A burgeoning startup ecosystem in New York is striving to emulate the success of Silicon Valley’s famed “PayPal Mafia.” The challenge, as expressed by Korean entrepreneurs in New York, lies in the classic dilemma of gaining experience without initial opportunities. They argue that a lack of initial investment and mentorship hinders the development of a robust startup community. This New York-based group of Korean founders is attempting to address this issue by creating their own opportunities and fostering a supportive network. They hope to replicate the collaborative spirit and impactful outcomes seen from the early PayPal employees who went on to found numerous successful companies. This initiative signals a growing ambition within the New York startup scene to establish itself as a major hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, specifically attracting and nurturing Korean talent. The goal is to build a self-sustaining ecosystem where experience and opportunity are mutually reinforcing.