FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seoul, South Korea — 16 September 2025

Boustead APEX, Raffles Capital, and 500 Global Discuss U.S. IPO Pathways for Korean Startups at Try Everything 2025

Seoul – On 11 September 2025, Boustead APEX, Inc. and Raffles Capital engaged in an insightful fire-side chat on the opening day of Korea’s largest start-up event Try Everything 2025.  Held at one of Seoul’s iconic landmarks, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), the annual global startup festival is organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Mae Kyung Media Group, and Seoul Economic Promotion Agency.

The fireside chat session was facilitated by Sean Kwon, Venture Partner at 500 Global, and focused on the pathway for Korean companies to achieve a U.S. public listing within 18 to 24 months. 

The dialogue attracted a strong turnout of founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders eager to understand the realities and opportunities of listing on major U.S. exchanges such as Nasdaq and NYSE.

The session provided a clear roadmap for promising Korean firms to list on a North American bourse within an accelerated 18-24 month timeline. Dr. Marcuz Tan, CEO of Boustead APEX, Inc., and Dr. Charlie In, Founder of Raffles Capital, shared their combined strategy, which leverages a venture-accelerator model designed to prepare companies for the rigors of the U.S. capital markets.

The discussion moved beyond strategy to directly confront the top concerns raised by founders from the floor. Topics included the fear of share dilution, managing the high costs associated with a public listing, and the extensive internal preparations required in finance, corporate governance, and compliance. Both Dr. Tan and Dr. In emphasized the critical importance of early and thorough preparation, highlighting auditing as a foundational element for a successful listing.

Sean Kwon of 500 Global skillfully guided the conversation to demystify the process for the audience. "There is immense potential within the Korean startup ecosystem to create global market leaders," stated Mr. Kwon. "However, the path to a U.S. listing is filled with unknowns. Our goal today was to replace that uncertainty with a clear, actionable strategy and connect founders with the expertise needed to navigate that journey successfully."

Dr. Charlie In spoke to the unique approach of their venture-accelerator model. "Dr. In commented, "We don't just advise; we partner with companies for an 18-to-24-month period to build a robust foundation for public life. Our focus is on firms that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that we are bringing companies to market that deliver not just profit, but also progress for people and the planet."

Addressing the practical hurdles, Dr. Marcuz Tan provided insights into the advisory and structuring process. "Dr. Tan added, "Founders' concerns about dilution and cost are valid, but with proper strategic planning, these can be managed effectively. Our role at Boustead APEX is to structure deals and up-valuation strategies that protect founders' interests while preparing the company for the transparency and accountability required of a U.S. listed entity. Engaging with expert legal and financial partners, such as Loeb & Loeb LLP, is a non-negotiable step in this process."

The session concluded with a Q&A, offering founders direct access to the speakers and reaffirming the significant interest among Korean entrepreneurs in accessing U.S. capital markets.

Key Points Discussed at Fireside Chat

The fire-side chat addressed direct and pressing concerns raised by startup founders in attendance:

·      Dilution of shares and strategies to maintain founder ownership.

·      High costs associated with going public and available financing structures.

·      Internal readiness and governance needed to operate as a listed company.

·      Unknowns, including the critical importance of audited financials and compliance with U.S. regulatory standards.

Both Boustead APEX, Inc. and Raffles Capital emphasized a structured approach to IPO preparation, combining capital access, legal guidance, and investor engagement to mitigate risks while maximizing growth potential.

“Korean companies are increasingly global in ambition and quality. With proper preparation and the right partners, they can be ready to access the U.S. capital markets within 18 to 24 months. Our role is to bring both structure and confidence to that journey.”

— Dr. Marcuz Tan, CEO, Boustead APEX, Inc.

“We see our partnership as a bridge — connecting promising Korean innovators to the largest capital market in the world. Dilution, costs, and governance are real concerns, but with clear strategies, these challenges become opportunities for stronger, more resilient companies.”

— Dr. Charlie In, Founder, Raffles Capital

“What struck me today was the level of transparency in addressing founder concerns head-on. From costs to compliance, the discussion gave founders clarity on what it truly takes to build a U.S.-listed company, and the possibilities that lie ahead.”

— Sean Kwon, Venture Partner, 500 Global

Contact:

Faralynn Wong, Boustead APEX, Inc.

Email: mani@bousteadapex.com

Website: bousteadapex.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements, including potential benefits of supply chain finance, possible valuation outcomes, and indicative timelines for U.S. listings. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. No assurance can be given that any particular result will be achieved. Factors that could affect outcomes include market conditions, regulatory approvals, the company’s financial performance, and other risks described in company disclosures. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should consult qualified professional advisors.

About Try Everything

Try Everything is Korea’s premier global startup festival hosted annually by the Seoul Metropolitan Government with the support of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups. The event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, accelerators, and global ecosystem leaders to promote innovation, cross-border collaboration, and international growth opportunities. (www.tryeverything.or.kr)

About Boustead APEX, Inc.

Boustead APEX, Inc. “BAI” provides corporate advisory services including but not limited to private-to-public listing strategy, mergers and acquisition deal structuring consultation, up-valuation and up-listing of undervalued companies.

About Raffles Capital

Raffles Capital US acts as venture-accelerator for promising firms that are ready and qualifies for a public listing on a North-America bourse within 18-24 months of vesting. RC works with companies that can deliver social impact bringing prosperity and progress to the people and planet. These firms’ purpose must be in alignment with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

About 500 Global

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.7B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth.