Startup Success Story: ClayFingers — A Korean Startup Signs 5-figure Deal with Leading Startup in Silicon Valley

In October, the 10X team completed another acceleration program with one of the leading government agencies called Korea Institute of Startup and Entrepreneurship Development (KISED). Over the last couple of months, we delivered a series of educational sessions aimed at teaching founders the fundamentals of scaling, international expansion, and differences in business culture. In addition to providing insights and best practices, we also delivered dedicated 1:1 support by connecting each of the teams to industry mentors, as well as matching them up with targeted customers, partners and investors. These efforts resulted in not only earning the highest NPS score possible of 100, but also leading to significant success stories whereby founders were able to sign partnership agreements with leading technology companies in Silicon Valley. 

Thanks to a tremendous effort by the team behind the 10X program, which was managed by Victor Barbosa, we were not only able to connect the founders with 50 different companies-- including but not limited to [Samsung, Amazon, Ford, Costco, Rakuten Group, Viber, Kik, Telegram, All Turtles, Splunk, The California Air National Guard, Harvard University, San Jose University--but also, the founders were able to gain valuable insights on how to take the next step in expanding their business to Silicon Valley. In connecting with Silicon Valley-based companies directly, the founders received valuable feedback on their technology and messaging, allowing them to tweak and adapt their value proposition, business model and lots more. 

One of this year’s participants, ClayFingers, a startup that unlocks company creativity through “clay-based” learning and play, successfully closed a partnership with one of the hottest  Silicon Valley-based startups (name undisclosed) that recently closed a $100M USD. It is these success stories that our team aims to deliver through our programs as it helps founders validate market potential that can later lead to successfully scaling into the US market.  

In speaking with ClayFingers CEO and Co-Founder, Marisol Seok, this year’s workshop helped her excel in doing business in the US as well as understanding how she can pivot her business to focus on B2B instead of her initial B2C focus. What’s more, the mentorship and matchmaking also helped her understand how to adapt her business model to a B2B audience, leading her to sign a 5-figure partnership deal. Marisol notes

“WOW, I can fully confirm that 10X’s support has been instrumental in our success in repositioning our business for B2B customers. They helped us navigate conversations with prospects that led us to signing a deal with a marquee Silicon Valley brand. I have never participated in any other programs that provide such customized and tailored support for Korean founders. Thanks 10X! — Marisol Seok, CEO and Co-Founder, Clay Fingers

If you want to learn more about 10X’s efforts, feel free to check out our programs here. If you’re keen to learn more about our unique educational content, we recommend that you visit our Global Class book website that includes insights, strategies and frameworks that helps companies scale international markets. Although the book hasn’t hit shelves yet, it is already being adopted by some of the fastest growing companies in the world, including but not limited to, Zoom, ShipBob, Berkeley Haas School of Business, and lots more. Expected publish date is September 2022 and you can request a paid consultation here.