Cleveland Avenue, a prominent Chicago-based venture capital firm specializing in investments within lifestyle consumer brands and pioneering technology companies that positively disrupt large and growing markets, hosted CA Tech X Asia in collaboration with Shinsegae at The Devil’s Door in Seoul today. The CA Tech X Asia event stands as a premier networking and information-sharing platform, convening industry leaders, government officials, students, and CA’s strategic alliance leaders, investment partners, and portfolio companies.
The CA Tech Fund invests in disruptive tech platforms like Artificial Intelligence, Digital Experience, and Robotics. Its portfolio targets tech companies with clear applications across influential lifestyle-driving sectors, including Food and Beverage, Clothing and Fashion, Home, and Culture & Entertainment. Cleveland Avenue extends and builds brands by leveraging its strategic partner ecosystem, in-depth business and human understanding complemented by a portfolio resource group offering comprehensive business consulting services.
Marking the first CA Tech X Asia event in Korea, following its successful inaugural CA X Tech debut in Chicago, IL on May 24, 2022, this event underscores CA Tech Fund’s growth since its launch in January 2022, now comprising 10 investments. Cleveland Avenue portfolio companies founded or have business offices in South Korea featured today included presentations from John Ha, CEO of Bear Robotics and Steve Seo, CEO of bemyfriends. Other notable leaders in the CA Tech fund presenting today included, Greg Cross, CEO of Soul Machines and Michael Chow, CEO of Believer.
CA was honored with special guests at the CA Tech X Asia to include Dr. WP Hong, CEO & Vice Chairman, SK Shieldus, and Alex Song, CEO, Shinsegae Food, along with industry leaders, investment partners, and government leaders.
Attendees savored an innovative culinary lunch courtesy of Better Foods, a global leader in 100% plant-based specialty foods, founded by South Korean company Shinsegae Food. Better Foods has proposed a new paradigm in the alternative food market, prioritizing human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
“Cleveland Avenue stands at the intersection of insight and opportunity within the tech investment landscape, uniting pioneering startup founders, investment partners, and global visionaries,” said Don Thompson, Founder & CEO, Cleveland Avenue, LLC. “Our presence in Seoul following last year’s inaugural CA Tech X event in Chicago, reaffirms CA’s global presence and unwavering commitment to forging robust connections worldwide to achieve strong investment returns, with a shared vision of nurturing and advancing innovative tech brands.”
Mingu Lee, Ph.D., Managing Partner of Technology Investments at Cleveland Avenue, LLC, added, “Participating in CA Tech X Asia in Seoul represents a significant expansion of Cleveland Avenue’s tech investment ecosystem. We continue to drive innovation and foster collaboration within the tech sector, both locally and globally, by demonstrating our commitment to shaping the future of tech investments and their positive impact on our world.”
