# Kidae Lee **Executive Director @ Startup Alliance Korea** — Seoul, South Korea > With over three decades of professional experience, I am currently the Executive Director at Startup Alliance Korea, a non-profit organization committed to advancing Korea's startup ecosystem. My core expertise lies in policy advocacy, ecosystem development, and community engagement, which align seamlessly with our mission to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovation. Career Archetype: **Launchpad Navigator** (HS-DG) — One of the first Launchpad Navigators on Saywise ## Links - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/kidaelee ## Experience ### Executive Director, Startup Alliance Korea (2024-07 – present) Seoul, South Korea · Startup Alliance is a government-recognized NPO (公益法人 지정기부금단체) driving Korea’s startup ecosystem. Since stepping in as ED in 2024, I’ve focused on three key areas: Policy & Research — Advocating regulatory reform and ecosystem growth to policymakers Community & Education — Operating Korea Startup Conference, training programs, and founder meetups A Free, Open Hub for U.S.-Based Events & Jobs인 CAPSA.KR의 운영사입니다. ### Chief Executive Officer, Gangwon Center for Creative & Innovation (2022-06 – 2024-06) Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea · - Head of Gangwon CCEI — part of South Korea’s national startup accelerator network. - Led local programs and initiatives supporting entrepreneurs and fostering innovation for two years. ### Director, Startup Alliance Korea (2015-05 – 2022-05) Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea · - Driving the growth of Korea’s startup ecosystem - Building and nurturing vibrant startup communities - Mentoring founders to help them thrive - Supporting Korean startups in going global - Organizing the Korea Ecosystem Conference and numerous other startup events ### VP, Human Resources, IGAWorks (2014-03 – 2015-04) - Returned to IGAWorks after 18 months to lead HR for a 65+ member team — driving talent acquisition, training, retention, and leadership growth. - When I left to lead Startup Alliance, the company had already reached Series C with strong revenue fundamentals. ### CEO, Beautiful Store (2012-07 – 2013-10) Seoul, Korea · The Beautiful Store Foundation is Korea’s largest non-profit social enterprise, operating 120 stores with 400+ staff and 8,000+ volunteers. We promote reuse, ethical consumption, and fair trade — collecting millions of donated items annually and supporting social enterprises and marginalized communities. While at the foundation, I focused on expanding international programs, partnering with NGOs across the Asia-Pacific to support poverty alleviation and sustainable development. ### COO, IGAWorks (2011-02 – 2012-07) Seoul, Korea · - Joined as EIR to support the turnaround of a VC-backed in-game ad startup specializing in incentivized mobile and social game advertising. - Departed after the company secured Series B funding and stabilized its growth trajectory. ### Social Service Coordinator, Retirement Housing Foundation (2009-08 – 2010-12) Anaheim Memorial Manor · During my studies in Gerontology at CSULB, I worked with a HUD-funded Section 8 housing community in Anaheim, supporting senior residents through the Social Service Coordinator program to enhance their quality of life and access to services. ### President, Peach Tree Consulting inc (2003-12 – 2008-04) Greater Los Angeles Area · Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a 170-room Ramada Plaza Hotel at LAX, concluding with its successful sale in October 2007. ### Director, Asia Pacific Sales, ARCOT by Broadcom (2001-08 – 2003-01) Sunnyvale, CA · Led business development initiatives in Korea and Japan, successfully deploying "Verified by Visa" solutions to credit card issuers across the region. The company was acquired by CA Technologies in 2010, which was later acquired by Broadcom Inc. in 2018. ### Founder & President, Dream Search Korea (1997-12 – 2000-12) Kangnam, Seoul, Korea · - Launched a pioneering executive search firm in Korea, focused exclusively on the Information Technology sector during the first wave of the industry’s growth. - Achieved a successful exit via M&A. ### Manager, Member Relations, Visa (1995-01 – 1997-01) ### Field Application Engineer, Parker Hannifin (1993-01 – 1995-01) Seoul, South Korea · Compumotor Division. ## Education ### Gerontology, California State University-Long Beach (2009-01 – 2010-01) 30 credits Graduate Levels (4.0 GPA) ### Counseling Psychology, The Catholic University of Korea (2003-01 – 2008-01) Three semesters in the graduate program. ### Non-degree, EMBA in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies, Stanford Graduate School of Business (1999-01 – 1999-01) Co-sponsored program by Dr. Chong-moon Lee of AmBex and Korean Government ### Master of Science (MS) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University at Buffalo (1990-01 – 1991-01) ### Bachelor of Science (BS) in Electronics Engineering, Hanyang University ## Skills Career Development Coaching, Writing, Career Counseling, Executive Coaching, Project Appraisal, New Business Development, Healthcare, Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship, Nonprofits, Public Speaking, Social Networking, Fundraising, Leadership, Start-ups, Program Management, Strategy, Business Development ## Credentials - **UC Davis, Coaching Skills for Managers** — Coursera (issued 2024-01) - **Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator Specialization** — Coursera (issued 2023-11) - **나쁜 보스는 되고 싶지 않지만 직원들이 잘했으면 좋겠어요** - **HR guidebook for startup founders. 초보창업자를 위한 HR가이드북** - **짧지만 강력한 아이디어** - **The Price of Admission 왜 학벌은 세습되는가?** - **20 years old, it is time to think about career.** - **How to negotiate the raise you deserve** - **Multinational Companies: How to Enter and How to Move.** --- Source: https://saywise.com/member5501 (last modified 2026-10-05T21:41:24.858Z)