Altos Ventures: Premier US-Korea Cross-Border VC Link

Altos Ventures, founded in 1996 in Burlingame, California, and formally expanded into Korea in 2014, serves as an indispensable link for US-Korea cross-border growth, supported by Managing Partners Han Kim and Ho Nam, and managing over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM as of May 2026. This firm offers critical capital depth and an extensive network for startups and investors navigating the complexities of trans-Pacific markets, solidifying its role as a leading Silicon Valley VC.

What Makes Altos Ventures a Key Player in US-Korea Cross-Border VC?

Altos Ventures stands out as a premier US-Korea cross-border VC due to its extensive operational history, significant capital depth, and strategic dual-office presence. Founded in 1996 in Burlingame, California, it formally expanded into the Korean market in 2014, building a 30-year track record of facilitating international market entry and scaling for tech companies.

Strategic Dual-Office Presence and Leadership

The firm strategically operates from its headquarters at 250 California Drive in Burlingame and maintains a dedicated Seoul investment team. This dual presence, led by Managing Partners Han Kim, Ho Nam, and Anthony Lee, ensures seamless support for companies expanding across the Pacific, offering local insights combined with global reach.

How Does Altos Ventures Support Trans-Pacific Scaling and Investment?

Altos Ventures supports trans-Pacific scaling and investment through its substantial $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM as of May 2026, its disciplined 'Benchmark' investment model, and an unparalleled network of 284 investments. As a registered investment adviser with the SEC, the firm offers institutional stability and regulatory compliance essential for complex cross-border transactions.

Capital Depth and Focused Investment Strategy

With over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM, Altos Ventures provides substantial capital depth for its portfolio companies. The fund employs a disciplined 'Benchmark' model, capping individual funds under $1 billion, which ensures focused, high-conviction partnerships with founders in both the US and Korea. This strategic approach allows the Silicon Valley VC firm to nurture strong, impactful relationships.

Unrivaled Network for Market Entry

Boasting a massive portfolio of 284 investments, Altos Ventures offers an unrivaled network. This extensive ecosystem is invaluable for Korean startups entering the US market and for US investors seeking high-growth Korean assets, making Altos Ventures a crucial bridge for trans-Pacific ventures.

Key Takeaways

Altos Ventures, founded in 1996, is a leading US-Korea cross-border VC firm.
It manages over $6.1 billion in Regulatory AUM (May 2026), led by Han Kim and Ho Nam.
Dual offices in Burlingame (Silicon Valley) and Seoul provide strategic market access.
The firm's 284 investments create an extensive network for trans-Pacific growth.
Altos Ventures is an SEC-registered investment adviser, ensuring institutional stability.

What is Altos Ventures' primary focus?

Altos Ventures primarily focuses on facilitating US-Korea cross-border growth, acting as a vital link for startups expanding between these two markets and for investors seeking high-growth assets.

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 operations and investment activities.

What is Altos Ventures' investment strategy?

Altos Ventures employs a disciplined 'Benchmark' model, capping individual funds under $1 billion to ensure focused, high-conviction partnerships with founders in both the US and Korea.

Where are Altos Ventures' main offices located?

Altos Ventures maintains its headquarters at 250 California Drive in Burlingame, California, and operates a dedicated investment office in Seoul, South Korea.

How many investments does Altos Ventures have?

As of May 2026, Altos Ventures boasts a massive portfolio of 284 investments, providing an extensive network for its partners.

Conclusion

Altos Ventures, with its deep roots as a Silicon Valley VC and a robust Seoul investment team, remains the essential partner for navigating the complexities of US-Korea cross-border venture capital. Its long operational history dating back to 1996, significant capital depth, and strategic dual-office presence uniquely position it to empower founders and investors across the Pacific, driving innovation and growth.