Established in 2000 as an early-stage venture capital arm of SoftBank Group, SBVA has a storied history of empowering extraordinary entrepreneurs across the globe. In 2023, we joined forces with The Edgeof, a global startup ecosystem builder founded by Taizo Son, JP Lee, and Atsushi Taira and began our new chapter as an independent entity with a renewed commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement.
13F, A Wing, Kyobo Tower, 465 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06611, Korea
Jay Choi
Vice President
Ding Haipeng
Partner
Cindy Jin
Partner
Heejae Jung
Senior Associate
Daniel Kang
Managing Director
Seung Lee
CFO and Operating Partner
Gyu-hak Moon
CEO
Past deals in South Korea
ImpriMed
Series A in 2023
ImpriMed, Inc. is a company that specializes in drug testing services, focusing on the responses of live cancer cells from pets, particularly those with lymphoma. Based in Palo Alto, California, with a branch office in Seoul, South Korea, ImpriMed uses individualized drug response prediction technology to assist veterinary oncologists in selecting appropriate anticancer treatments. By collecting genetic and cellular information from pet cancer cells, the company creates a patient-derived database that not only aids in veterinary oncology but also holds potential for applications in human cancer care. This data-driven approach enables veterinarians to make informed decisions on final treatment regimens, ultimately enhancing precision medicine in both animal and human oncology. ImpriMed was incorporated in 2017.
QANDA(Mathpresso)
Series C in 2022
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.
HowBuild
Series B in 2022
HowBuild is an architecture and construction company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2003. It offers an open competitive bidding system designed for design and construction businesses. The company's platform supports architects, engineers, and contract professionals by providing tools for understanding plans, conducting legal reviews, managing design, generating quotations, and facilitating competitive bidding. This comprehensive approach enables engineers to plan and execute their projects with enhanced autonomy and responsibility, fostering a trusted environment in the construction industry.
SemiFive
Series B in 2022
SemiFive is a processor design company based in Seongnam-si, South Korea, specializing in custom silicon solutions. The company offers RISC-V Core IP and cloud-based custom SoC solutions tailored for consumer and industrial IoT applications. SemiFive has pioneered platform-based SoC design, enabling efficient implementation of innovative ideas into custom silicon through collaboration with clients. Its design platform utilizes configurable domain-specific architectures and pre-validated IP pools, providing a robust foundation for new chip designs. With a strong partnership with Samsung Foundry as a leading DSP partner, SemiFive delivers end-to-end capabilities that facilitate faster and more cost-effective custom SoC development, minimizing risks for applications such as data centers and AI-enabled IoT.
Lunit
Venture Round in 2021
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 develops solutions for various medical imaging modalities, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making for physicians by leveraging machine learning technology to provide accurate and consistent diagnoses. Its product offerings include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which includes AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit's deep learning technology has been recognized for its capabilities, ranking among the top in prestigious image recognition competitions, highlighting its innovative approach to processing medical imaging data and utilizing weakly labeled data for improved pattern recognition.
Doctornow
Series A in 2021
Doctornow is a leading digital healthcare platform in South Korea and the pioneer of the nation's first remote medical consultations & drug delivery services. Doctornow offers a range of services, including medical AI assessments and real-time consultations with medical practitioners.
Karrot Market
Series D in 2021
Karrot is a hyperlocal community app which offers a secondhand marketplace. Karrot supports an eco-friendly lifestyle and local economy by promoting buying and selling secondhand goods locally. Since its launch in 2015, Karrot has become South Korea's largest second-hand marketplace and second-biggest e-commerce company. Karrot is currently available in select cities in four countries outside the home country, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Japan. As of March 2021, Karrot runs one of the largest and fastest growing consumer-to-consumer (C2C) mobile marketplace, receiving 15 million monthly unique visitors.
QANDA(Mathpresso)
Series C in 2021
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.
Standard Energy
Series C in 2021
Standard Energy is a South Korea-based technology startup that specializes in the development of vanadium ion batteries, aiming to transform the current lithium-ion energy storage landscape. The company focuses on creating an energy storage system that enhances operational stability and prolongs battery performance. Utilizing proprietary redox flow technology, Standard Energy offers a safe and cost-effective alternative to conventional batteries. This innovative approach enables clients to achieve long-term stable operation, even in challenging environments.
HowBuild
Series B in 2021
HowBuild is an architecture and construction company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2003. It offers an open competitive bidding system designed for design and construction businesses. The company's platform supports architects, engineers, and contract professionals by providing tools for understanding plans, conducting legal reviews, managing design, generating quotations, and facilitating competitive bidding. This comprehensive approach enables engineers to plan and execute their projects with enhanced autonomy and responsibility, fostering a trusted environment in the construction industry.
LUNASOFT
Series B in 2020
LUNASOFT INC. is a South Korean company established in 2016, specializing in the development of chatbots and an integrated management platform designed for customer support. The company offers a range of products, including Luna Plus, a courier exchange platform, Luna Plus Mobile, which provides real-time business consultation, and Luna Plus CTI, a customer counseling platform that merges phone and intelligent chat counseling. Additionally, LUNASOFT develops customer consultation chatbots for popular messaging platforms such as Naver and Kakao, catering specifically to e-commerce businesses.
Toss Lab
Series B in 2020
Toss Lab, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing collaboration tools designed to facilitate communication and project management. Its primary product, JANDI, is a group-oriented messaging platform that integrates various collaboration features such as group messaging, task management, file searching, and archiving services, all tailored for workplace environments. Founded in 2014 by Daehyun Kim and Daniel Chan, Toss Lab is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and has expanded its presence with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Taipei City, Taiwan; and other locations. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including businesses across various industries, NGOs, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, both in Asia and internationally.
Bluepoint Partners
Venture Round in 2020
Bluepoint Partners Inc. is a startup accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Daejeon, South Korea. The company focuses on supporting high-tech entrepreneurs by facilitating the launch of innovative startups that address global challenges. With a commitment to fostering relationships within the technology community, Bluepoint Partners operates offices in Daejeon and Seoul, providing access to a network of venture capitalists, industry experts, and strategic partners. The firm hosts workshops and private events to connect entrepreneurs with essential resources, talent, and opportunities for growth and funding. Bluepoint Partners aims to build deep, collaborative relationships with entrepreneurs, emphasizing their unique strengths to help them realize their visions and navigate their business journeys.
Socar
Series E in 2020
Socar is a Korean eco-friendly car sharing community that allows travelers to share cars with others who are traveling the same route. Socar has raised an $18 million round of funding in 2015 which was one of the highest funding deals for a South Korean startup to date. Most notably, it was led by a US investor: Bain Capital, a private investment firm with $80 billion in assets under management. Socar was founded in March 2012, and it has a website and smartphone apps that let users book cars for their own use. Service has over 1,700,000 registered users, 50,000 of whom use the service each month. Around 80,000 transactions per month — that’s more than one car booking each 30 seconds.
Zepl
Series A in 2020
Zepl is a data analytics platform provider that focuses on simplifying data analysis for enterprises. The company, founded in 2011 and originally known as NFLabs, Inc., changed its name to Zepl in December 2016. It is based in San Francisco, California, with additional locations in Seoul, South Korea. Zepl offers a range of products, including Apache Zeppelin, a web-based notebook designed for interactive data analytics, and ZeppelinHub, which facilitates the sharing and repetition of analyses. The platform is built to enhance collaboration among data scientists, engineers, and analysts, allowing them to build and analyze models securely and transparently. Zepl's solutions integrate with various open-source and commercial tools, making it easier for organizations to manage and analyze large datasets without requiring extensive knowledge of complex technologies.
Karrot Market
Series C in 2019
Karrot is a hyperlocal community app which offers a secondhand marketplace. Karrot supports an eco-friendly lifestyle and local economy by promoting buying and selling secondhand goods locally. Since its launch in 2015, Karrot has become South Korea's largest second-hand marketplace and second-biggest e-commerce company. Karrot is currently available in select cities in four countries outside the home country, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Japan. As of March 2021, Karrot runs one of the largest and fastest growing consumer-to-consumer (C2C) mobile marketplace, receiving 15 million monthly unique visitors.
Socar
Series D in 2019
Socar is a Korean eco-friendly car sharing community that allows travelers to share cars with others who are traveling the same route. Socar has raised an $18 million round of funding in 2015 which was one of the highest funding deals for a South Korean startup to date. Most notably, it was led by a US investor: Bain Capital, a private investment firm with $80 billion in assets under management. Socar was founded in March 2012, and it has a website and smartphone apps that let users book cars for their own use. Service has over 1,700,000 registered users, 50,000 of whom use the service each month. Around 80,000 transactions per month — that’s more than one car booking each 30 seconds.
Lunit
Series B in 2018
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 develops solutions for various medical imaging modalities, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making for physicians by leveraging machine learning technology to provide accurate and consistent diagnoses. Its product offerings include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which includes AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit's deep learning technology has been recognized for its capabilities, ranking among the top in prestigious image recognition competitions, highlighting its innovative approach to processing medical imaging data and utilizing weakly labeled data for improved pattern recognition.
Zepl
Series A in 2018
Zepl is a data analytics platform provider that focuses on simplifying data analysis for enterprises. The company, founded in 2011 and originally known as NFLabs, Inc., changed its name to Zepl in December 2016. It is based in San Francisco, California, with additional locations in Seoul, South Korea. Zepl offers a range of products, including Apache Zeppelin, a web-based notebook designed for interactive data analytics, and ZeppelinHub, which facilitates the sharing and repetition of analyses. The platform is built to enhance collaboration among data scientists, engineers, and analysts, allowing them to build and analyze models securely and transparently. Zepl's solutions integrate with various open-source and commercial tools, making it easier for organizations to manage and analyze large datasets without requiring extensive knowledge of complex technologies.
Karrot Market
Series B in 2018
Karrot is a hyperlocal community app which offers a secondhand marketplace. Karrot supports an eco-friendly lifestyle and local economy by promoting buying and selling secondhand goods locally. Since its launch in 2015, Karrot has become South Korea's largest second-hand marketplace and second-biggest e-commerce company. Karrot is currently available in select cities in four countries outside the home country, including the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Japan. As of March 2021, Karrot runs one of the largest and fastest growing consumer-to-consumer (C2C) mobile marketplace, receiving 15 million monthly unique visitors.
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.
QANDA(Mathpresso)
Seed Round in 2016
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.
Lunit
Series A in 2016
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 develops solutions for various medical imaging modalities, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making for physicians by leveraging machine learning technology to provide accurate and consistent diagnoses. Its product offerings include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which includes AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit's deep learning technology has been recognized for its capabilities, ranking among the top in prestigious image recognition competitions, highlighting its innovative approach to processing medical imaging data and utilizing weakly labeled data for improved pattern recognition.
Lunit
Series A in 2015
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 develops solutions for various medical imaging modalities, including digital chest X-ray, digital mammography, digital pathology, and fundus photography. Lunit aims to enhance clinical decision-making for physicians by leveraging machine learning technology to provide accurate and consistent diagnoses. Its product offerings include Lunit INSIGHT CXR for chest X-rays, Lunit INSIGHT MMG for mammography, and Lunit SCOPE, which includes AI-powered biomarkers for immuno-oncology. Lunit's deep learning technology has been recognized for its capabilities, ranking among the top in prestigious image recognition competitions, highlighting its innovative approach to processing medical imaging data and utilizing weakly labeled data for improved pattern recognition.
Chinada
Series A in 2014
Chinada is an education company focused on learning in Chinese. The company’s operations are based in Seoul, Korea.
Toss Lab
Seed Round in 2014
Toss Lab, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing collaboration tools designed to facilitate communication and project management. Its primary product, JANDI, is a group-oriented messaging platform that integrates various collaboration features such as group messaging, task management, file searching, and archiving services, all tailored for workplace environments. Founded in 2014 by Daehyun Kim and Daniel Chan, Toss Lab is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and has expanded its presence with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Taipei City, Taiwan; and other locations. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including businesses across various industries, NGOs, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions, both in Asia and internationally.
HelloNature
Venture Round in 2014
HelloNature (헬로네이처) is a Korean agriculture-based distribution service that allows consumers to order fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat directly from farmers.
Korbit
Series A in 2014
Korbit, Inc. is a South Korean company founded in 2013 that specializes in providing online bitcoin exchange, wallet, and merchant processing services. Based in Seoul, Korbit operates a platform that leverages blockchain technology to facilitate secure and rapid cryptocurrency transactions, allowing users to buy, sell, and exchange digital currencies with bank-level security. As of September 2017, Korbit functions as a subsidiary of NXC Corporation. The company's services aim to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of cryptocurrency transactions for users in the global market.
iFunFactory
Series A in 2014
iFunFactory offers a backend platform for mobile game services and solutions. Its products include iFunEngine: a mobile game server framework; iFun Cloud: game-specific PaaS cloud; and iFun Map Editor: a map editor for mobile games. iFunFactory was founded in May 2013 and is based in Seongnam, South Korea.
Stronghold Technology
Series A in 2014
Stronghold Technology Inc. is a South Korean company founded in 2010, specializing in the development, manufacturing, and retail of smart coffee roasting machines. Headquartered in Seoul, the company focuses on innovative technology to enhance the coffee roasting process, catering to both commercial and individual customers.
Dadam Game
Seed Round in 2014
Dadam Game is a Seoul-based gaming platform that provides its users with online games. It is based in Seoul, Seoul-t’ukpyolsi.
Healcerion
Venture Round in 2013
Healcerion is a South Korean company focused on mobile-based healthcare solutions designed to enhance diagnostic capabilities for physicians and patients. The company has developed a portable ultrasound system that is notable for its ultra-portability and ease of use, allowing it to be operated with one hand. This innovative device wirelessly transmits ultrasound images to mobile devices, making it suitable for both clinical and remote settings. By providing timely diagnostic results and actionable healthcare information, Healcerion aims to facilitate proper patient care and improve client satisfaction, particularly in low-resource environments where access to traditional medical equipment may be limited.
Bellwave
Venture Round in 2013
Bellwave Co. Ltd., founded in September 1999 and headquartered in Seoul, has emerged as a leading player in the telecommunications sector of Asia. The company specializes in the design and production of high-quality wireless communication devices, including GSM mobile phones and CDMA wireless data modules. Known for its innovative and feature-rich mobile multimedia products, Bellwave has achieved remarkable growth, consistently generating strong revenues and profits even during challenging economic periods. In 2002, the company reported revenues exceeding USD 220 million and a net profit of USD 23 million, marking significant increases from the previous year. Bellwave continues to focus on developing advanced mobile handsets and data module designs, positioning itself for further success in the industry.
Classting
Seed Round in 2013
Classting aspires to solve one of the most critical problems that have existed for more than a century: A teacher has to teach many students of varying levels in a classroom. We equip teachers with an effective Learning Management System (LMS) tool and a social platform for classrooms to facilitate communication among teachers, students, and parents. We also offer an AI-based learning platform that provides a personalized learning experience to students in- and outside of the school. Partnering with 20+ content providers, we are helping students all over the world to learn more effectively and efficiently. Classting is based in Seoul.
Playnery
Series A in 2012
Playnery is a South Korean game developer founded in October 2007, specializing in multiplatform 3D social online games. The company focuses on delivering high-quality graphical experiences through its innovative game engine technology, allowing users to enjoy their games across various devices. One of its notable products is "Mother of Myth," a mobile action role-playing game that incorporates a card collecting system. With an emphasis on accessibility and social interaction, Playnery aims to create engaging gaming experiences that can be enjoyed with friends, regardless of the platform used.
Sunnyloft
Seed Round in 2011
Sunnyloft (써니로프트) is a Korea-based provider of web and mobile social network services and products. These include DatePresso, an online social dating service. Sunnyloft was founded in 2011 in Seoul, Korea.
Vaimicom
Venture Round in 2009
Vaimicom (바이미닷컴) is a Korean design company marketplace offering a platform for artists to share their imagination and work. It was established in July 2007, in Seoul, Korea.
Enswers
Venture Round in 2009
Enswers is a South Korean company specializing in automatic content recognition (ACR) technology, which analyzes sound, image, and video content. Its technology is utilized across various applications, including second screen services, interactive television systems, broadcast monitoring, subtitle casting, audience measurement, and copyright filtering. Originally focused on automatic speech recognition, Enswers has expanded its expertise to encompass video and image recognition. The company collaborates with consumer electronics manufacturers, notably providing technology for smart TVs and mobile devices. Additionally, Enswers develops second screen applications for major broadcasting networks and advertising agencies worldwide, enabling enhanced viewer engagement and interactive advertising opportunities.
Enswers
Series A in 2008
Enswers is a South Korean company specializing in automatic content recognition (ACR) technology, which analyzes sound, image, and video content. Its technology is utilized across various applications, including second screen services, interactive television systems, broadcast monitoring, subtitle casting, audience measurement, and copyright filtering. Originally focused on automatic speech recognition, Enswers has expanded its expertise to encompass video and image recognition. The company collaborates with consumer electronics manufacturers, notably providing technology for smart TVs and mobile devices. Additionally, Enswers develops second screen applications for major broadcasting networks and advertising agencies worldwide, enabling enhanced viewer engagement and interactive advertising opportunities.
Picsel Technologies
Series B in 2002
Picsel Technologies Limited specializes in mobile software solutions, focusing on enhancing the user experience across various devices. The company offers a Digital Content Suite that includes web explorers and viewers designed for handling standard desktop formats and media types on mobile phones. Additionally, it provides a User Interface Platform for creating branded user experiences, as well as Universal Desktop Widgets that allow desktop widgets to operate on mobile devices. The File Viewer enables users to access Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDF files, and plain text files on their mobile devices. Furthermore, Picsel Technologies delivers a Mobile Content solution that facilitates direct content delivery to various mobile platforms, along with attachment solutions for enhanced accessibility. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Glasgow, the company has expanded its reach with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, and San Francisco.
Picsel Technologies
Series A in 2001
Picsel Technologies Limited specializes in mobile software solutions, focusing on enhancing the user experience across various devices. The company offers a Digital Content Suite that includes web explorers and viewers designed for handling standard desktop formats and media types on mobile phones. Additionally, it provides a User Interface Platform for creating branded user experiences, as well as Universal Desktop Widgets that allow desktop widgets to operate on mobile devices. The File Viewer enables users to access Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDF files, and plain text files on their mobile devices. Furthermore, Picsel Technologies delivers a Mobile Content solution that facilitates direct content delivery to various mobile platforms, along with attachment solutions for enhanced accessibility. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Glasgow, the company has expanded its reach with offices in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, and San Francisco.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.