Korea Development Bank (KDB) is a prominent financial institution based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1954. It offers a wide array of banking products and services both domestically and internationally, structured across several segments including Corporate Finance, Investment Finance, Asset Management, and Insurance. KDB provides various deposit products, corporate banking solutions such as loans and guarantees, as well as investment banking services that encompass mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and project finance. The bank is also involved in international banking, offering services like structured finance and trade finance. Beyond traditional banking, KDB engages in industrial development activities, conducting economic research and providing managerial assistance to enterprises. With a network of 74 domestic branches and 9 international branches, KDB serves a diverse clientele, including individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and larger corporations, thereby playing a significant role in supporting Korea's economic growth and development.
Korea Investment Partners is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea, with over 30 years of experience in the investment sector. Founded in 1986, the firm focuses on supporting bold and innovative entrepreneurs across various industries, including biotechnology, healthcare, interactive content, media, consumer internet, financial technology, information and communication technology, digitalization, semiconductor, and industrial sectors. Korea Investment Partners has established a strong track record by investing in notable companies such as Kakao, Naver, YG Entertainment, Bodyfriend, and Didi Chuxing. The firm manages more than 20 venture and private equity funds, with total assets under management amounting to approximately $1.8 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Seoul, Korea Investment Partners has offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Sunnyvale, allowing it to operate on a global scale.
Capstone Partners Korea is a venture capital investment firm established in 2008 and located in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, information technology, web3, gaming, bio healthcare, and high-tech industries. With a strong focus on the South Korean and Chinese markets, particularly in Seoul and Gyeonggi province, Capstone Partners aims to support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. The firm typically seeks to exit its investments through trade sales, aligning its efforts with the interests of its investors.
KB Investment Co., Ltd. (KBIC) is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm established in 1990 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. As a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, it manages over USD 2.6 billion in assets as of December 2023. KBIC focuses its investments on a diverse range of sectors, including consumer products and services, healthcare, information technology, materials, resources, industrials, life sciences, and clean technology, with a geographic emphasis on the United States, Southeast Asia, and Israel. The firm is recognized for its industry thought leadership and extensive network of relationships, enabling it to provide active guidance and support to its portfolio companies in areas such as team building, strategy, operations, and governance.
IMM Investment is an independent asset management firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1999. The firm specializes in venture capital, mezzanine financing, and infrastructure investments, primarily targeting small and medium-sized enterprises in the information technology, healthcare, biotechnology, and manufacturing sectors. With a strong foundation of trust from institutional investors, IMM Investment focuses on creating significant value for its portfolio companies through strategic investments and partnerships.
Smilegate Investment, established in 1999 in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital and private equity firm that has actively supported the growth of over 200 companies since its inception. Originally founded as MVP Capital, the firm has organized and managed more than 30 funds, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including B2B, B2C, media, healthcare, energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, digital health, SaaS, artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, financial technology, mobile commerce, clean technology, and life sciences. Smilegate Investment aims to identify and nurture promising growth potential within these industries, contributing to the advancement of the South Korean economy.
Altos Ventures Management, Inc. is a venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments across various sectors, including enterprise software, financial technology, e-commerce, and consumer services. Altos Ventures seeks to support companies from inception to global growth, focusing on high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led businesses. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $3 million initially, with the potential for follow-on investments exceeding $100 million. Altos Ventures has been a lead institutional investor in over 100 companies worldwide, concentrating its investment activities in regions such as California, Canada, Korea, Central America, and the Caribbean. The firm aims for minority stakes in its portfolio companies, which generally have sales exceeding $1 million.
KB Securities is a financial services company that operates as an asset management firm, catering to both individual and corporate clients. The company specializes in various financial activities, including asset management for stocks, bonds, and derivatives. In addition to its asset management services, KB Securities provides wealth management, securities trading, and loan banking services, positioning itself as a comprehensive provider of financial solutions.
Mirae Asset Venture Investment is a South Korea-based asset management firm founded in 1997, with a global presence spanning 12 countries, including Australia, the United States, and various Asian markets. The company focuses on providing innovative investment solutions and financial strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. Its offerings encompass traditional equity and fixed income products, exchange-traded funds, and alternative strategies such as hedge funds. Committed to ethical standards and client-centric principles, Mirae Asset emphasizes teamwork and the recruitment of top talent to drive its success. The firm aims to identify value-generating investment opportunities while adhering to a philosophy centered on building strong, lasting relationships within the communities it serves.
Company K Partners is a principal investment firm based in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, established in 2006. The firm focuses on investments in various industries, including cultural content, electronic components, computer technology, machinery, broadcasting, arts, sports, and leisure. While primarily investing in South Korea, particularly in the regions of Seoul, Gyeongnam, and Gyeonggi, Company K Partners also seeks opportunities in the information technology and healthcare sectors.
Premier Partners is a private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in September 2005. The company specializes in managing domestic investment funds and offers investment services to both individuals and businesses. Premier Partners focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including bio, life science, healthcare, mobility, industrials, mobile, brand and e-commerce, as well as digital content. Through its targeted investment approach, the firm aims to support and grow companies within these industries.
LB Investment is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1996 and based in Seoul, South Korea, with an additional office in Shanghai. The firm focuses on investing in a wide array of industries, including technology, information and communication technology, media, consumer goods, education, biology, healthcare, clean technology, and manufacturing. LB Investment targets companies primarily based in Korea and China, aiming to support innovative businesses that contribute to advancements in their respective sectors.
CRIT Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2020. The firm focuses on investing in companies across various stages, including seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage ventures. CRIT Ventures primarily targets the technology sector, seeking innovative companies that demonstrate strong growth potential. Through its investments, CRIT Ventures aims to support the development and expansion of emerging businesses in the technology landscape.
Stonebridge Capital is a private equity investment firm founded in 2008 and based in Seoul, South Korea. The company specializes in alternative investments, focusing on long-term growth opportunities. With a proven track record, Stonebridge Capital has established and managed ten funds that demonstrate consistent investment performance. This success can be attributed to the firm's industry expertise and a diligent approach to risk management, ensuring that investments are well-informed and strategically sound.
Primer (프라이머) is a startup accelerator that the partners are all entrepreneurs based in Korea. The company started Jan 2010. The company forms groups called “PrimerClub Members” by selecting potential entrepreneurs, invest seed fund and provides them with mentoring and other support services to help ensure successful outcomes in their new ventures.
DSC Investment, founded in 2012 and based in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage and growth investments. The firm targets a diverse range of sectors, including corporate identity, information technology, software, biotechnology, machinery, consumer products, artificial intelligence, fintech, and healthcare. DSC Investment is particularly focused on tech-based startups but remains open to investing in high-performing companies at various stages of growth, including secondary deals. By concentrating on future high-growth areas such as environmental resources, DSC Investment aims to support innovative companies that demonstrate potential for significant development and impact.
Aju IB Investment Co., Ltd. is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1974, it operates as a subsidiary of AJU Corporation Co., Ltd. The firm specializes in investing in small to medium-sized startups, focusing on sectors such as information technology, biotechnology, life sciences, and advanced materials. Aju IB Investment is particularly interested in high-technology ventures and companies involved in manufacturing. It provides not only capital but also consulting services that encompass business management, tax, accounting, legal matters, and technology support. The firm typically invests amounts ranging from $0.87 million to $2.61 million in venture capital and from $4.36 million to $17.45 million in private equity. Aju IB Investment also has a presence in Boston, Massachusetts, where it targets therapeutics and platform technologies with the potential for partnerships with Korean pharmaceutical companies. The firm primarily exits investments through initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions.
DS Asset Management is an asset management investment firm based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in investing in listed companies and venture firms, with a commitment to managing long-term yields. It plays a crucial role in the social safety net, particularly in relation to public and private pensions, by striving to meet the evolving needs of its clients. Through its focused investment approach, DS Asset Management aims to contribute to sustainable financial growth while ensuring the security of assets for its stakeholders.
Murex Partners is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2017. The firm specializes in thesis-driven investing and focuses on identifying and supporting companies across various stages, including seed, early, growth, and later stages. Murex Partners primarily targets the information technology sector within South Korea, aiming to foster innovation and growth in this dynamic industry.
Strong Ventures is a seed fund, based in California, that finances, supports, and mentors Korean/Asian/Global entrepreneurs, empowering them to build strong ventures and to break successfully into the global market. With proven experience as operators, executives, and entrepreneurs, they provide hands-on assistance and guidance. On top of their financial investment, they aim to provide tangible value to their entrepreneurs, through network reach, strategic thinking, and execution collaboration. And, as they engage together in their venture endeavors, they hope to make the entrepreneurial ecosystem, where they build companies and labor in, a better, stronger, and more fun place for all.
BonAngels Venture Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2007 and located in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in providing early-stage startups, particularly those in the seed to pre-series A stages, with initial investments and operational support. BonAngels focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including business products and services, consumer products and services, healthcare, information technology, gaming, blockchain, cryptocurrency, wellness, robotics, wearables, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Through its investments, BonAngels aims to foster innovation and growth in the technology-driven landscape.
Yuanta Investment is a venture capital investment firm established in 1989 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The company focuses on identifying and nurturing potential growth opportunities within various sectors, primarily through private equity investments. By leveraging its expertise and resources, Yuanta Investment aims to enhance the development of emerging companies, facilitating their ascension in the market. The firm is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in their endeavors, contributing to the overall growth of the economy in the region.
HB Investment Inc. is a Korean venture capital firm established on November 11, 1999, with an initial paid-in capital of KRW 10 billion. Based in Seoul, the company focuses on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises that demonstrate potential for steady growth and profitability. In addition to financial investment, HB Investment provides various consulting services to support the development of its portfolio companies. Over the years, the firm has built a diverse portfolio across multiple sectors, including gaming, entertainment, high-tech industries such as semiconductors and LCDs, as well as biotechnology and healthcare. HB Investment has also gained experience in successfully managing several partnership funds, further enhancing its capabilities in fostering business success.
STIC Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Seoul, South Korea, serves as the venture capital arm of STIC Investments. The firm focuses on investing in small and mid-sized venture companies across various stages, including seed, early, and later stages. STIC Ventures targets a diverse range of sectors, including business products and services, consumer products and services, healthcare, information technology, e-commerce, and technology-based industries. By concentrating on core technologies and innovative business models, STIC Ventures aims to support the growth of promising companies across Asia.
Naver is a prominent internet company based in Seongnam, South Korea, that operates as a leading search engine and e-commerce platform. Founded in 1999, it has evolved to provide a diverse range of services, including fintech, digital content, and cloud solutions. Naver is known for its innovative search features such as Comprehensive Search, Knowledge iN, and Real-time Rising Keyword. The company also offers user-generated content services through platforms like Blog and Cafe, along with Junior Naver, a dedicated portal for children, and Happybean, an online donation service. Naver pioneered the webtoon industry, introducing its digital comic service in 2004. Additionally, it operates several popular applications, including the LINE mobile messenger and the video messaging app Snow. Naver further engages in software development, search advertising, online shopping, and IT infrastructure services, solidifying its status as a comprehensive internet platform in South Korea and beyond.
Shinhan Venture Investment operates as an investment company. Shinhan Venture Investment focuses on earlier-stage venture capital investments and later-stage control investments opportunities derived from the latest megatrends such as the aging population, disruptive technologies, IT convergence, alternative energy and etc.
FuturePlay is an accelerator and early-stage investor based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in deep tech startups. Established in 2014, the firm has invested in 55 companies, primarily in South Korea, with a significant portion also based in the United States. FuturePlay is expanding its focus to Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The firm operates two main acceleration programs: TechUP, an annual company-building initiative for deep tech engineers, and TechUP+, a co-acceleration program developed in partnership with major enterprises tailored to specific industries like beauty and energy. FuturePlay is backed by global corporations, including CISCO and LG, and has invested across various sectors, including robotics, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and fintech.
Big Basin Capital is a venture capital investment firm established in 2013 and located in Cupertino, California. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups, specifically targeting seed-stage and later-stage companies. Its investment interests span various sectors, including business products, business services, information technology, e-commerce, and food technology. Big Basin Capital primarily operates in the United States and South Korea, aiming to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these dynamic markets.
We believe that the core of early-stage investing is being the first to find extraordinary founders and then to relentlessly support them in their pursuit of big dreams. With this vision, we are proud to have shared the journey with many startups in our portfolio who have become leaders in their respective industries. When we believe and invest in a startup, we become not just their investor, but we see our role often take shape as a friend, sometimes as a family, or even at times simply as a fan. We aim to be a reliable partner by creating an ecosystem that enables our startups to spring up and flourish together.
SV Investment Corp is a venture capital firm founded in 2006 and based in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in providing financial support, strategic advice, and critical information to companies during key stages of their development. SV Investment focuses on investing in various sectors, including information technology, life sciences, consumer goods, and biotechnology, aiming to foster growth and innovation within these industries.
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.
L&S Venture Capital is a venture capital firm. L&S Venture Capital is specializing in incubation, seed, early, and expansion stage investments. L&S Venture Capital invests in electronic components, including smart phones, pads, televisions and grid; telecommunications equipments; green energy sector, such as solar, wind, fuel cell, LED, and EV; machineries; broadcasting; nanotechnology; intelligent robotics; telematics; medical equipments; media contents, which inlcude creation, distribution and new media. L&S Venture Capital primarily invests in South Korea with a focus in Seoul, Gyeonggi region, and Chungnam province. L&S Venture Capital was founded in 2006 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.
InterVest Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1999. The firm focuses on investments in startups and early-stage businesses, providing pre-initial public offering financing through mezzanine and bridge transactions. InterVest targets a diverse range of sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, artificial intelligence, fintech, energy and environmental technologies, semiconductor, and digital content. Its investment strategy encompasses seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies across various regions, including South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and the United States. By supporting innovative ventures, InterVest aims to foster growth in emerging industries.
DAYLI Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and located in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in investing in bio ventures across various sectors of healthcare, including therapeutics, life sciences, medical devices, and diagnostics. With a focus on innovative solutions in the healthcare industry, DAYLI Partners aims to support companies that are developing groundbreaking technologies and treatments to improve patient care and outcomes.
Solidus Investment Co., Ltd, founded in June 2011 and based in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital firm that focuses on identifying and investing in companies with high growth potential. The firm primarily targets sectors such as bio/agriculture, marine products, green energy, and information technology. Through its investments, Solidus aims to support innovative businesses that contribute to advancements in these industries.
Kolon Investment, Inc. is a venture capital and private equity firm specializing in buyouts, mezzanine, corporate restructuring, growth capital, and turnaround investment. It prefers to invest in electronic components, petroleum, energy, computer, and telecommunications equipment. The firm primarily invests in South Korea with a focus in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Gyeongbuk. Kolon Investment, Inc. was established in 2000 and is based in Seoul, South Korea. Source: Businessweek
Translink Investment is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and located in Seoul, South Korea. The company focuses on startup investments, specifically targeting sectors such as software as a service (SaaS), consumer packaged goods (CPG), deep technology, and the content industry. By identifying and supporting innovative companies in these fields, Translink Investment aims to foster growth and development in the startup ecosystem.
SBI Investment Co., Ltd. is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 1996. The company plays a pivotal role in supporting the development and growth of private venture companies by providing funding and comprehensive services. With a focus on emerging technologies, SBI Investment targets sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, financial technology, information technology, security, e-commerce, biotechnology, life sciences, healthcare, and environmental energy. Over its 28-year history, SBI Investment has partnered with numerous ventures, having invested in a total of 986 companies, with a notable percentage achieving successful exits through IPOs or mergers and acquisitions. The firm strives to create and nurture core industries, positioning itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape of Korea and beyond.
Wells Investment is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and located in Seoul, South Korea. The firm focuses on providing capital, management expertise, and network support to companies with promising potential across various sectors. Its investment interests include deep technology, information technology, bio-healthcare, services, commerce, hardware, materials, consumer goods, sustainability, commercial products, and business services. By leveraging its resources and industry knowledge, Wells Investment aims to foster the growth of innovative companies and contribute to advancements in multiple fields.
Devsisters Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 2015 as the investment arm of Devsisters. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly targeting companies around the series A stage. Devsisters Ventures is interested in sectors such as digital healthcare, mobile technology, information and communication technology (ICT), and high-tech industries. By concentrating on these areas, the firm aims to support innovative startups that have the potential to drive significant advancements in their respective fields.
Coolidge Corner Investment is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in Seoul, Korea. The firm specializes in providing Seed and Seed+ funding to innovative technology startups within the region. Coolidge Corner Investment distinguishes itself by offering tailored support to its portfolio companies, including professional incubating, growth hacking, strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. Through its focused investment approach, the firm aims to foster the growth and success of emerging tech enterprises in Korea.
SJ Investment Partners, founded in 2010 and based in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage companies. The firm primarily targets industries such as information and communication technology, biotechnology, food, proptech, fintech, healthcare, gaming, materials parts equipment, and tourism. By concentrating on these sectors, SJ Investment Partners aims to support innovative businesses and foster growth in dynamic markets.
STIC Investments is a private equity firm established in 1999 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in management buy-outs, acquisitions, and corporate restructuring, aiming to foster growth and prosperity in Asian economies. STIC targets investments across various sectors, including industrials, business services, information and communication technology, biology, healthcare, consumer goods, consumer technology, games, and entertainment. Through its strategic investments, STIC seeks to support promising businesses and enhance their potential for success.
Samsung Ventures America, a division of Samsung Venture Investment Corporation headquartered in Seoul, focuses on fostering innovation in the United States and Canada. With a strong presence in major innovation hubs such as the San Francisco Bay Area and Boston, the company is dedicated to supporting emerging technology startups that are poised to shape the future. Its areas of interest include artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, semiconductors, cybersecurity, 5G, next-generation displays, battery technology, digital health, and insurtech. By backing visionary founders and their groundbreaking ideas, Samsung Ventures America plays a crucial role in the discovery and development of new businesses and technologies in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Goodwater Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering exceptional entrepreneurs across various sectors, including housing, financial services, healthcare, food, transportation, education, and consumer technology. Goodwater believes that consumer technology has the potential to revolutionize culture and the global economy, and it seeks to invest in promising entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving significant societal challenges. By supporting these innovators, Goodwater Capital aims to create a measurable positive impact on billions of lives worldwide.
TBT Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and located in Seoul, South Korea. The firm focuses on investing in Korean companies, emphasizing a collaborative approach to investment that goes beyond mere capital transfer. TBT Partners aims to act as a strategic partner, leveraging its extensive industry knowledge and experience in internet and mobile services to drive innovation and foster growth. The firm is dedicated to exploring opportunities that align business progress with positive societal impact, thereby contributing to the development of services and products that enhance the world.