Rene Do, senior director, venture investment at SK Hynix Ventures, is one of our top 50 Emerging Leaders in corporate venturing for 2026.
Rene Do, senior director of venture investment at South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix, has worked diligently over the past year to transition the unit’s investment approach from one that was ad hoc and relationship-driven to one that is more structured and scaleable. This formal framework integrates startup engagement into the KPIs of the business units, clearly defining the strategic value that corporate venturing delivers.
She has also revamped the marketing strategy of the portfolio, introducing technology-themed LinkedIn articles that increase its visibility, generate inbound interest and showcase investment areas.
With a background in computer science and engineering, Do began her career at Samsung Electronics where her first-hand exposure to fundamental technology decisions and product roadmaps led her to realise that “strategic choices upstream and technology matter enormously when it goes downstream in markets.” She moved to a market-facing innovation role at Motorola, which led her to “appreciate how innovation only succeeds when technology, ecosystems and execution all come together.”
“Do points to the ability to shape the long-term strategic direction of the company as a highlight of her role. She also enjoys working closely with founders to help navigate the complexities of the corporate”
After her MBA, Do was a management consultant for consultancy Accenture, which helped her frame broad views over various industries and recognise patterns in emerging technologies that are likely to scale. A move to LG Electronics allowed her to engage more meaningfully with startups and realise that corporate venturing was the ideal platform to translate emerging technologies into strategic advantage.
Do points to the ability to shape the long-term strategic direction of the company as a highlight of her role. She also enjoys serving as a bridge – working closely with founders to help navigate the complexities of the corporate.
Founded in 2015, the unit has deployed more than $100m in more than 30 investments directly and through fund-of-funds.
The Emerging Leaders are mid-career corporate venture professionals who are making an outstanding contribution to their teams and the industry.
See the full list of Emerging Leaders here.
