Overview

Hami Kim, the founder of Kooky, is redefining global fan engagement in the K-pop industry. With bold ideas and relentless determination, Hami has built a platform that seamlessly connects international fans with their favorite K-pop stars. Under her visionary leadership, Kooky has emerged as a fast-growing startup and a key player in the global media and entertainment landscape.

The Challenge

K-pop is a global phenomenon, captivating millions of fans worldwide. However, connecting K-pop stars with their international fanbase has been a persistent challenge. Language barriers, limited access to exclusive content, and a lack of direct engagement left many fans feeling disconnected. Hami recognized this gap and saw an opportunity to build a platform that would not only bridge this divide but also amplify K-pop’s global reach.

The Solution

Hami Kim’s startup, Kooky, participated in the 2023 Media Complex Startup Global Expansion Program, hosted by the Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA) in Seoul. This hybrid program was tailored to help early-stage startups in the media and content industries scale globally. The program provided:

• Mentoring and Workshops: Personalized mentoring sessions and specialized workshops focused on preparing startups for global market entry.
• Funding: Kooky secured seed-stage investment from 2080 Venture Holdings, providing crucial capital for growth.
• Demo Day: A high-impact event where startups pitched their vision to key investors and industry stakeholders.
• Aftercare Support: Continued guidance and resources to help startups implement learnings, refine strategies, and explore additional funding opportunities.

The Results

Kooky’s participation in the program delivered outstanding results:

• Funding Success: The startup secured $1M in pre-A funding, which included a $500K follow-on investment from IBK.
• Global Expansion: Leveraging the program’s resources and networks, Kooky established itself as a global platform for K-pop fan engagement.
• Market Positioning: The structured support enabled Kooky to craft a clear and actionable global market entry strategy, setting the foundation for long-term success.

Why It Matters

Hami Kim and Kooky’s journey exemplify the transformative impact of targeted startup programs. By combining strategic investments, tailored mentorship, and collaborative partnerships, early-stage companies like Kooky can scale rapidly, overcome barriers, and attract substantial funding.

This case study highlights how collaboration between accelerators, government bodies, and venture investors can drive innovation and create global success stories. Hami’s bold vision and execution have positioned Kooky as a leader in K-pop fan engagement, serving as an inspiration for founders worldwide.

Takeaway

For startups aiming to break into competitive industries, a clear vision, strong partnerships, and relentless innovation are critical. Hami Kim’s journey with Kooky is a testament to how structured support and a fearless approach can turn ambitious ideas into impactful global ventures.

Program Details (TL;DR)

• Focus: Connecting K-pop stars with international fans
• Industry: Entertainment
• Headquarters: Korea
• Investment by 2080 Venture Holdings: Seed Stage

Program Overview:

• Program Name: 2023 Media Complex Startup Global Startup Expansion Program
• Local Name: 2023년 1인미디어콩플래스 스타트업 육성 프로그램
• Partner/Host Organization: Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA)
• Location: Seoul, Korea
• Format: Hybrid
• Vertical/Industry: Media, Entertainment, and Content
• Startup Stage: Seed to Series A
• Duration: May 1, 2023 – December 29, 2023 (7 months)

Program Highlights:

• Promotion and Selection: Early-stage startups selected for their growth potential and market readiness.
• Mentoring and Workshops: Focused on global market entry.
• Demo Day: Pitched to investors and stakeholders.
• Aftercare: Ongoing support to implement learnings and explore funding.

Program Impact:

• Direct Investment: 2080 Ventures invested in Kooky.
• Funding Secured: Kooky raised $1M in pre-A funding.
• Global Expansion: Positioned as a global leader in K-pop fan engagement.

This case study showcases how a targeted, well-executed program can empower early-stage startups to thrive in competitive industries and scale globally.