HRZ Han River, a Silicon Valley early-stage venture capital firm, announced today the launch of a $100 million venture fund. The fund aims to build stronger bridges between Silicon Valley and the Korea Graph, HRZ’s focus area that targets the talents, technology, and market trends that originate or intersect Korea with potential for global impact.
HRZ, established in 2022, channels the Korea Graph’s entrepreneurialism, international aspirations, and resilience to back exceptional founders who are innovating and building global-scale companies. With a team led by top-tier, institutional venture investors from Silicon Valley and experienced ex-founders who have built and supported internationally-recognized companies, HRZ aspires to be a leading VC that leverages Silicon Valley disciplines with venture opportunities from the Korea Graph.
Their team includes Founder and Managing Partner Chris Koh, who co-founded Coupang, South Korea’s first and largest online marketplace and one of its most notable unicorn startups, and Co-founder and General Partner Jin Ho Hur, a pioneer in Korea’s early internet economy as a serial entrepreneur and former Chairperson of the Korea Internet Association. HRZ’s team presents a combination of operational history, deep networks, and investment acumen that is unrivaled in terms of its opportunity set.
“My experience at Coupang taught me the importance of Silicon Valley-Korea Graph partnerships and how to build companies that leverage the best of both ecosystems for higher success,” says Chris. “The HRZ team brings a unique set of skills that maximize these opportunities, and we are looking forward to supporting visionary entrepreneurs that not only push the boundaries of what’s possible but also drive positive societal impact.”
