Jolt Capital has appointed Warren Kim as the Managing Director for South Korea, a significant milestone in the firm’s strategic expansion beyond its European roots. This appointment underscores Jolt’s commitment to broadening its global footprint and tapping into emerging markets with robust deeptech ecosystems and sophisticated institutional investors.
Following its entry into Japan in 2024, Jolt’s move into South Korea is a testament to its strategic focus on regions that align with its investment thesis and offer substantial growth potential.
Warren Kim brings a wealth of experience in the finance sector, having previously held the position of Head of Corporate Coverage at Natixis Asia Limited in Seoul. In this role, he was instrumental in managing relationships with some of the largest Korean conglomerates, including Samsung, LG, SK, Hanwha, and Lotte Group. His extensive background also includes over a decade of experience as a local advisor to Natixis CIB Asia, which has equipped him with a deep understanding of the local market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and investor relations. This experience positions him uniquely to lead Jolt’s efforts in navigating the complexities of the Korean market and building strong partnerships with local stakeholders.
As a key member of Jolt’s global investor relations team, which already has a presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Japan, Kim will play a pivotal role in supporting business development for the firm’s portfolio companies. He will also be instrumental in attracting new limited partners for Jolt Capital V, leveraging his extensive network and expertise to enhance the firm’s visibility and appeal in the region. Jolt Capital recognizes South Korea as a natural fit for its deeptech investment thesis, given the country’s strong emphasis on innovation and its keen interest in forming strategic partnerships with European firms.
The leadership at Jolt Capital, including CEO Jean Schmitt, views Kim’s appointment as a critical step in identifying merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities and potential exit strategies in the region. To further establish its presence and introduce Kim to the local investment community, the firm is planning a series of meetings with institutional investors in Seoul and Jeju.
KEY QUOTES:
“It was the right time for us to cross Warren’s path. His experience and his extended network will prove invaluable in our development in South Korea. I’m planning to be in Jeju and in Seoul this month to meet large institutional investors, and to introduce Warren as the first Joltian there. We are convinced he will be key in attracting new South Korean LPs for our fund Jolt Capital V, and in spotting M&A or exit opportunities for our portfolio companies.”
Jean Schmitt
“It is my true honor to join Jolt Capital after many years at Natixis CIB. Korea is very much focused on deeptech with a big push coming from the new administration and it is the right time to be in Korea. As Korea is trying to diversify, Europe is the natural geography as the next strategic partnership. With my professional colleagues, I’m hoping to contribute to the growth of Jolt Capital as well as the growth of Korean deeptech companies.”
Warren Kim
