The Early Days of a Tech Visionary

While most students were returning from late-night outings, Songyee Yoon was making her way across her South Korean campus, eager to see the results of her programs running on the college’s supercomputer. Her curiosity often led her to check in on her work during the wee hours, making her a distinctive figure on campus. This curiosity and dedication were so notable that they inspired a character in the Korean TV show KAIST.

From Academia to Industry Leader

Yoon’s journey didn’t stop at inspiring TV shows. After earning a PhD from MIT, she rose to become the president of NCSoft, a leading South Korean video game developer. Now, she’s taking her expertise into the world of AI with the launch of Principle Venture Partners (PVP), a $100 million fund dedicated to supporting AI startups. The fund has already begun investing in promising ventures like Liquid AI.

A Team of Academic Titans

PVP stands out with its team composed of renowned figures in AI academia, including Daniela Rus and Dawn Song. This unique composition gives PVP an edge when identifying and supporting groundbreaking AI startups. Yoon believes that this diverse expertise provides invaluable perspectives for budding entrepreneurs.

“I think founders would like to have a diversified set of advisors who can bring different perspectives,” Yoon remarked, highlighting the advantage of having such a knowledgeable team.

– Songyee Yoon

Envisioning AI-Native Unicorns

The PVP team is optimistic about the future of AI-native companies—businesses built with AI at their core from inception. They’re confident that these companies could become tomorrow’s tech giants, much like today’s NASDAQ leaders who thrived by embracing digital technologies early on.

Addressing Cultural Concerns in AI

Yoon is also conscious of AI’s potential cultural impacts. She emphasizes the need for more inclusive data sets and highlights the importance of representation in shaping AI’s future. Her fund’s diverse leadership is a step towards addressing these complex issues.

• Transforming sectors like insurance with AI
• Increasing female representation in tech investment
• Engaging in global conversations about AI’s cultural impact

A New Era for Female Founders

The presence of three female partners at PVP has naturally attracted female founders who seek understanding and support from investors who recognize their unique strengths. While not explicitly branded as a “female fund,” PVP offers empathy and insight that resonates with many women entrepreneurs.

“We don’t say it’s a female fund, but I think I see a lot of the female founders come to us because they know that we’ll have more sympathy,” Yoon shared.

– Songyee Yoon