STIC Ventures

Founded in 2018, STIC Ventures is a venture capital firm headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It invests in small and mid-sized companies with core technologies and innovative business models across various sectors such as B2B, media, healthcare, information technology, gaming, life science, and materials & resources, primarily focusing on the Asian region.

Bora Chung

Managing Director

Kyungsik Kim

Director, Investment

Hyungyu Kim

Senior Associate, Investment Team

Minsop Kim

Senior Associate, Investment Team

Kwag, Dae Hwan

CEO and Executive Managing Partner

Past deals in South Korea

Miliwave

Venture Round in 2023
Miliwave is a Korean company specializing in advanced mmWave RF solutions, focusing on the development and supply of multi-gigabit wireless technology. The company provides 5G NR-U solutions for a variety of applications, including wireless AR/VR/XR headsets, smart factories, backhaul services, and railway communication. Miliwave's offerings include high-speed connectivity solutions tailored for industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and security, enabling efficient wireless broadband, Ethernet, and ultra-high-resolution CCTV networks. Through continuous technology development and innovation, Miliwave has established partnerships and serves clients across Korea, Europe, and the United States, positioning itself at the forefront of the wireless technology landscape.

LUNASOFT

Venture Round in 2022
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.

Genesis Lab

Series B in 2022
Genesis Lab, Inc. is a technology company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2017, specializing in the development of artificial intelligence behavior analysis engines. The company offers a range of innovative products, including Viewinter.ai, a non-verbal behavior analysis tool designed to assist job seekers in training for video interviews. Additionally, Genesis Lab provides Genesis Drive, a solution that monitors driver drowsiness and distractions while detecting the emotions and behaviors of both drivers and passengers to enhance interactions and services. The Genesis Emotion AI SDK/API allows various industries to implement emotion recognition technology into their applications. The company also develops mobile applications, such as OREO, which humorously analyzes emotions, age, and gender from photos, and EMO, a gaming app that enables users to express emotions through facial mimicry. Overall, Genesis Lab aims to improve human-machine communication through its advanced AI technologies.

Neosapience

Series B in 2022
Neosapience, Inc. is a South Korean company specializing in artificial intelligence-driven voice synthesis and avatar technologies. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Seoul, the company has developed innovative products like Icepeak.AI and Typecast, which allow users to generate speech that closely mimics individual voice characteristics, including prosody and emotion. Icepeak.AI is an online platform that learns and replicates voice features, while Typecast, launched in 2019, has gained popularity as an AI-powered content creation service, used by over 2 million users across 225 countries. Additionally, Neosapience offers a mobile application, ICEPEAK, enabling users to create personalized voice interactions. The company aims to redefine content creation through advanced AI technologies, making voice-over processes more accessible and efficient.

PiLab Technology

Series A in 2022
PiLab Technology is a research-focused blockchain company that specializes in developing multipurpose software to facilitate communication and data management across various platforms. The company operates a multichain middleware platform designed to decentralize digital contracts, ensuring that private keys are securely maintained in one location. Its technology enables synchronization with existing digital wallets and supports secure cross-currency transactions, allowing users to transact seamlessly across multiple portals. Additionally, PiLab Technology creates programming languages and language applications aimed at enhancing the flexibility and security of smart contracts, thus enabling clients to automate the testing and deployment processes. Through its innovative solutions, PiLab Technology strives to make blockchain and software accessible to a broader audience.

Barogo

Series C in 2021
Founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2014, Barogo operates a last-mile delivery platform that connects businesses and customers. It specializes in two-wheeled logistics, primarily focusing on food delivery services by partnering with various food outlets.

Copin Communications

Series B in 2021
Copin Communications, Inc. is a South Korean company based in Seoul that specializes in developing content, including characters and emoticons, for corporate clients. The firm designs emoticon characters and character manuals, catering to a diverse range of genres, such as fantasy, romance, and BL (Boys' Love) in the webtoon format. Copin Communications places a strong emphasis on customer service, addressing inquiries through both phone and email.

Classting

Venture Round in 2020
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.

HaplnScience

Venture Round in 2020
HaplnScience is a pharmaceutical company established in 2018 and based in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The company specializes in developing innovative anti-aging therapies aimed at reversing tissue and organ degeneration. Utilizing HAPLN1, a novel protein, HaplnScience's research focuses on strengthening the extracellular matrix to halt the aging process. Their drug formulations are designed to prevent the degeneration of bodily tissues, effectively addressing issues such as skin aging, hair aging, and osteoarthritis. By advancing these therapeutic solutions, HaplnScience aims to significantly enhance the health and quality of life for the elderly.

Wirebarley

Venture Round in 2020
WireBarley Corporation is a South Korea-based company that specializes in mobile and online cross-border remittance services throughout the Asia-Pacific region. By leveraging proprietary algorithmic technologies, WireBarley offers a secure and cost-effective platform for customers to send money internationally. The company has established a significant presence in Asia and has recently expanded its services into the U.S. and Canada, marking a milestone as one of the first Korean remittance companies to do so. Its platform features transaction recording and verification capabilities, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of cross-regional money transfers.

ADEL

Venture Round in 2020
The company is a spin-off from Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan University, with a primary objective of developing therapeutic and diagnostic agents for neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease. In 2016, the company took significant steps toward formalizing its presence in the market by completing its incorporation and business registration processes. The year 2017 proved to be a milestone for the company as it obtained certification as a corporate-affiliated research institute, solidifying its position as a reputable research-driven organization. Additionally, it garnered recognition as a leading university start-up by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, further boosting its credibility and potential for growth. The company has collaborated with Oscotech Co., Ltd. and partnered with various investors, including Kite Entrepreneurship Foundation, Stone Bridge Ventures Co., Ltd., Korea Development Bank, and Stick Ventures Co., Ltd., to jointly develop their projects.

THE PIRATES

Series B in 2020
The Pirates Co., Ltd. specializes in the development and operation of a mobile application that serves both wholesale and retail markets for seafood products. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, the company also operates an aquatic market news platform that delivers information on fresh seafood offerings. This platform connects consumers with suppliers, providing essential insights into the quality of marine products and facilitating informed purchasing decisions. Through its innovative approach, The Pirates aims to enhance the seafood purchasing experience by bridging the gap between consumers and the fish market.

Copin Communications

Series A in 2020
Copin Communications, Inc. is a South Korean company based in Seoul that specializes in developing content, including characters and emoticons, for corporate clients. The firm designs emoticon characters and character manuals, catering to a diverse range of genres, such as fantasy, romance, and BL (Boys' Love) in the webtoon format. Copin Communications places a strong emphasis on customer service, addressing inquiries through both phone and email.

Space Walk

Series A in 2020
Space Walk Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company that specializes in the application of big data and artificial intelligence within the real estate development sector. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Seoul, the company provides a comprehensive platform known as Landbook, which collects and analyzes extensive data to assist in investment decision-making and address information asymmetries in real estate. Space Walk employs advanced AI engines to plan buildings on land, offering insights into architectural, financial, and social valuations. This innovative approach positions the company as a leader in leveraging technology to enhance land space development.

Ybrain

Venture Round in 2020
Founded in 2013, Ybrain specializes in developing wearable devices based on neurostimulation technology for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. Its primary focus is on Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric illnesses, with ongoing clinical trials in South Korea.

Sparkplus

Series B in 2019
SparkPlus is a South Korean company founded in 2016 that specializes in designing and managing real estate contracts, interior design, construction, and furniture arrangements for office spaces. The company operates coworking spaces aimed at businesses facing challenges with their office environments. By providing comprehensive solutions to corporate office issues, SparkPlus enables clients to focus on their core activities without the distractions of managing office-related problems. The firm's services are tailored to create functional and efficient workspaces that enhance productivity and business growth.

Apptest.ai

Seed Round in 2019
Apptest.ai offers an AI-powered automated mobile QA/testing solution. It aims to eliminate app crashes for users and reduce manual effort for developers through its bot AI engine, which explores app screens and locates critical errors.

Wadiz

Series C in 2019
Founded in 2012, Wadiz is a South Korean crowdfunding platform headquartered in Seongnam. It facilitates venture capital, equity, and product crowdfunding across various industries.

Quratis

Venture Round in 2018
Quratis Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2016. The company specializes in the development of vaccines and cell therapies, primarily targeting tuberculosis. Quratis is engaged in the creation of various therapeutic solutions, including QTP101, a vaccine aimed at preventing tuberculosis, as well as dendritic cell-based therapies for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Additionally, Quratis develops peptide nucleic acid-based antimicrobial agents and offers contract development and manufacturing services for pharmaceuticals. The company’s innovative approach focuses on harnessing advanced technologies to address significant health challenges.

Bluepoint Partners

Venture Round in 2018
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.

PinotBio

Venture Round in 2018
PinotBio, founded in 2017, is a biotechnology company based in Suwon, South Korea. It specializes in the research and development of new small molecule drugs for ophthalmology and oncology fields.

APR Corporation

Series B in 2018
APR Co., Ltd is a South Korean company established in 2014, specializing in the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products for both men and women. The company offers a diverse range of products, including medical cosmetics, diet products, and beauty devices. In addition to its core beauty offerings, APR operates an instant photo booth service and sells apparel such as caps, sweatshirts, and track tops through its online store. The company markets its products under several brand names, including APRILSKIN, medicube, GLAMD, Forment, Photogray ORAZIN, and NERDY. With a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets, particularly for its 'MediCube' brand, APR has established itself as a reputable player in the beauty and skincare industry.

Reality MagiQ

Venture Round in 2018
Reality MagiQ is a South Korea-based VR game development company focused on creating esports titles for virtual reality across multiple platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. The company develops hyper-realistic titles that leverage premium intellectual property and empathetic haptic feedback to deliver immersive experiences in virtual environments. Its offerings target a range of venues, from small VR cafes to larger installations such as VR theme parks, combining realistic visuals, virtual design, and responsive controls to support competitive play.

Adbiotech

Venture Round in 2018
ADBiotech Co., Ltd. is a life science company based in Chuncheon-si, South Korea, specializing in the research and development of bio-products for human healthcare, livestock farming, and aquaculture. Founded in 2000, ADBiotech utilizes Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) technology to create orally administered antibodies that serve as alternatives to traditional vaccines and antibiotics. The company also develops functional cosmetics and natural food additives, focusing on health and wellness. Its product offerings include antibiotics, metabolic drugs, anthelmintics, disinfectants, and various feed supplements for livestock. Additionally, ADBiotech is involved in developing specific IgY products aimed at addressing health issues such as cholesterol management and ulcerative colitis. The company collaborates with academic institutions to enhance food safety and expand its product range through innovative research initiatives.

SSenStone

Venture Round in 2018
SSenStone Inc., founded in November 2015 and based in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in developing security and authentication solutions aimed at enhancing user privacy and transaction safety. The company offers a range of products including StonePASS, an integrated user authentication system certified by FIDO, StoneAUTH, a user random code login solution, and VOTC, a credit card designed to prevent fraud during transactions. Additionally, SSenStone provides Digital e-ID services to further secure online identities. The company's innovations focus on creating a safer and more convenient user experience in both digital authentication and payment processes.

APR Corporation

Venture Round in 2018
APR Co., Ltd is a South Korean company established in 2014, specializing in the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products for both men and women. The company offers a diverse range of products, including medical cosmetics, diet products, and beauty devices. In addition to its core beauty offerings, APR operates an instant photo booth service and sells apparel such as caps, sweatshirts, and track tops through its online store. The company markets its products under several brand names, including APRILSKIN, medicube, GLAMD, Forment, Photogray ORAZIN, and NERDY. With a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets, particularly for its 'MediCube' brand, APR has established itself as a reputable player in the beauty and skincare industry.

MDimune

Venture Round in 2018
MDimune Inc. is a South Korean therapeutics company focused on developing innovative drug delivery systems. Founded in 2015 and based in Seoul, the company specializes in the creation of cancer therapeutics using immune cell-derived and stem cell-derived vesicles. Its research and development efforts encompass a range of therapeutic areas, including personalized cancer treatments, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. MDimune's proprietary platform enables targeted delivery of drugs, allowing for the development of novel therapeutics that enhance treatment efficacy. The company provides its vesicle-based delivery solutions to biotech and pharmaceutical enterprises, thereby facilitating advanced therapeutic options for patients.

NC Chem

Venture Round in 2017
NC Chem Corp is a manufacturer based in Suwon, South Korea, specializing in fine chemical materials for the semiconductor and display industries. Established in 2008, the company produces a range of products including specialty chemicals, optical coating materials, and IT display materials. Its offerings encompass semiconductor materials, coating resins, pattern resins, and adhesives, catering to the needs of electronic and electrical applications, particularly for LCD and display panels.

Gonggames

Venture Round in 2016
Gonggames, Corp. is a mobile game developer based in Seongnam City, South Korea, founded in 2012. The company specializes in creating 3D baseball games for the mobile market. Its notable titles include Esamanru 2019, MLB PI 2019, CPBL Rise, and Esamanru Screen Baseball. Through its innovative approach to game development, Gonggames aims to engage baseball fans and mobile gamers alike.

L&C BIO Company

Venture Round in 2016
L&C BIO Co., Ltd. is a research and development company specializing in tissue regeneration medicine, headquartered in Seongnam, South Korea. Founded in 2011, the company focuses on improving human health and quality of life through innovative products. L&C BIO develops and provides human tissue, medical devices, and cosmetics, aiming to meet customer needs while maintaining a commitment to quality and service. The company's philosophy emphasizes respect for customers and the delivery of valuable solutions in the healthcare sector.

saltlux

Venture Round in 2015
Saltlux Inc. is a South Korean company specializing in the development and marketing of innovative information search and mining solutions, primarily focused on language services. Established in 1979 and headquartered in Seoul, the company utilizes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing to offer web and knowledge services that leverage unstructured big data. Saltlux provides a range of products, including the O2 platform for big data analysis and Truestory for issue and trend analysis, as well as Ziny.us, a social magazine service for smart curation. Additionally, the company offers technical and multilingual translation services, software localization, and web content globalization. Saltlux also engages in manual planning, technical writing, and design services, alongside consulting and educational offerings related to technical writing and localization. With a commitment to innovation and customer success, Saltlux aims to enhance communication and knowledge sharing on a global scale.

Kakao Kids

Venture Round in 2014
Kakao Kids is an educational service and platform dedicated to enhancing children's learning experiences through engaging mobile applications. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, the company offers an animated platform that features games with animal characters designed to develop various skills. These include physical exercise, language acquisition, social relationships, artistic expression, and understanding of nature. Kakao Kids aims to create a fun and interactive environment that supports children's growth and education through innovative technology.

Dongwoon Anatech

Venture Round in 2013
Dongwoon Anatech Co., Ltd., established in 2006 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, specializes in analog semiconductor solutions. The company offers a range of products including auto focus driver ICs for mobile cameras, various ICs for mobile backlight units (BLU), power management, LED flashes, battery charging, and linear, DC/DC, PFC ICs for LED lighting. Additionally, they provide fingerprint modules for digital door locks and HD haptic driver ICs for smartphones and tablets. Dongwoon Anatech serves both domestic and international markets.

Cancer Rop

Venture Round in 2012
Cancer Rop Co., Ltd. is a South Korean company focused on the development and commercialization of molecular diagnostic techniques for genetic diseases. Established in 2001 and based in Seoul, the company offers innovative solutions such as the BAC chip, a gene-based microarray designed to detect chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. This technology aims to enhance the success rates of in vitro fertilization and assess the health of fetuses, as well as diagnose chromosomal abnormalities in children and adults. Additionally, Cancer Rop is involved in the development of diagnostic reagents for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other medical conditions. The company, formerly known as MG MED, Inc., rebranded to its current name in January 2018, reflecting its focus on cancer diagnostics and genetic testing.

Wonik Materials

Venture Round in 2011
Wonik Materials is a South Korean company focused on the manufacture and sale of specialty gases tailored for the semiconductor industry. The company produces pure gases with specific impurities that serve as carrier gases for various analyzers, as well as gases used in electric bulbs and for research and development purposes. In addition to pure gases, Wonik Materials also offers mixture gases, contributing to the diverse needs of the semiconductor sector.

Golfzon

Venture Round in 2008
Golfzon Co., Ltd., founded in 2000 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, is a company that develops and manufactures golf simulation hardware and software systems. Its products include SwingTalk, a device that analyzes golf swings, GDR, a training product, and GOLFZON MARKET, an online store for golf equipment. The company also offers GOLFZON COUNTY, a golf management model, and online services for sharing user data and participating in virtual tournaments. Golfzon's simulators have popularized indoor "screen golf" in South Korea. The company serves various settings, including training centers, homes, corporate buildings, hotels, resorts, and private installations. With a strong focus on research and development, about 50 percent of its employees are engineers dedicated to enhancing the technology behind their products. Golfzon aims to make golf more enjoyable and accessible through its integrated services and innovative technology.

Dungeon Fighter

Venture Round in 2005
Dungeon Fighter is an action-packed online RPG game. Dungeon Fighter Online, also known as Dungeon & Fighter in South Korea, is a multiplayer beat 'em up action RPG developed and published by Neople, a South Korean subsidiary of Nexon. Originally launched by Hangame in 2005, the game underwent various releases, being named Arad Senki in Japan and published in China by Tencent. In 2014, Neople conducted an alpha test for a global version of Dungeon Fighter Online, utilizing the last English version previously hosted by Nexon, which has since concluded. With a staggering player base exceeding 850 million worldwide and lifetime revenue surpassing $20 billion as of December 2021, Dungeon Fighter Online holds the distinction of being one of the most-played and highest-grossing video games ever, solidifying its position as one of the most successful entertainment media products in history.

Suprema Investment

Venture Round in 2004
Suprema Investment, established in 2010, is a Seoul-based private equity firm that focuses on investing in South Korean Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
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