WAION, a startup that operates the AI-powered B2B buyer discovery solution LeadNOW and the webinar platform Webinow, has been selected for the Kibo-Star Valley program by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation. The program recognizes technology-driven companies with strong growth potential and provides guarantee benefits aligned with each stage of development. WAION will use the selection to advance its export support services and expand its trade AI transformation business across Southeast Asia.
Industry Recognition and Program Benefits
WAION was selected on October 15 after demonstrating strong technical capabilities and future growth potential. Kibo-Star Valley is operated by the Korea Technology Finance Corporation and offers preferential guarantees and other support tailored to a company's specific growth stage. The program targets companies that combine technological competitiveness with meaningful market prospects.
Integrating LeadNOW and Webinow for Exporters
WAION has supported companies by identifying potential buyers through LeadNOW and conducting online product introductions and consultations through Webinow. The company will now strengthen the connection between the two services and upgrade features such as buyer recommendations, multilingual consultations, quotations, and follow-up sales tools. These improvements are intended to help exporters locate buyers and manage business negotiations more efficiently.
Vietnam Entry with K-Beauty and K-Food Focus
WAION's expansion begins in Vietnam, a market where the company has already gained experience through domestic validation and local buyer response. The initial focus will be on supporting K-beauty and K-food companies by matching each firm with suitable buyers and sales channels based on product characteristics and export readiness. The support will cover product introductions, consultations, and sample proposals designed to lead to actual sales activity.
Strengthening Local Operations and Partner Networks
To deliver this support, WAION will expand its local sales team and deepen cooperation with partners in distribution, certification, and logistics. The company will arrange in-person meetings with buyers discovered online and manage quotation discussions and follow-up contact after each consultation. This operating structure is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises that lack dedicated overseas sales staff but still want to pursue transactions in local markets.
Post-Export Growth and Distribution Expansion
After the first export, WAION plans to support repeat transactions and broader distribution network expansion over time. The company will monitor buyer responses and trading demand to encourage reorders and propose additional products that fit the buyer's market. It will also identify local distribution partners and sales channels that match each product's profile and positioning.
Long-Term Southeast Asia Roadmap
In the mid to long term, WAION aims to validate its export support model in Vietnam and then expand into Indonesia and other Southeast Asian markets. The company will secure local partners that reflect each country's consumption patterns and distribution structure. This approach is expected to build a regional sales support system that companies can use when entering new markets.
CEO Joo Kwang-soo stated that WAION's goal is to stand beside domestic small and medium-sized enterprises from the first buyer meeting through the expansion of local accounts. He added that the company will combine its Vietnam experience with the capabilities of LeadNOW and Webinow to reduce the barriers to Southeast Asian market entry. With AI and local networks at the center of its strategy, WAION continues to help Korean companies widen transaction opportunities in the region.