SoftBank Ventures Asia

ImpriMed, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on providing personalized drug response prediction services for veterinary oncology. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in Seoul, South Korea, the company specializes in analyzing the drug responses of live cancer cells from pets, particularly in cases of lymphoma. By collecting genetic and cellular information from these cancer cells, ImpriMed develops precision medicine techniques that assist veterinary oncologists in selecting the most effective anticancer treatments for individual pets. This patient-derived database not only enhances treatment decisions for animals but also has the potential to translate insights into human oncology, ultimately aiding in the development of tailored cancer therapies for humans.

Mathpresso, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015. It operates Qanda, a data-driven platform that leverages artificial intelligence and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to assist students with their studies. Users can take a photo of a question or problem, which the platform then analyzes to provide solutions and explanations. Qanda covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, Korean history, social studies, and science. The platform is designed to facilitate learning by allowing students to engage with tutors and access answers in real time. As of this year, Qanda has attracted over one million users in South Korea, making it a significant resource for students seeking help with homework and exam preparation.

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.

HowBuild is a South Korean company established in 2003 that specializes in providing an open competitive bidding system tailored for the architecture and construction sectors. The company's platform serves as a comprehensive guide for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, facilitating a trusted environment for design and construction activities. It offers tools that assist users in various critical areas, including understanding plans, conducting legal reviews, managing design processes, and generating quotations. By streamlining these functions, HowBuild empowers professionals to plan and execute their projects with greater autonomy and accountability.

SemiFive is a processor design company based in Seongnam-si, South Korea, specializing in custom silicon solutions. It develops RISC-V core intellectual property and cloud-based SoC design platforms to create custom systems for consumer and industrial IoT. The company offers end-to-end SoC design capabilities, including platform-based approaches that leverage configurable domain-specific architectures and pre-validated IP pools to accelerate development and reduce cost and risk. It collaborates with foundry partners, notably Samsung Foundry as a SAFETM DSP partner, to provide a one-stop solution for silicon designs. SemiFive aims to help customers realize AI-enabled and data-center oriented workloads through scalable, low-cost silicon solutions.

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.

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 is a second-hand trading application that connects users within local neighborhoods to facilitate the buying and selling of used goods. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, the platform allows users to register products via mobile and engage in direct communication with potential buyers through a chat feature. To enhance trust and safety, Karrot Market authenticates users' residency and incorporates a review-based rating system. The application includes various features such as neighborhood certification, a trading manner temperature indicator, and price drop notifications, all aimed at creating a seamless and secure trading experience for users. Through its online GPS service, buyers and sellers can easily locate each other, promoting face-to-face transactions within their communities.

Mathpresso, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015. It operates Qanda, a data-driven platform that leverages artificial intelligence and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to assist students with their studies. Users can take a photo of a question or problem, which the platform then analyzes to provide solutions and explanations. Qanda covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, Korean history, social studies, and science. The platform is designed to facilitate learning by allowing students to engage with tutors and access answers in real time. As of this year, Qanda has attracted over one million users in South Korea, making it a significant resource for students seeking help with homework and exam preparation.

Standard Energy is a South Korean tech startup developing vanadium ion batteries to potentially replace lithium-ion systems for energy storage.

HowBuild is a South Korean company established in 2003 that specializes in providing an open competitive bidding system tailored for the architecture and construction sectors. The company's platform serves as a comprehensive guide for architects, engineers, and construction professionals, facilitating a trusted environment for design and construction activities. It offers tools that assist users in various critical areas, including understanding plans, conducting legal reviews, managing design processes, and generating quotations. By streamlining these functions, HowBuild empowers professionals to plan and execute their projects with greater autonomy and accountability.

LUNASOFT INC. is a South Korean company founded in 2016, specializing in the development of chatbots and integrated management platforms aimed at enhancing customer support. The company offers a range of solutions, including Luna Plus, a courier exchange platform; Luna Plus Mobile, which facilitates real-time business consultations; and Luna Plus CTI, a customer counseling platform that combines phone and intelligent chat counseling. Additionally, LUNASOFT develops customer consultation chatbots tailored for popular messaging platforms such as Naver and Kakao, primarily catering to e-commerce businesses. Based in Seoul, LUNASOFT is focused on providing innovative chat solutions to improve customer interaction and support processes.

Toss Lab, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing collaboration tools designed to enhance communication and project management within organizations. Its primary product, JANDI, is a group-oriented messaging platform that integrates various collaboration features, including group messaging, task and project management, file searching, and archiving services. This platform is tailored for workplace environments, enabling users to effectively communicate and manage their projects. Founded in 2014 by Daehyun Kim and Daniel Chan, Toss Lab is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and has expanded its presence with additional offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Taipei City, Taiwan. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions across Asia and internationally.

Founded in 2013, Bluepoint Partners is a venture capital firm based in Daejeon, South Korea. It invests primarily in biotechnology, medical, cleantech, data, artificial intelligence, food tech, healthcare, technology, and industrial tech sectors. The firm also operates accelerator programs for startups in South Korea.

SoCar operates an eco-friendly car-sharing platform in South Korea, connecting users who travel similar routes. Founded in 2012, it offers car booking via website and smartphone apps, with over 1.7 million registered users.

Zepl is a San Francisco-based company, with additional offices in California and Seoul, South Korea, that develops a data analytics platform for enterprises. Founded in 2011 and originally known as NFLabs, the company offers Apache Zeppelin, a web-based notebook for interactive data analytics, and ZeppelinHub for sharing and repeating graphs and reports. Zepl's platform enables data engineers, scientists, business analysts, and decision-makers to analyze, collaborate, and share insights securely and efficiently, supporting various open-source tools and languages. The company's mission is to simplify data analysis, making it more accessible and collaborative for organizations.

Karrot Market is a second-hand trading application that connects users within local neighborhoods to facilitate the buying and selling of used goods. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, the platform allows users to register products via mobile and engage in direct communication with potential buyers through a chat feature. To enhance trust and safety, Karrot Market authenticates users' residency and incorporates a review-based rating system. The application includes various features such as neighborhood certification, a trading manner temperature indicator, and price drop notifications, all aimed at creating a seamless and secure trading experience for users. Through its online GPS service, buyers and sellers can easily locate each other, promoting face-to-face transactions within their communities.

SoCar operates an eco-friendly car-sharing platform in South Korea, connecting users who travel similar routes. Founded in 2012, it offers car booking via website and smartphone apps, with over 1.7 million registered users.

Mathpresso, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015. It operates Qanda, a data-driven platform that leverages artificial intelligence and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to assist students with their studies. Users can take a photo of a question or problem, which the platform then analyzes to provide solutions and explanations. Qanda covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, Korean history, social studies, and science. The platform is designed to facilitate learning by allowing students to engage with tutors and access answers in real time. As of this year, Qanda has attracted over one million users in South Korea, making it a significant resource for students seeking help with homework and exam preparation.

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.

Zepl is a San Francisco-based company, with additional offices in California and Seoul, South Korea, that develops a data analytics platform for enterprises. Founded in 2011 and originally known as NFLabs, the company offers Apache Zeppelin, a web-based notebook for interactive data analytics, and ZeppelinHub for sharing and repeating graphs and reports. Zepl's platform enables data engineers, scientists, business analysts, and decision-makers to analyze, collaborate, and share insights securely and efficiently, supporting various open-source tools and languages. The company's mission is to simplify data analysis, making it more accessible and collaborative for organizations.

Karrot Market is a second-hand trading application that connects users within local neighborhoods to facilitate the buying and selling of used goods. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea, the platform allows users to register products via mobile and engage in direct communication with potential buyers through a chat feature. To enhance trust and safety, Karrot Market authenticates users' residency and incorporates a review-based rating system. The application includes various features such as neighborhood certification, a trading manner temperature indicator, and price drop notifications, all aimed at creating a seamless and secure trading experience for users. Through its online GPS service, buyers and sellers can easily locate each other, promoting face-to-face transactions within their communities.

Tomocube designs and manufactures 3D optical microscopes that use holotomography to capture non-invasive, dye-free, real-time images of living cells and tissues. Its product line includes HT-1, HT-2, and HT-X1 models, along with software such as TomoAnalysis. The technology enables researchers in cell biology, regenerative medicine, immunology, and 3D biology to study dynamic cellular processes without sample preparation. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea, Tomocube serves the life science research and diagnostic markets.

Security Platform Inc. specializes in providing hardware-based security solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, targeting original equipment manufacturers, makers, and developers. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seongnam-si, South Korea, the company aims to establish trusted connectivity in the IoT landscape. Its offerings include a comprehensive device security platform that ensures unique identity and confidentiality, along with a gateway security platform designed to secure connections among IoT devices and networks. The company's services encompass device authentication, anti-cloning measures, firmware protection, secure boot processes, message security, secure coding, and the facilitation of secure updates through signed codes. By implementing robust security protocols, Security Platform enables its clients to protect their devices and maintain the integrity of their connected ecosystems.

Mathpresso, Inc. is an educational technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015. It operates Qanda, a data-driven platform that leverages artificial intelligence and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to assist students with their studies. Users can take a photo of a question or problem, which the platform then analyzes to provide solutions and explanations. Qanda covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, Korean history, social studies, and science. The platform is designed to facilitate learning by allowing students to engage with tutors and access answers in real time. As of this year, Qanda has attracted over one million users in South Korea, making it a significant resource for students seeking help with homework and exam preparation.

Speclipse, Inc. is a medical technology company focused on developing innovative diagnostic devices for skin cancer detection. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Seongnam-si, South Korea, with an additional office in Sunnyvale, California, the company specializes in real-time, non-invasive cancer diagnosis through patented laser-induced plasma spectroscopy technology and machine learning algorithms. Speclipse's product offerings include the Spectra-Scope, which can be attached to existing aesthetic lasers for skin cancer diagnosis, as well as a stand-alone system that operates independently of other equipment. Their technology is utilized in both pathology labs for analyzing biopsy samples and during oncological surgeries for immediate diagnostic results, enabling healthcare professionals to detect early-stage skin cancer efficiently while minimizing the need for invasive procedures.

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.

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.

Chinada is an education company focused on learning in Chinese. The company’s operations are based in Seoul, Korea.

Toss Lab, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing collaboration tools designed to enhance communication and project management within organizations. Its primary product, JANDI, is a group-oriented messaging platform that integrates various collaboration features, including group messaging, task and project management, file searching, and archiving services. This platform is tailored for workplace environments, enabling users to effectively communicate and manage their projects. Founded in 2014 by Daehyun Kim and Daniel Chan, Toss Lab is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, and has expanded its presence with additional offices in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Taipei City, Taiwan. The company serves a diverse range of clients, including businesses, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions across Asia and internationally.

Knowre Korea Inc. is an education technology company that focuses on developing an adaptive digital learning platform to enhance students' educational experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, South Korea, Knowre's platform provides detailed assessments of students' knowledge structures, enabling the creation of personalized curricula tailored to individual learning styles and progress. The technology identifies learning gaps and offers algorithmically generated support, allowing students to engage in a fun and interactive learning environment. Additionally, the platform equips teachers with comprehensive data and insights to effectively evaluate and support their students. Knowre collaborates with schools, private education companies, and other organizations to help students achieve their full potential. As of 2018, Knowre operates as a subsidiary of Daekyo Co., Ltd.

HelloNature is a South Korean online platform that connects consumers directly with local farmers for purchasing fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat.

Korbit, Inc., founded in 2013 by Kangmo Kim, Louis Jinhwa Kim, and Tony Lyu, is a Seoul-based company that provides online bitcoin exchange, wallet, and merchant processor services. Korbit utilizes blockchain technology to facilitate global money transfers in under half an hour, allowing users to securely buy, sell, and exchange cryptocurrency with bank-level security. As of September 26, 2017, the company operates as a subsidiary of NXC Corporation.

Qualson Inc., established in 2012 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a developer of mobile language learning applications. The company specializes in innovative educational services, particularly focused on English learning. Through its mobile platform, Qualson delivers engaging and interactive content that allows users to learn English in an enjoyable manner, leveraging real-world context. The company has attracted investment from notable firms, reflecting its growth and potential in the language education market.

Founded in May 2013, iFunFactory specializes in providing backend platforms for mobile game services. Its core products include iFunEngine (a mobile game server framework), iFun Cloud (game-specific Platform-as-a-Service cloud), and iFun Map Editor (a map editor for mobile games). Based in Seongnam, South Korea, the company aims to minimize development overhead, allowing game developers to focus on content creation while providing essential services like game servers and back-end processors.

Stronghold Technology Inc., established in 2010, specializes in the development, manufacturing, and retail of innovative smart coffee roasting machines. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, the company aims to enhance the coffee roasting process through technology.

Dadam Game is a gaming platform based in Seoul, South Korea, that specializes in providing innovative online games. The company focuses on the development of 2D action games, catering to users looking for social strategy and story-based gaming experiences. By enhancing gameplay with advanced special effects, Dadam Game aims to engage players and deliver a unique gaming experience.

Healcerion is a Korean company that designs and develops mobile-based healthcare systems to provide physicians and patients with point-of-care diagnostic information. Founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, it has developed the world's first wireless ultrasound system that operates with one hand and transmits ultrasound images to mobile devices via wireless connections, enabling portable, affordable diagnostic capabilities. The company focuses on delivering portable sonography solutions suitable for clinical and remote settings, improving timely diagnosis and patient care through mobile-enabled, easy-to-use imaging technology.

Founded in September 1999 and headquartered in Seoul, Bellwave Co. Ltd. is a prominent player in the telecommunications industry, recognized for its rapid growth and innovation. The company specializes in designing and producing high-quality wireless communication devices, including GSM mobile phones and CDMA wireless data modules. Bellwave is committed to delivering affordable and feature-rich mobile multimedia products, catering to the evolving needs of consumers. Its strong revenue growth and profitability have positioned Bellwave as a well-respected entity in the telecom sector, enabling it to thrive even amidst challenging economic conditions. The company continues to focus on advancing its technology and expanding its product offerings to maintain its competitive edge in the market.

Classting, Inc. is a South Korean company that develops a productivity application aimed at enhancing communication within educational settings. The platform serves as a social media tool, connecting educators, students, and parents both inside and outside the classroom. By providing an effective Learning Management System (LMS) and a suite of educational services, Classting addresses the diverse needs of students and teachers, facilitating personalized learning experiences through the use of big data and artificial intelligence. The company collaborates with over 20 content providers to deliver tailored educational resources, thereby helping students learn more effectively. Through its innovative approach, Classting seeks to improve classroom communication and support the varied learning levels of students.

Knowre Korea Inc. is an education technology company that focuses on developing an adaptive digital learning platform to enhance students' educational experiences. Founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, South Korea, Knowre's platform provides detailed assessments of students' knowledge structures, enabling the creation of personalized curricula tailored to individual learning styles and progress. The technology identifies learning gaps and offers algorithmically generated support, allowing students to engage in a fun and interactive learning environment. Additionally, the platform equips teachers with comprehensive data and insights to effectively evaluate and support their students. Knowre collaborates with schools, private education companies, and other organizations to help students achieve their full potential. As of 2018, Knowre operates as a subsidiary of Daekyo Co., Ltd.

Playnery is a South Korean game development company founded in October 2007 in Seoul. The company specializes in creating multiplatform 3D social online games characterized by high-quality graphical interfaces. Its notable product is Mother of Myth, a mobile action role-playing game that incorporates a card collecting system. Playnery aims to deliver a high-quality social gaming experience that is accessible across various platforms, allowing users to engage with friends regardless of the device they choose. The company leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance gameplay and foster social interaction among players.

Founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2009, Devsisters develops mobile games for global audiences, focusing on social interaction features.

Sunnyloft is a Korea-based company founded in 2011, specializing in web and mobile social network services and products. It offers a range of services designed to provide users with a more private and tailored social networking experience, distinguishing itself from larger public platforms. One of its notable products is DatePresso, an online social dating service that caters to individuals seeking meaningful connections. By focusing on user privacy and specific social needs, Sunnyloft aims to create a more intimate online environment for its users.

SundayToz Corp. is a South Korean company specializing in the development of casual social games. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, the company has created games for a variety of platforms, including Kakao Talk, Apple's App Store, Google Play, Facebook, and Naver. SundayToz gained recognition for its innovative content, receiving the Republic of Korea Presidential Award in December 2012 for next-generation-targeted content. The company launched its first application, Cyworld, in December 2009, marking the beginning of its contributions to the gaming industry.

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 is a South Korean company specializing in automatic content recognition (ACR) technology, which is used to analyze sound, image, and video content. The company's technology has a wide range of applications, including second screen services, interactive television systems, broadcast monitoring, subtitle casting, audience measurement, and copyright filtering. Enswers originated as a specialist in automatic speech recognition and has since expanded its capabilities to encompass video and image recognition. The company provides its ACR technology to notable manufacturers, including Samsung for their smart TVs and Galaxy smart devices. Additionally, Enswers develops second screen applications for major broadcasting stations and advertising firms globally, facilitating interactive advertising and enhancing viewer engagement.

Enswers is a South Korean company specializing in automatic content recognition (ACR) technology, which is used to analyze sound, image, and video content. The company's technology has a wide range of applications, including second screen services, interactive television systems, broadcast monitoring, subtitle casting, audience measurement, and copyright filtering. Enswers originated as a specialist in automatic speech recognition and has since expanded its capabilities to encompass video and image recognition. The company provides its ACR technology to notable manufacturers, including Samsung for their smart TVs and Galaxy smart devices. Additionally, Enswers develops second screen applications for major broadcasting stations and advertising firms globally, facilitating interactive advertising and enhancing viewer engagement.

Picsel Technologies Limited is a developer of mobile software solutions based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, and San Francisco. Founded in 1998, the company specializes in providing a range of products that enhance mobile content management and user experience. Its Digital Content Suite includes web explorers and viewers that facilitate the handling of mainstream desktop formats and media types on mobile devices. Additionally, Picsel offers a User Interface Platform for creating branded user experiences and Universal Desktop Widgets that allow desktop widgets to function on mobile devices. The company's File Viewer supports various file formats, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe PDF. Furthermore, Picsel Technologies develops a Mobile Content solution that delivers content directly to mobile devices, along with attachment solutions, enabling comprehensive multimedia content access across multiple platforms.

Picsel Technologies Limited is a developer of mobile software solutions based in Glasgow, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Seoul, and San Francisco. Founded in 1998, the company specializes in providing a range of products that enhance mobile content management and user experience. Its Digital Content Suite includes web explorers and viewers that facilitate the handling of mainstream desktop formats and media types on mobile devices. Additionally, Picsel offers a User Interface Platform for creating branded user experiences and Universal Desktop Widgets that allow desktop widgets to function on mobile devices. The company's File Viewer supports various file formats, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe PDF. Furthermore, Picsel Technologies develops a Mobile Content solution that delivers content directly to mobile devices, along with attachment solutions, enabling comprehensive multimedia content access across multiple platforms.