A41 is a blockchain infrastructure startup founded in 2021 and based in Seoul, South Korea. The company specializes in blockchain validation and aims to invest in disruptive technologies that will drive the next wave of digital innovation. A41 focuses on sectors such as web3, open finance, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse, seeking to support companies that are at the forefront of these emerging fields. By concentrating on these areas, A41 aims to play a significant role in the evolution of digital technologies and transformation in various industries.
Hodoo Labs
Series B in 2022
Hodoo Labs Co., Ltd., based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in developing educational games, particularly focusing on English language learning. One of its flagship products, Hodoo English, is a quest-based MMORPG designed to enhance conversational skills in English through immersive gameplay. The game features over 300 non-player characters, allowing players to engage in meaningful conversations and complete quests, thereby addressing the issue of "mute English," where students may struggle with speaking despite having reading and writing skills. By incorporating advanced technologies such as speech recognition and machine learning, Hodoo Labs aims to create an engaging learning environment for elementary school children, fostering their development into lifelong learners.
N.THING, based in Ansan-si, South Korea, is an Agri-Food tech company founded in January 2014 that innovates within the farm-to-table food value chain by integrating IoT technology and data. The company is known for developing the world’s first modular vertical farm, called the CUBE, which offers mass productivity and an optimized environment for various crops through a dedicated operating system. N.THING also offers additional products such as SQUARE, a modular hydroponic kit, and Planty, the first Internet-connected social pot, which enhances the gardening experience by allowing users to monitor environmental conditions and share their plant care activities. With a focus on connecting people to nature and leveraging technology for efficient farming, N.THING has received notable awards, including the iF Design Award and Best of Innovation at CES 2020. The company is expanding its operations globally, aiming to enhance its presence in markets such as North America and the U.A.E.
H2O Hospitality
Series C in 2021
H2O Hospitality, Ltd. is a hospitality management company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in the Korean and Japanese markets. Established in 2015, it is recognized as the largest vacation rental management company in its region. H2O Hospitality offers a range of services including profit management, housekeeping and facility management, customer call response, online sales and marketing, as well as reservation and inventory management. The company utilizes an innovative property management system (PMS) that automates operational flows by linking calendars between guests, rooms, and housekeepers, thereby significantly reducing fixed operational costs and enhancing facility yield. Additionally, H2O Hospitality provides digital management solutions to streamline operations for vacation rental properties, facilitating bookings from various online travel agencies and optimizing customer attraction.
H2O Hospitality
Series C in 2021
H2O Hospitality, Ltd. is a hospitality management company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in the Korean and Japanese markets. Established in 2015, it is recognized as the largest vacation rental management company in its region. H2O Hospitality offers a range of services including profit management, housekeeping and facility management, customer call response, online sales and marketing, as well as reservation and inventory management. The company utilizes an innovative property management system (PMS) that automates operational flows by linking calendars between guests, rooms, and housekeepers, thereby significantly reducing fixed operational costs and enhancing facility yield. Additionally, H2O Hospitality provides digital management solutions to streamline operations for vacation rental properties, facilitating bookings from various online travel agencies and optimizing customer attraction.
Nextchip
Private Equity Round in 2021
Nextchip, established in 1997 and headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, is a leading fabless semiconductor company. It specializes in the production and sale of image signal processors, advanced driver assist systems, and analog high definition transmission products. These are primarily used in video security, automotive, and consumer applications, contributing to enhanced security and quality of life. The company's portfolio includes products like image signal processors, AHD, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions.
Orum Therapeutics
Series B in 2021
Orum Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company based in Daejeon, South Korea, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the research and development of therapeutic antibodies through its innovative cell-penetrating antibody platform, Oromab™. This platform is designed to target cytosolic proteins, addressing unmet medical needs in cancer and rare genetic diseases. Orum's unique approach allows for the intracellular delivery of active antibody therapeutics or payloads, enabling the inhibition of drug targets that have been previously considered undruggable by conventional small molecules or antibody therapies. Orum's technology is adaptable to various cell types and intracellular proteins without requiring chemical modifications, aiming to develop effective treatments with improved specificity and reduced toxicity.
Standigm, Inc. is a South Korean company specializing in artificial intelligence technologies for the pharmaceutical industry, founded in 2015. It focuses on AI-driven drug discovery, employing its proprietary platforms to streamline the process from target identification to lead generation. Standigm's workflow automates molecular design through its DarkMolFactory™ and encompasses a full-stack approach to drug discovery with tools such as Standigm ASK™ for target identification, Standigm BEST™ for lead design, and Standigm Insight™ for drug repurposing. By leveraging advanced data analysis techniques, Standigm aims to enhance the efficiency of drug development, reducing both time and costs for pharmaceutical companies in bringing new drugs to market.
Alchera
Venture Round in 2020
Alchera Inc. is a South Korean company founded in 2016 that specializes in the research and development of artificial intelligence solutions. The company focuses on visual anomaly detection technology, utilizing AI-based image recognition to identify unusual events in real-time. Alchera's offerings include customizable and lightweight solutions designed for edge devices, as well as AI-enabled data labeling and project management software. The company’s core technologies encompass image-based face, hand, behavior, and object recognition, along with augmented reality applications. Alchera's innovations have been adopted by major internet technology and telecommunications firms in Korea, contributing to various sectors such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, utilities, and travel.
Lunit Inc. is a medical AI software company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in advanced algorithms for medical image analysis and general object detection. The company focuses on developing solutions that aid physicians in making objective diagnoses through machine learning technology. Lunit's expertise encompasses various medical imaging fields, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. The company's products include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which provides AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making by leveraging data-driven imaging biomarker technology, ultimately improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer care. The effectiveness of Lunit's deep learning technology has been validated through its recognition in major image recognition competitions, showcasing its capacity to process complex medical imaging data.
Sparkplus
Series B in 2019
Sparkplus, founded in 2016 and based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for office environments. The company designs and manages real estate contracts, interior design, construction, and furniture arrangements specifically for coworking spaces. By addressing various challenges faced by businesses regarding their office needs, Sparkplus aims to streamline the process, enabling clients to focus on their core activities without the distraction of managing their office setup.
Finda, Inc. is a data-driven online comparison platform based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in various financial products such as mortgages, personal loans, and investments. The company enables users to compare different financial offerings by collecting and analyzing data from multiple industries, including the automobile finance sector. Finda's platform not only helps users identify suitable financial products but also provides economic calculation services related to housing loans, monthly savings, and loan repayment. By focusing on delivering customized financial information, Finda aims to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions in a timely manner.
QANDA(Mathpresso)
Series B in 2019
With the mission to provide the most effective education for all, QANDA(Mathpresso) operates the world’s leading learning platform, QANDA, an AI-based learning app that allows students of all levels to receive instant answers and customized learning sources. Recognized for its technological advances, QANDA(Mathpresso) was selected as GSV Edtech 150, national representative of Google AI for Social Good APAC event in 2018, and guest speaker at AWS Public Sector Summit ASEAN in 2019. Since 2015, QANDA(Mathpresso) has raised over $105 million in total from investors including SoftBank Ventures Asia, Legend Capital, Mirae Asset Investment, GGV, and Goodwater Capital. Headquartered in Seoul, QANDA(Mathpresso) has offices in Tokyo, Hanoi, Jakarta, and Bangkok.
D&D Pharmatech
Series B in 2019
D&D Pharmatech Co., Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, is a clinical-stage global biotech company specializing in developing innovative medicines. It focuses on various therapeutic areas, including neurodegenerative diseases, molecular imaging and radiotherapy, fibrotic diseases, and metabolic diseases. The company operates through disease-specific subsidiary companies guided by top-tier medical research faculty, aiming to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into lifesaving therapeutic products for patients. D&D Pharmatech's product pipeline is supported by its team of experts in bio-new drug research and development, manufacturing quality control, clinical development, and technology transfer. Additionally, it develops positron emission tomography (PET) imaging biomarkers through Precision Molecular Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, and conducts single-cell sequencing related to degenerative brain diseases via Valted Seq, Inc. The company employs technologies such as PEGylation to extend drug administration periods.
Lumir
Venture Round in 2018
Lumir Inc. is a company based in Seoul, South Korea, that specializes in designing, developing, and selling thermoelectric LED lamps powered by cooking oil. Founded in 2018, Lumir aims to address the global lighting challenge by providing innovative solutions. The company offers a variety of products, including table lamps, bulb lamps, and off-grid lamps, which are available for purchase online. Through its commitment to sustainability and social impact, Lumir seeks to create accessible and environmentally friendly lighting options for communities in need.
Lunit Inc. is a medical AI software company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in advanced algorithms for medical image analysis and general object detection. The company focuses on developing solutions that aid physicians in making objective diagnoses through machine learning technology. Lunit's expertise encompasses various medical imaging fields, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. The company's products include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which provides AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making by leveraging data-driven imaging biomarker technology, ultimately improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer care. The effectiveness of Lunit's deep learning technology has been validated through its recognition in major image recognition competitions, showcasing its capacity to process complex medical imaging data.
Tomocube
Venture Round in 2018
Tomocube Inc. specializes in the design and manufacture of 3D optical microscopes, particularly the HT-1 and HT-2 models, which offer holotomographic imaging and 3D fluorescence capabilities. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea, the company aims to enhance biological and medical research through innovative optical solutions. Unlike traditional optical microscopes that provide only 2D views, Tomocube's products enable researchers to obtain real-time, dynamic 3D images of living cells without the need for extensive sample preparation. This technology is particularly beneficial for studying various biological samples, including red blood cells, sperm cells, CAR-T cells, and more. By utilizing deep learning-based image recognition, Tomocube's microscopes allow for a better understanding of cellular dynamics, ultimately aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases.
JLK, Inc. is a South Korean company that specializes in AI-driven solutions for medical diagnosis and security. The firm develops an artificial intelligence medical analysis platform that provides on-site and real-time services connected to various hospital systems, addressing the diagnostic needs of healthcare professionals. JLK's offerings encompass medical management, treatment, and services related to brain diseases, such as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, brain aneurysm, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as conditions affecting the lungs, coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, and digital pathology. Headquartered in Cheongju, South Korea, JLK aims to enhance healthcare delivery through its advanced technological solutions.
D&D Pharmatech
Series A in 2018
D&D Pharmatech Co., Ltd., established in 2014 and headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, is a clinical-stage global biotech company specializing in developing innovative medicines. It focuses on various therapeutic areas, including neurodegenerative diseases, molecular imaging and radiotherapy, fibrotic diseases, and metabolic diseases. The company operates through disease-specific subsidiary companies guided by top-tier medical research faculty, aiming to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into lifesaving therapeutic products for patients. D&D Pharmatech's product pipeline is supported by its team of experts in bio-new drug research and development, manufacturing quality control, clinical development, and technology transfer. Additionally, it develops positron emission tomography (PET) imaging biomarkers through Precision Molecular Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, and conducts single-cell sequencing related to degenerative brain diseases via Valted Seq, Inc. The company employs technologies such as PEGylation to extend drug administration periods.
Orum Therapeutics
Series A in 2017
Orum Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company based in Daejeon, South Korea, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the research and development of therapeutic antibodies through its innovative cell-penetrating antibody platform, Oromab™. This platform is designed to target cytosolic proteins, addressing unmet medical needs in cancer and rare genetic diseases. Orum's unique approach allows for the intracellular delivery of active antibody therapeutics or payloads, enabling the inhibition of drug targets that have been previously considered undruggable by conventional small molecules or antibody therapies. Orum's technology is adaptable to various cell types and intracellular proteins without requiring chemical modifications, aiming to develop effective treatments with improved specificity and reduced toxicity.
Blocko Inc. is a blockchain technology company based in Seongnam, South Korea, established in 2014. The firm specializes in developing solutions that facilitate the adoption of blockchain technology across various sectors, targeting freelancers, startups, and large enterprises. Its flagship product, CoinStack, is a Backend-as-a-Service platform that enables customers to design, deploy, and manage digital services on a secure distributed network through user-friendly application programming interfaces (APIs). Additionally, Blocko offers software development kits (SDKs), application monitoring tools, and technical support to enhance user experience and application performance. The company also supports AERGO, an open-source enterprise blockchain solution that features a hybrid design and advanced cloud deployment capabilities. Through its comprehensive offerings, Blocko aims to improve security, transparency, and efficiency in digital transactions and services.
Toomics is a subscription-based digital entertainment platform that provides a variety of webtoons of various genres. Available in multiple languages, Toomics has relied on its high quality webtoon-IP and distribution capacity to evolve into one of the fastest growing global webtoon platforms to date. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Yeoksamdong, South Korea.
Lunit Inc. is a medical AI software company based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in advanced algorithms for medical image analysis and general object detection. The company focuses on developing solutions that aid physicians in making objective diagnoses through machine learning technology. Lunit's expertise encompasses various medical imaging fields, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. The company's products include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which provides AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making by leveraging data-driven imaging biomarker technology, ultimately improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer care. The effectiveness of Lunit's deep learning technology has been validated through its recognition in major image recognition competitions, showcasing its capacity to process complex medical imaging data.
Noom, Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in mobile health coaching through a psychology-based digital health platform. Founded in 2008, Noom develops a mobile application that combines evidence-based curricula, personalized coaching, and data-driven insights to help users achieve their health and wellness goals, including weight management and chronic disease prevention. The platform offers scalable tools for exercise and nutrition coaching, utilizing artificial intelligence to facilitate behavioral change. Recognized for its innovative approach, Noom has received multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health and was the first mobile application certified by the Centers for Disease Control as a diabetes prevention program. The company also caters to business enterprises, supporting organizations in promoting employee health. With additional offices in Seoul and Tokyo, Noom continues to expand its global reach and impact on personal health management.
CURAUM Inc. specializes in the development and sale of oral care and sleep-related health care products in South Korea. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Yuseong, with additional offices in Seoul, Incheon, and Newport Beach, California, the company offers innovative devices designed to improve oral hygiene and manage sleep disorders. Its product lineup includes the Clium Cleaner, which sterilizes and stores dental devices, the Clium S-Guard, an omnidirectional device aimed at treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring, and the Clium System, a home health care solution that personalizes management of chronic sleep issues. CURAUM also focuses on collecting and analyzing consumer health data to monitor hygiene status and predict symptoms of potential diseases, thereby promoting preventive health habits.