East Ventures Welcomes Sang Han as New Partner for South Korea Fund
In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to fostering innovation across Southeast Asia and South Korea, East Ventures, a frontrunner in the venture capital ecosystem, has appointed Sang Han as a Partner for its South Korea fund. This pivotal decision has been announced amidst the venture capital firm's plans to further solidify its foothold in the regions’ dynamic startup landscapes.
East Ventures, renowned for its sector-agnostic approach, has been an instrumental force in supporting visionary entrepreneurs and startups. The firm’s consistent track record of seeding and nurturing successful tech companies has positioned it as a leading venture capital entity in Indonesia and beyond. The introduction of Sang Han into the fold is poised to bolster East Ventures' operational and strategic reach, particularly in nourishing the burgeoning connection between Southeast Asian and South Korean innovation ecosystems.
Sang Han brings to the table an impressive portfolio of over 20 years of experience. Having held significant leadership roles in asset management and venture capital firms across Southeast Asia, Korea, and the United States, his expertise is expected to be a critical asset in managing the East Ventures South Korea fund. His notable contributions, especially as the Managing Director of Temasek Lifesciences Accelerator (TLA), underline his knack for driving startup growth and fostering corporate development.
"We are thrilled to have Sang Han join us as we continue to explore and maximize the vast opportunities lying in both Southeast Asia and South Korea. His profound market insights and robust experience will undoubtedly strengthen our mission to bridge these vibrant regions, further enhancing our investment strategies and portfolio growth," stated Willson Cuaca, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at East Ventures.
The appointment follows closely on the heels of the recent announcement of the East Ventures South Korea fund, a partnership with SV Investment, earmarked at $100 million in October 2023. This fund represents a significant milestone in fostering cross-regional synergies, aligning with the firm’s vision of tapping into the complementary strengths of Southeast Asia and South Korea.
East Ventures, since its inception in 2009, has emerged as a pivotal platform offering multi-stage investments. Having backed over 300 tech companies, it has been an early believer and active investor in the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem. The firm’s portfolio includes notable names like Tokopedia, Traveloka, and Xendit, illustrating its pivotal role in the region's tech success stories.
Beyond its investment acumen, East Ventures also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and responsible investing, being Indonesia’s first venture capital firm to sign the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), supported by the United Nations (UN).
As East Ventures and Sang Han embark on this new chapter, the tech and investment communities eagerly anticipate the innovative ventures and growth opportunities that will arise from this partnership, further driving the entrepreneurial spirit in Southeast Asia and South Korea.
Analyst comment
Positive news: East Ventures welcomes Sang Han as a new partner for South Korea Fund to foster innovation in Southeast Asia and South Korea. Sang Han’s expertise is expected to strengthen East Ventures’ mission and investment strategies. The appointment follows the announcement of a $100 million South Korea Fund, signifying the firm’s commitment to cross-regional synergies. The market is likely to see increased investment and growth opportunities in tech startups in Southeast Asia and South Korea.
