John S. Kim
About John S. Kim
John S. Kim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sendbird, a global communications platform, where he has worked since 2013. He previously founded Paprika Lab, a social gaming startup, and has a background in computer science and gaming.
Work at Sendbird
John S. Kim has served as Co-Founder and CEO of Sendbird since 2013. Under his leadership, Sendbird has evolved into a global communications platform, catering to a diverse clientele that includes major companies such as DoorDash, PayPal, and Yahoo!. Kim has played a crucial role in expanding the company's customer base and enhancing its service offerings. His strategic vision has helped Sendbird secure over $220 million in funding from notable investors, including ICONIQ Capital and SoftBank Vision Fund.
Previous Experience
Before his tenure at Sendbird, John S. Kim founded Paprika Lab, Inc., where he served as Founder and CEO from 2007 until its acquisition in 2012. His experience in the gaming industry includes a position at NCSOFT, where he worked on the popular game Lineage II from 2002 to 2004. This background in gaming has informed his approach to technology and product development in his subsequent ventures.
Education and Expertise
John S. Kim holds a degree from Seoul National University, where he studied Computer Science. He furthered his education at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, gaining insights into business management and leadership. Additionally, he participated in Y Combinator, an influential startup accelerator, which provided him with valuable resources and networking opportunities.
Achievements in Gaming
John S. Kim is recognized as Korea's all-time number one professional gamer in Unreal Tournament. This achievement highlights his deep understanding of the gaming landscape and his ability to excel in competitive environments. His gaming background has played a significant role in shaping his career in technology and entrepreneurship.
Transition from Gaming to Communications
John S. Kim successfully transitioned from founding a social gaming startup, Paprika Lab, to leading Sendbird, a global communications platform. This shift demonstrates his adaptability and ability to leverage his gaming experience in a new industry, contributing to the growth and success of Sendbird.