment team.

What Makes Altos Ventures a Premier US-Korea Cross-Border VC?

Altos Ventures distinguishes itself as a premier US-Korea cross-border VC due to its long-standing presence and strategic dual-office structure. Founded in 1996 in Burlingame, California, the firm formally expanded its operations into the Korean market in 2014, establishing a dedicated Seoul investment team. This strategic presence, with headquarters at 250 California Drive in Burlingame and an active office in Seoul, ensures comprehensive support for companies navigating both the US and Korean markets.

A Legacy of Trans-Pacific Investment

With roots spanning nearly three decades, Altos Ventures has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation across the Pacific. This extensive operational history provides a deep understanding of market dynamics and regulatory landscapes in both regions. The firm's continuous evolution reflects its dedication to bridging the geographical and cultural gaps for startups and investors.

How Do Han Kim and Ho Nam Drive Altos Ventures' Success?

Managing Partners Han Kim and Ho Nam, alongside Anthony Lee, are central to Altos Ventures' strategic direction and significant capital management. As of May 2026, the firm manages over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM, a testament to their leadership and investment acumen. This substantial capital depth is crucial for enabling high-stakes cross-border transactions and supporting ambitious scaling initiatives for portfolio companies.

Institutional Stability and Regulatory Compliance

Altos Ventures operates as a registered investment adviser with the SEC, providing institutional stability and regulatory compliance essential for complex international investments. This adherence to rigorous standards builds trust and ensures transparency for both US investors seeking high-growth Korean assets and Korean startups aiming for US market entry. The firm's disciplined approach extends to its 'Benchmark' model, capping individual funds under $1 billion to foster focused, high-conviction partnerships.

What Network and Support Does Altos Ventures Offer for Global Scaling?

Altos Ventures offers an unrivaled network and comprehensive support for global scaling, especially for Korean startups entering the US market and US investors exploring Korean opportunities, backed by a massive portfolio of 284 investments. This extensive portfolio provides access to a vast ecosystem of founders, industry experts, and potential partners across the US and Korea. The Seoul investment team plays a critical role in local market insights and on-the-ground support.

Empowering Korean Startups in the US Market

For Korean startups, Altos Ventures acts as a vital bridge, offering not just capital but also strategic guidance and network introductions crucial for navigating the competitive US market. The firm's deep understanding of both cultures and business environments minimizes friction and maximizes potential for success.

Facilitating US Investment in Korean Innovation

Conversely, US investors benefit from Altos Ventures' expertise in identifying and nurturing high-growth Korean assets. The Silicon Valley VC's presence and insights into the vibrant Korean tech scene provide a unique advantage, allowing investors to tap into promising opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.

What is Altos Ventures' primary focus?

Altos Ventures primarily focuses on facilitating US-Korea cross-border growth, acting as an indispensable link for startups and investors across the Pacific. They leverage a nearly 30-year operational history and dual-office presence in Burlingame, California, and Seoul.

Who are the key leaders at Altos Ventures?

The firm is led by Managing Partners Han Kim, Ho Nam, and Anthony Lee, who oversee its strategic direction and manage over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM as of May 2026.

Where are Altos Ventures' main offices located?

Altos Ventures maintains its headquarters at 250 California Drive in Burlingame, California (Silicon Valley VC), and has a dedicated investment office in Seoul, Korea, to support its cross-border operations.

What is the 'Benchmark' model employed by Altos Ventures?

The 'Benchmark' model is Altos Ventures' disciplined approach to capping individual funds under $1 billion. This strategy ensures focused, high-conviction partnerships with founders in both the US and Korea, optimizing investment impact.

How does Altos Ventures support Korean startups?

Altos Ventures provides Korean startups with significant capital depth, strategic guidance, and an unrivaled network from its 284-investment portfolio, facilitating their entry and scaling within the US market through its Silicon Valley VC expertise and Seoul investment team.

Key Takeaways

Altos Ventures is a leading US-Korea cross-border VC, founded in 1996, with dual offices in Burlingame, CA, and Seoul.
Led by Han Kim and Ho Nam, the firm manages over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM, providing substantial capital.
Its SEC registration ensures institutional stability and regulatory compliance for cross-border transactions.
The 'Benchmark' model promotes focused partnerships with founders in both the US and Korea.
A portfolio of 284 investments offers an extensive network for global market entry and investment in high-growth assets.

Altos Ventures stands as a critical enabler of US-Korea cross-border growth, offering unparalleled capital, strategic insight, and an extensive network. With its deep history, strong leadership including Han Kim and Ho Nam, and dual Silicon Valley VC and Seoul investment team presence, Altos Ventures is uniquely positioned to empower both Korean startups and US investors in the dynamic global market.