Joyce Kim

Overview

Joyce Kim is an angel investor and executive director of Stellar.org, a non-profit organization focused on financial inclusion and literacy. She co-founded Stellar in 2014 with the aim of facilitating low-cost transactions for users lacking access to traditional payment channels. Under her leadership, Stellar has developed an open-source internet protocol for money, enabling cross-border transactions between various currencies. Kim has also served as an advisor at Freestyle Capital and was previously the CEO of Soompi.com, a prominent Asian entertainment site. Additionally, she co-founded Simplehoney, a mobile e-commerce company. Before entering the startup world, Kim was a corporate and M&A attorney. She graduated from Cornell University at the age of 19, followed by graduate studies at Harvard University and Columbia Law School. In 2017, Kim launched SparkChain Capital, a $100 million early-stage fund focused on blockchain and cryptocurrency startups. The fund aims to back companies developing products and services related to blockchain and cryptocurrency, rather than trading actual cryptocurrencies. SparkChain Capital primarily invests in companies raising their Series A rounds, with typical investments ranging from $1 million to $3 million. The fund leverages SparkLabs Group’s extensive network in Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea, to identify and support innovative blockchain and cryptocurrency companies. Kim's investment philosophy centers on supporting entrepreneurs who are leveraging blockchain technology to solve real-world problems. She emphasizes the importance of building sustainable business models that can serve underserved communities globally. Her experience spans various sectors, including blockchain, cryptocurrency, financial technology, e-commerce, enterprise software, payments, consumer internet, software, hardware, healthcare, analytics, consumer goods, and connected devices. Kim's diverse background and strategic approach have positioned her as a significant figure in the intersection of technology and financial inclusion.

Investment Focus

• Innovative blockchain and cryptocurrency startups
• Companies developing products and services related to blockchain and cryptocurrency
• Entrepreneurs leveraging blockchain technology to solve real-world problems
• Sustainable business models serving underserved communities globally

Portfolio Companies