By Curtis Chan

Origins: From Engineer to Entrepreneur

Woo Kim’s journey begins at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), where he pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering. While his roots were firmly in technology, Woo’s curiosity led him to explore the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship. During his years at CSUF, Woo became increasingly aware of the challenges professionals face in networking—especially the inefficiency and inconvenience of traditional paper business cards. Woo’s journey from Fullerton Titan student to entrepreneur offers an inside look at why more business owners are leaving paper cards behind and turning to smarter, tech-driven solutions.

The Pivot: CSUF Startup Incubator & Early Inspiration

LynkMe didn’t start as a company. It began as a simple question during Woo’s senior year at CSUF: why are we still handing out paper cards in a world where everything else is digital? That curiosity led him to build a prototype for a smarter business card.

His entrepreneurial spirit found a catalyst when Woo joined the CSUF Startup Incubator. The incubator provided a dynamic environment filled with mentorship, collaboration, and weekly workshops. He was guided by experienced mentors like Professor John Jackson and Incubator manager Phillip Stinis, and including Professor Atul Teckchandani, who encouraged him to participate in the Titan Fast Pitch competition. Woo’s concept for LynkMe Cards—an NFC-enabled digital business card designed to modernize networking—earned him second place in the 2022 university division, providing validation for his idea.

Building LynkMe: Bridging Technology and User Needs

Drawing on his technical background and feedback from real-world customers, Woo rapidly iterated on LynkMe Cards. The idea was simple but powerful: create a digital card that professionals could share instantly, storing all relevant information (contacts, links, media) in one accessible place. With NFC and QR code functionality, users can share their details seamlessly—either with an NFC/QR code enabled physical card or digital cell phone card. As such, LynkMe Cards focused on the following benefits.

• No more lost contacts. Digital cards make sure your info is saved to a phone instantly, so you stay top of mind.
• Eco-friendly choice. Over 10 billion business cards are printed each year in the U.S., and most end up in the trash within a week. A digital card helps cut down on that waste.
• Always up to date. New phone number? New title? Update your card in seconds without needing to reprint anything.
• Memorable first impression. When you tap a card against a phone or pull up a QR code from your wallet, you show clients you’re ahead of the curve.

Launch and Growth: From Dorm Room Project to a Thriving Business

LynkMe Cards began generating revenue shortly after launch, initially aiming at the real estate market. Woo’s marketing efforts focused on leveraging extensive field-testing, networking events, and presentations at real estate brokerages to build traction. In just two years, Woo went from a solo founder working out of his apartment to leading a team of eight. By mid-2025, LynkMe was reporting five-figure monthly revenues, high adoption rates in real estate and professional services, and widespread acclaim for streamlining the networking process. The product has been particularly embraced by real estate agents, who value its integration with CRMs and efficiency in lead management.

The Role of CSUF & Mentorship

Woo credits much of LynkMe’s success to the culture of collaboration and innovation at CSUF. The CSUF Startup Incubator and Titan Fast Pitch gave him access to invaluable resources:

• Mentor guidance and now business advisor from startup expert Curtis Chan.
• Hands-on business education, from pitching to IP protection.
• A supportive network of peers committed to entrepreneurial growth.

Lessons Learned & Advice

Woo Kim’s story highlights critical lessons for aspiring founders:

• Listen to your customers: True innovation comes from understanding real-world pain points.
• Embrace adaptability: Don’t be afraid to pivot and iterate.
• Leverage mentorship: Seek experienced advisors and build a support system.
• Stay persistent: Focus on solving problems and delivering value.

The Future: Scaling Impact

LynkMe’s roadmap includes continued technological enhancements and expanding its reach beyond real estate, with Woo dedicated to helping business professionals everywhere connect more meaningfully and manage their relationships effectively.

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Woo Kim’s transformation from CSUF student to tech entrepreneur illustrates how combining engineering expertise with entrepreneurial drive—and the right mentors—can deliver industry-changing innovations. LynkMe stands as a model for how modern startups can solve age-old problems in the digital era.  Visit www.lynkmesmartcards.com for more information.