Brian Koo:

A Catalyst for Change in Korean Business

Brian Koo Co-founder of Stock Farm Road Inc. aimed at transforming the business landscape and creating a new international platform for innovation with its first investments being in Korea. Koo is a prominent figure in the Korean and global business worlds, renowned for his unique approach to bridging the gap between traditional Korean conglomerates and the dynamic global startup ecosystem. Born in Hong Kong and raised in a multicultural environment spanning Singapore and Korea, Koo possesses a unique cross-cultural perspective that profoundly shapes his investment strategies and business philosophy. This global upbringing, coupled with his exceptional academic achievements, including a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University, provides a strong foundation for his multifaceted career.

Koo's family history is intrinsically linked to the legacy of LG and LS , one of South Korea's most influential chaebols. His grandfather was a founding member, and his father played a pivotal role in its remarkable global expansion. This heritage provided Koo with an intimate understanding of both the strengths and weaknesses of the traditional Korean business model—its emphasis on family ties and long-term vision juxtaposed against its inherent limitations within a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Koo's professional journey reflects a remarkable blend of experience in both established and emerging markets. He boasts decades of investment experience across the United States and internationally. This experience began with his co- founding and role as Partner at Harbor Pacific Capital until 2011, followed by co- founding and continuing as Partner at Formation8 Partners since 2011. Like most entrepreneurs success has not always come easily and business failures have been part of Koo’s personal journey. These ups and downs have strengthened Koo’s character and honed his business skills. Far from deterring him Koo has been able to weather the storms , learn from them and apply those learnings to future ventures.

In 2021, Koo further expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors by founding Maum Capital Group, where he currently serves as President. Fir Hills, a US-based investment firm he founded in 2023, showcases his ongoing commitment to innovative investment strategies. In 2025 he joined forces with Amin Badr El Din founder of Badr Investments and a leading business strategist and investor to found Stock Farm Road aimed at transformative change in the Korean business landscape creating a new international platform for Korean innovation and development.

Koo's early success stemmed from his ability to serve as a critical connector between the often-disparate worlds of Korean conglomerates and Silicon Valley startups. However, this transactional role ultimately proved insufficient. He witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by Korean businesses navigating the intricacies and cultural nuances of global markets, along with the internal inefficiencies common within established Korean firms. This realization spurred Koo to adopt a fundamentally different approach—a transformative “catalyst” role—rather than merely connecting parties, he actively strives to effect change within Korean corporate culture itself, promoting collaboration, innovation, and a more agile, risk- tolerant approach.

His commitment extends beyond the typical venture capital model. He established Maum, an initiative dedicated to showcasing the finest Korean products and entrepreneurial talent on the world stage. This venture acts not just as a commercial endeavor but as a subtle challenge to conventional Korean business practices. The aim is not simply to generate profits, but to foster a culture that celebrates success while concurrently confronting the restrictive structures and traditional mindsets that often hinder innovation within Korean companies.

Koo's vision transcends personal enrichment. He's driven by a profound desire to elevate Korea to a position of global leadership in innovation and to challenge the ingrained insularity that sometimes characterizes Korean business. He bridges the gap between generations, fostering collaboration between established family businesses and groundbreaking startups, and successfully navigates cultural hurdles. His unwavering commitment, even in the face of setbacks, establishes him as a visionary leader, a catalyst for transformation in Korean business, and a compelling figure in the global business community. His remarkable story serves as a case study, highlighting the challenges and opportunities inherent in modernizing traditional business structures within a dynamic, evolving global marketplace.