[CES2026] A Seasoned U.S. VC Offers a Practical CES 2026 Playbook for Korean Startups and SMEs

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By Daily News, reported by Han Im

Dr. Han Ko, Editor-in-Chief of Daily News, is a seasoned international investor who has spent more than three decades building his career in the United States. Beginning as a startup founder, he evolved into a venture capitalist through hands-on experience in both the U.S. and Korean markets.

Dr. Ko founded USAKO Group, a global investment firm headquartered in the United States, and later expanded its operations into South Korea. Over the past several decades, he has served as an invited speaker and professional investment judge at major global conferences, including CES, SelectUSA, SXSW, MWC, RSAC, Money20/20, and the Money Show. At CES 2026, he will once again participate as an invited speaker and as a judge for pitching sessions targeting the European, North American, and Korean markets.

Below is Dr. Ko’s practical CES 2026 field guide for Korean startups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“CES 2026 is no longer a stage for simply promoting a brand. It has fundamentally transformed into a marketplace where global corporations, investors, and platform companies actively validate technology and select partners.”

The following guidelines represent the minimum requirements and execution standards for converting CES participation into tangible results.

I. Pre-CES: Preparation Matters More Than the Exhibition

1. Define “Where Your Technology Is Used” in One Sentence

The first priority is not describing your technology, but clearly defining:

• Which department of a global company it serves

• What problem it solves

Poor example:
“An AI-based video analytics solution.”

Strong example:
“An AI module that automatically collects and analyzes in-store customer movement data for large retail chains, reducing operational costs.”

At CES, use case and relevance are questioned before technology itself.

2. Demonstrate Scalability, Not Perfection

Large enterprises and investors do not expect a finished product. Instead, they assess:

• Can it integrate into large-scale systems?

• Is it customizable?

• Is it modular, API- or SDK-ready?

Practical tip:
“Currently in pilot stage, but capable of delivering a PoC tailored to your platform within three months.”
This single sentence often initiates serious negotiations.

3. Meetings Matter More Than Business Cards

Success at CES depends on who you meet, not how many visit your booth.

Essential preparation:

• Identify 10–15 target companies

• Research their CES focus areas and partnership strategies

• Request meetings in advance via LinkedIn or email

Booth visits alone do not lead to contracts.

II. On-Site at CES: Think Like a Negotiator, Not an Exhibitor

4. Turn Your Booth into a “Question Generator”

The most successful booths share one trait: short explanations.

Key questions to ask:

• “Where do you see this technology fitting into your organization?”

• “Are you currently developing a similar solution in-house?”

Rule of thumb:
Booths that talk too much fail.
Booths that receive many questions succeed.

5. Learn to Read Buyer and Investor Question Patterns

The nature of questions reveals the intent of the visitor.

Adjust the depth of your answers accordingly.

6. Look Beyond the Exhibition Hall

Many of the most important CES 2026 meetings happen outside the convention center:

• Hotel showrooms operated by global corporations

• Private events outside national pavilions

• VC and enterprise networking receptions

If you only stay on the show floor, you see only half of CES.

III. Post-CES: Where Real Results Are Made

7. The 72-Hour Rule: Follow Up Within Three Days

The most common failure after CES is delayed follow-up.

Must-do actions:

• Send a meeting summary email

• Immediately share requested materials or PoC documents

• Propose next-step meetings

Tip:
An email titled “Summary of Our CES Discussion” builds trust.

8. PoC Comes Before Contracts

Expecting immediate contracts after CES is unrealistic. A more practical sequence is:

1. NDA

2. PoC or pilot project

3. Joint development or supply agreement

A paid PoC structure significantly strengthens your position.

9. Use CES as an Annual Strategic Benchmark

CES should not be treated as a one-time event.

Instead, compare:

• Market responses this year

• Technologies to prepare for next year

• Shifts in global trends

CES should serve as an annual strategic checkpoint.

Conclusion: How Korean Startups and SMEs Can Survive CES 2026

CES 2026 is not about the best technology,
but about companies best prepared to connect.

• Structure over exhibition

• Negotiation over promotion

• Execution readiness over ideas

Only companies equipped with these three elements will remain relevant on the global stage long after CES ends.