TOKYO / SAN FRANCISCO — Z Venture Capital (ZVC), the corporate venture capital arm of LY Corporation, announced the opening of its new office in San Francisco, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s global expansion.

ZVC’s San Francisco office will act as a gateway connecting the US and Asia startup ecosystems—serving as a hub where entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation partners come together to collaborate, exchange ideas, and build globally impactful companies.

ZVC has been investing in AI and deep tech startups in the US since 2016 (via LINE Ventures) and continuing under the ZVC brand. Over the past several years, ZVC has built a portfolio of over 60 companies in US, reflecting its long-term commitment to identifying and supporting cutting-edge technologies that shape the future.

Office Overview

・Location: Mission District, San Francisco, CA

・Opening: October 2025

Through the new U.S. base, ZVC aims to:

・Expand its investment efforts in early-to-growth stage US startups and support their Asia GTM efforts

・Support Asian startups entering the US market through network access and operational supports

・Build strong cross-border community with VC firms, global corporations, and entreprenuers

ZVC will host a series of community events, office hours, and private roundtables to celebrate its opening and foster new collaborations.

Our new San Francisco office underscores ZVC’s commitment to bridging Asian innovation with U.S. talent, networks, and markets, with over a decade of experience in AI and deep-tech investment, we are well-positioned to accelerate cross-border growth and help founders realize global ambition.

— In Joon Hwang, CEO of ZVC and Chief Global Investment Officer of LY Corporation

We’re thrilled to officially open our new office in San Francisco — a milestone that comes after having to close our Palo Alto office during the pandemic. This new space represents much more than a physical return; it’s a renewed commitment to our community of founders and investors in the Bay Area.

We hope it becomes a place where ideas and relationships can grow, bridging Asia and the U.S. startup ecosystems. Strengthening this cross-border connection has always been at the heart of ZVC’s mission, and we’re excited to deepen our presence here in the global center of innovation.

— Hyung Kim, Partner, Z Venture Capital

If you’re interested in the US office or ZVC, feel free to reach out to our US team.

zvc-sf-office@zvc.vc